Restaurants in Hamilton, NZ

In Hamilton

The visitor center has a helpful free Dine Out guide. You'll find the bulk of the best restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightspots in a tight cluster in and around the south end of Victoria Street.

Domaine, 575 Victoria St. (tel. 07/839-2100; www.domaine.co.nz), attracts a mixed business crowd during the day and has just enough flair to keep you coming back. Dine on delicious a la carte meals overlooking the river at the Novotel's Cafe Alma. Hindustan, 10 Garden Place (tel. 07/838-3501; www.hindustan.co.nz), is an excellent Indian restaurant in central city. Also popular, especially for weekend brunch, is River Kitchen, 237 Victoria St. (tel. 07/839-2906), where the atmosphere is always lively. For the best breakfasts and lunches, go to Scott Epicurean Café, 181 Victoria St. (tel. 07/839-6680); it's open daily.

If you're in the mood for relaxing in a casual local cafe/bar, head for a large tasty meal at The Cook Café, 7 Cook St., Hamilton East (tel. 07/856-6088). Iguana (tel. 07/834-2280) deserves a mention for its sushi, gourmet pizzas, comfy booths, and fast-paced night scene; and Barzurk, 250 Victoria St. (tel. 07/834-2363; www.barzurk.co.nz), is sought out for its superb pizzas and laid-back atmosphere. The Museum Café, 1 Grantham St. (tel. 07/839-7209), offers dinner Tuesday through Saturday and over-the-river cafe service throughout the day; and if you just feel like a quick takeout, Burger Fuel, 213 Victoria St. (tel. 07/838-2400; www.burgerfuel.com), has plenty of filling options.

In Cambridge

At last! The Cambridge dining scene has something to boast about. Onyx, 70 Alpha St. (tel. 07/827-7740), should be your first port of call. Here you'll find fabulous wood-fired pizzas, great salads, and tasty seafood platters. In Stone Café, 85 Victoria St. (tel. 07/827-8590), is open for great coffee and snacks daily 7am to 7pm; and there's a hidden rural gem called the Boatshed Café, RD2, Amber Lane (tel. 07/827-8286), which overlooks Lake Karapiro and also runs a rental kayak operation that takes you through a canyon sparkling with glowworms.

In Waitomo

About the best you'll find in these parts is Huhu Café, 10 Waitomo Caves Rd., Waitomo (tel. 07/878-6674; www.huhucafe.co.nz), where a tasty all-day breakfast will set you up for a day of underground fun. They serve delicious evening meals (reservations recommended) that feature dishes like braised lamb medallions. They're open daily from 8:30am to 8:30pm. Blackwater Rafting's Long Black Café, Main Road (tel. 07/878-7361), where the counter food includes good vegetarian fare, is a good coffee stop too.