Hamilton is the largest inland city in New Zealand, located in the Waikato Region of North Island. It is perched on the banks of Waikato River and is home to some amazing tourist spots. Along with its stellar tourism credentials, Hamilton provides a host of dining opportunities at some of these popular restaurants in the city. Choose bus hire in Hamilton for a comfortable commute.
Smith & McKenzie Chophouse
Smith & McKenzie Chophouse is a contemporary steakhouse with a little twist. Decorated with stainless steel, wood and an assortment of meat hooks and butchers’ blocks, it has a warm interior atmosphere for you to soak up. The place ensures a luscious meal with carefully sourced quality steaks on offer. Once you are here, you should definitely try the grass fed Hereford or signature dish of tender aged prime rib, roasted for eighteen hours and served with sauce and a choice of two dishes.
Three Leg Frog
The Victoria Street dining precinct gets another kid on the block with the vibrant Three Leg Frog that gives you the contemporary feel of Beijing-meets-New York. The restaurant has a fantastic atmosphere and elegant lighting, along with black leather couches, a cozy fireplace, old-style dining chairs and tables and exposed brick walls. For the food, you can try some staple favourites such as coconut beef, sweet and sour pork Hong Kong style and the delicious hot pot chicken. If you are looking to try some adventure, the Challenge Menu is there to impress you. Apart from lunch, brunch and dinner options, you have some great beer tasting, plus a selection of spirits, wines and cocktails.
Scotts Epicurean
Established in 2000 by siblings Mandy and Jason Scott, the Scotts Epicurean has won numerous awards since then. Set inside a heritage building on the Victoria St, it is one of the most affluent cafe-restaurants in Hamilton. It is popularly known for its diverse menu featuring quality espresso and luscious desserts made by the best baristas in the city, along with top-notch professional service. Try the famous and addictive aglio olio spaghetti with Italian parmesan, olive oil, parsley, chilli and garlic, or the pyttin panna. No doubt, it is an ideal place for a fulfilling brunch.
Sugar Bowl Café
The Sugar Bowl Cafe is a favourite in suburban Maeroa, offering the Australasian cuisine. Whether you just want to grab a coffee or have a tasty lunch, brunch or breakfast, this place has got you covered. The key attraction here is the Asian fusion cooking by the chef, Donna, known for her delicious mussel fritters and soups. The dedication of the owners is definitely reflected in the quality of meal, and Aaron is well recognized for his barista skills. He uses the locally roasted Weka, known to be the best coffee in New Zealand. The cafe also has a well-stocked bar to cater all sorts of drinks and snacks.
Foundation Bar Kitchen Lounge
If you want a true experience of the Kiwi flair and style, the Foundation Bar Kitchen Lounge is the place to be. In a warm ambiance, it offers classy surroundings, while remaining true to its stylish bucolic atmosphere. Enjoy some of the freshest cuisine the region has to offer, while also meeting people. The menu varies from crispy pork belly with stewed red cabbage and parsnip puree, to paired pork fillet wrapped in bacon. Do not miss out on the delicious grilled scotch fillet with sautéed oyster mushrooms, wilted spinach and potato gratin.
Chim Choo Ree
With its concrete flooring, clattering bentwood chairs and kitsch art, the Chim Choo Ree is fresh and open with its casual ambiance. From the 5-course tasting menu to the mains such as caramel shallot, sardelaise, Lyonnais with blue cheese beignets, eye fillet and duck breast, the food is sure to delight even the critics. You must try the venison loin with porcini jus, smoked yoghurt, beetroot and mushroom. And for pudding, you can have fig leaf ice cream, dark chocolate and roasted white chocolate with sour cherry.
Rocket Coffee
The Rocket coffee in Barton Street is the coolest thing about Hamilton, as claimed by the locals. It looks like a warehouse with on-site roasting that entices caffeine fanatics to the communal tables. The beans used here are locally sourced from the growers. Every day, the espresso blend is roasted freshly, and the menu keeps changing every week, with 3 or more single origin coffees available. If you are interested, you can also attend their 2-hours training course on the basics of Espresso.
Hydro Majestic Cafe
If you are in quest of a great place for light meals and brunch with novel taste combinations, Hydro Majestic Cafe on the eastern side of the river is an ideal pick. You get friendly service here along with perfect coffee and the scallop salad with mango chilli. Moreover, you have gluten free options. You can try smoked salmon and spinach drizzled with hollandaise, toasted ciabatta with grilled bacon or bagels with bacon, cream cheese, pesto, camembert and rocket. For the mains, you can try a chicken and prawn linguini, a Hydro Big Grill or the steak.
River Kitchen
If you are looking for gluten free options, fresh lunches, gourmet breakfasts, coffee and cakes, this award winning River Kitchen is a perfect place to hang out. It is popularly recognised for friendly staff and fresh interior, as well as a skilled barista. You get classic combinations with the breakfast menu, and it can be twisted accordingly.
Palate
Palate has emerged as one of the leading restaurants in Hamilton, with a repute for raising the culinary bar. You get some fresh quality seasonal produce and a curated wine list, thanks to head chef Mat MacLean and his team. Enjoy the intimate ambiance in the red wine cellar with an expansive view, offering an ideal environment for a private setting. The classic lunch menu includes red roasted duck with chilli, seared scallops and honey roasted parsnips, smoke Portobello mushroom, crispy poached egg, shallot puree, scotch fillet, hazelnut Waldorf salad with cauliflower cream and pig’s cheek.