T bay café is a true Titahi Bay community hub, both in terms of location and in the way it effortlessly draws locals together. The Turkish eggs are one of the most popular items here, generously served with garlic yoghurt, spiced Turkish sauce, chilli oil, hazelnut dukkah and coriander, accompanied by delightfully toasted Turkish bread. This vegan dish can also be made gluten-free.

Get on your bike and head to Get Fixed, the café and bicycle workshop perched right on the Porirua Harbour. The burgers are definitely the highlight of the evening menu, with the Crash Palace Beyond Burger a top pick for vegans and non-vegans alike. The Crash Palace also comes in a classic beef version, showing that there’s truly something for everyone at Get Fixed.

Situated a stone’s throw from the spectacular local beach, the fish and chips at Plimmerton Fish Supply are certainly worth the drive. The shop, while screaming classic Kiwiana in its fitout, is made unique by the subtle (and not-so-subtle) Greek touches, a nod to the family behind it. Skip the tomato sauce and dip your chips in yogurt tzatziki to get the full experience.

This well-appointed Thai restaurant in the heart of Porirua’s city centre offers a feast both for the eyes and the stomach. Settle into the intricately detailed surroundings as you tuck into Tuk Tuk’s excellent rendition of a classic Thai favourite, green curry. Make your dinner spread one to remember by adding a pad thai, tom yum soup, or any of the other dishes on the extensive menu.

A proven local favourite near the city centre, Local Authority is a cosy café that packs more than a punch. Among its beautifully ornate brunch dishes, you’ll find a tempting range of loaded toasts and toasties. When it comes to popular picks, you simply can’t go past an all-time classic, the smashed avo on toast.

A former caravan, which now permanently resides in Pukerua Bay, is home to the best pies in Porirua. Greedy and Co.'s hand-crafted pies made with housemade pastry, are a treat in every sense of the word. You’ll have to drop by on a Friday or Saturday for one of these delicacies as they’re only available on weekends. You can expect flavours like kumara, bacon and brie and silverbeet and cheese. But get in quick as these bad boys often sell out because they're just mighty fine.

Aotea’s Gear Homestead has had plenty of new life breathed into it, now operating as an eatery and bar fit for the whole family. Along with some funky colour schemes, the revamp has brought with it an impressive all-day menu featuring a host of eclectic burgers. You won’t go wrong with their classic beef burger, which packs the essentials: a grass-fed beef patty, cheese, red onion, pickles, lettuce and ketchup.