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A Place in the Sun: Best Al Fresco Dining in Hastings and Havelock North

A couple dining outside a black barn on a sunny day.
Story Hastings
Commonly referred to as the ‘fruit bowl of New Zealand’, Hawke’s Bay is something of a paradise for culinary enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike. The region’s temperate climate lends itself to many an outside meal, and with an abundance of charming outdoor spaces on offer, al fresco dining is a concept most locals are more than just a little familiar with.

St Martha

The bright and beautiful counter at St Martha In Havelock North.
Place Hastings
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The Havelock North dining scene continues to trend positively, fuelled recently by its latest addition, St Martha.

Bambina Pizzeria

A close up of a delicious looking pizza in a blue box.
Place Hastings
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Alessandro Buttazzoni is a name possibly familiar to those from Hawke’s Bay, given he is the widely experienced creator of the beloved Alessandro’s Pizza e Pasta...

Lot 2

The bright interior of Lot 2 cafe in Havelock North.
Place Hastings
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Havelock North’s Lot 2 is a laid back, unpretentious eatery that starts each day as a café, before transforming into an intimate evening destination.

Tu Meke Don

A birdseye view of boxes of delicious looking sushi.
Place Hastings
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In a happy marriage of Japanese food and Kiwi vibes, Tu Meke Don is a real family-run business, operating out of the lively Tribune precinct in Hastings.

Craggy Range Restaurant

A man and woman sitting at table with beautiful plates of food.
Place Hastings
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Family-owned Craggy Range is situated mere moments from Havelock North, nestled between the Tukituki River and the majestic hillside of Te Mata Peak.

Black Barn Bistro

Two black barns outside in a sunny day.
Place Hastings
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Right from the beginning, it was obvious that the warm north-facing slopes, the stunning outlook and the close proximity to the village of Havelock North meant that Black...

Spooky’s Pizzeria

A fun looking menu surrounded by illustrated ghosts on a wall at Spooky's Hastings.
Place Hastings
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According to Luke, owner and chief pizza maker at Spooky's Pizzeria in Hastings, pizza has long been one of the best foods in the land.

Opera Kitchen

The empty seating area and counter inside Opera Kitchen.
Place Hastings
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Opera Kitchen in Hastings is somewhat of an institution, having been on the dining scene for over 15 years and accumulating a very loyal customer base while also being at...

Funbuns

The colourful, Asian-inspired interior of FunBuns in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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What do you get when you combine delicious food + the best cocktails in town + good vibes and atmosphere… it’s Funbuns in the centre of Hastings! 

Long Island Delicatessen

The green counter inside Long Island Delicatessen with a backdrop of a flamingo painted on the wall.
Place Hastings
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Need a bite to eat when you’re on the go? Looking to pack a picnic for lunch? Or searching for somewhere that provides knockout catering? Hastings’ Long Island...

Piku

Fluorescent light display set against a brick wall.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Down a cute laneway off Joll Road in Havelock North, a treasure trove of eateries can be found, including Piku, the only Izakaya-style Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar...

Brave Brewing Co.

The corner of Brave Brewing which features a shop, kitchen and dining area.
Place Hastings
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Brave Brewing Co.

A Wine and Food Lover's Guide to Hastings and Havelock North

Plate of food on a terrazzo table inside Mary's Havelock North.
Story Hastings
Wine and Dine Your Way Around Hastings and Havelock North. Delicious food and a perfect glass of wine all start from the same beginning, using the highest quality ingredients. The wider Hawke’s Bay is home to some of the best produce in the country, making destinations like Hastings and Havelock North a wine and food lover’s dream. From fruit orchards to vineyards to some of the best industry minds working in the region, all work together in harmony to create a stellar hospitality scene.

Smith & Sheth

The beautiful, dimly lit space of Smith and Sheth.
Place Hastings
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Smith & Sheth is the result of the passion and love of wine of renowned New Zealand Master of Wine Steve Smith and Texas investor Brian Sheth.

Pipi Pizza Café

A flatly of pizza and wine on a pink table at Pipis Havelock North.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Wandering around Havelock North, it’s hard to miss the bright fuschia pink facade of the pizza café and local favourite Pipi.

Cellar 495

The empty restaurant at Cellar 495.
Place Hastings
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Hastings is experiencing a renaissance of sorts, with many pockets around the centre seeing new buildings and renovations come to life.

Birdwoods Gallery & Café

The eclectic interior of Birdwoods Gallery in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Birdwoods Gallery & Café is a unique and special place in the heart of rural Havelock North.

The People Behind the Places: Meet the Food and Drink Heroes of Hastings

Bottles of beers lined up on a counter at Brave Brewing Hastings.
Story Hastings
Hastings and the wider Hawke’s Bay region is known for its vineyards, spectacular local produce and talented creators, culminating in an epic food and drink scene in which there are many superstars.   From talented artisan bakers, to epic coffee roasters, to brewing legends and more, these are our favourite makers, the food and drink heroes of Hastings.

Common Room

A massive sign that says 'Bar' inside Common Room in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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The Common Room on Hastings Heretaunga Street is the best little bar in the bay, with friendly hospitality and banter, live music and comedy nights, and an atmosphere that...

Hastings Distillers

The dark interior of Hastings Distillers with walls painted a deep blue.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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On Heretaunga Street East, concealed behind impressive wooden doors, is the Hastings Distillers’ tasting room, a place you need to visit without delay.

Sazio

Two chefs working inside the open kitchen at Sazio in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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In the heart of Hastings, neighbourhood pasta bar Sazio is driven by the philosophy of “Eat with the people you love. Eat well. Eat often. Eat pasta.”.

Mary's

A flat lay of delicious looking plates of food on a table.
Place Hastings
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Looking for a neighbourhood restaurant where the vibe is that perfect mix between casual, approachable, yet effortlessly sophisticated? Mary’s in Havelock North fits...

Cupple & Ya Bon

A woman standing at the counter inside Cupple cafe Hastings.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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A good cup of coffee and the perfect flaky pastry is worth travelling for.

Kindred Road

The interior of Kindred Road in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Exciting developments are happening in Hastings’ inner city, including The Tribune, a heritage revival of what was once office buildings and is now a precinct home to...

Deliciosa

A staff member working behind a bright lit bar at Deliciosa.
Place Hastings
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A consistent favourite on the Havelock North dining scene since 2007, packing big punchy flavours into shared plates, there is a reason Deliciosa is still at the top of its...

Workroom

Customers sitting at high black tables inside the cafe.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Hidden down a laneway on Joll Road in Havelock North, you will come across caffeine superstars Workroom.

Hawthorne Coffee Roastery & Espresso Bar

A barista working behind a small hole-in-the-wall window.
Place Hastings
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Morning coffee places don’t get any better than the Hawthorne Coffee Roastery & Espresso Bar in Havelock North.

Oh My Goodness Speciality Breads

The beautiful green and wood counter area inside Oh My Goodness in Hastings.
Place Hastings
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Oh My Goodness is one of those places where you walk through the front doors and instantly sense the care and attention that has gone into creating the business.

Giant Brewing

Customers dining inside the large open pace of Giant Brewing in Havelock North.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Giant Brewing in Havelock North is the perfect place to gather with a group of mates, celebrate a family occasion and enjoy some excellent local beers.

Pixie Bowls

A flatly of a breakfast bowl on a white table.
Place Hastings Editor's Pick
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Entering Pixie Bowls in Havelock North feels like being transported to the streets of Bondi Beach or Canggu in Bali.