Get Your Foodie Fix At Hamilton’s Best Healthy Eateries

The crew at Frank are all about taking your food from origin to plate with as little fuss as possible. Here it’s all about hearty, wholesome eats made by hand. You’ll find filling, nutritious ingredients to nourish your body and soul, with the added benefit of food that tastes downright delicious. Check out the cabinet for a selection of raw treats and wholefood baking, or smash back a seasonal salad or Vietnamese rice paper roll. Top it all off with a cup of Raglan roast coffee or a superfood smoothie—need we say more?

We'll forgive you for not being across this hidden gem, unsuspectingly tucked away among the bustle of Ward Street. But it's about time to show your vegan mates you really care by booking in at Vegan Buffet for your next feed. Like the name says, it's all about the vegan goods here. Oh, and a tonne of flavour—you'll have a hard time choosing just one dish. Whether it's pan-fried veggie dumplings, a roti pancake with kumara or a protein plate with vegan nuggets, you can't go wrong. And we haven't even mentioned their 'comfort food' section, which stars stacked vegan burgers and roti drenched in creamy mushrooms. Drool.

Photo credit: Toa Heftiba

It goes without saying, Whole Heart is the home of wholesome food in Hamilton. This conscious grocer stocks a slew of organic, local produce as well as pantry staples, self-care items and homewares. BYO container and stock up on dried goods with their bulk-bin section, brimming with nuts, grains and other tasty treats. You’ll also enjoy their rotating selection of fresh bread, from gluten-free numbers to seed-packed loaves. Our advice? Bring a BIG reusable tote bag—you’re going to need it.

For the best bowls around, Amor over on Grey Street is where it’s at. Their line-up of acai superfood bowls is pretty epic, with more than 14 flavours to choose from. You’ll find more traditional takes like a fresh fruit bowl, and dessert-inspired hits like banoffee, oreo and cherry chocolate. Plus, the toppings game is strong—think roasted nuts, nut butter, granola and even dairy-free ice cream. They also dish up plant protein mylk shakes, superfood smoothies, bagels and a next-level toast bar. Unfortunately, your homemade smoothie and toast will never be the same after a trip to Amor.

To call Punnet just a café is an understatement—‘foodie destination’ would be more appropriate. Part of The Strawberry Farm in Tamahere, this venue offers a plethora of all things delicious. Pick your own strawbs on a hot summer day, indulge in some ice cream or peruse the artisan foodie goods on offer at The Country Providore. Whether it’s brunching, lunching or a special celebration, the eatery has you covered with a crowd-pleasing menu and function rooms too. Plus, you can also take a taste of Punnet home with their handcrafted frozen meals and desserts—sticky date pud, anyone?

Hayes Common is an ode to all things we love about neighbourhood eateries; a down-to-earth vibe, locally-sourced ingredients and simple cooking done damn well. All their eggs and meat are free-range, and they even harvest some of their own produce from their kitchen garden. Top bites from the menu include their potato gnocchi, hand made on site with a seasonal twist, their Commoner big breakfast with all your favourites including the best thick cut bacon from Te Awamutu, or baked beetroot, sunflower tahini and pickled cauli salad. Pair this with a brew from Hamilton legends Bootleg Brewery, and you have yourself a perfect situation by the river.