Waiheke Island Restaurants

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Snack Planet is an informal snack bar and cafe located in the small village of Surfdale on the island of Waiheke. The cafe is located on Miami Avenue, a row of small cafes and restaurants that line a road just inland from the beach. Believe me, that description makes Surfdale sound much more exciting than it really is!! Surfdale is a tiny beachside village in the west of the island.

Snack Planet makes the rather ambitious claim to offer "the greatest snacks on the planet".

The cafe's specialities are Ginger Fried Chicken and a huge burger known as "The Planet Burger".

The reasonably large menu of snacks also includes sandwiches, toasted sandwiches, salads, fish and chips, rice and noodle dishes, sushi, ice cream sundaes and a selection of hot beverages, milkshakes and bottled soft drinks.

I ate at one of the tables in the cafe's modest interior. During my visit a few other customers came in to pick up food that they had pre-ordered by phone.

The staff were friendly and the service efficient.

Favorite Dish: I opted for:

Cheese and ham toasted sandwich - Cost: 4.50 NZD

Thick slices of ham and melted cheese on two slices of white bread. Nice enough, but nothing special, and a little overpriced in my opinion.

Coca Cola (600ml bottle) - Cost: 2.50 NZD

Probably not the greatest snacks on the planet.......but arguably the best snacks in Surfdale!

okay...take my 2 favorite things...wine tasting and the ocean...and combine it...and what do you get? MudBrick Vineyard.

as much as I've travelled and seen so many different things...this island is one of my top ten places in the world.

it's so laid back...and easy going..and the food and wine and views are unbelievable. The website doesn't do it any justice...you have to see it to believe it...

Favorite Dish: the wine and cheese platter were inexpensive and yummy...

Outdoor dining is always difficult, but The Mudbrick Cafe has done a superb job of providing a range of outdoor tables and terraces to satisfy almost everyone. Whether you are just going for lunch, planning a wedding or special occasion, or even a conference, you would be mad to pass up this venue.

Favorite Dish: We trialled the desserts on our last visit and they were pronounced superb. Its back for a "proper" visit next time to sample the main courses!!!!! And a visit to the cellar to taste a range of very fine wines.

The setting here is fantastic. The property has been developed and extended over a number of years and provides a mix of indoor and outdoor eating. The terrace tables outside here give a great view of both the gardens and part of the Hauraki Gulf.

Although we didn't eat a full meal here, we did indulge in both dessert and coffee and judging from the standard the restaurant is now on our list of places to go next time we visit the island.

Favorite Dish: Both the Brûlée of the Day accompanied by their own Lavender Shortbread ($15) and Chocolate Truffle Cake, served warm on crème Anglaise, accompanied by chocolate & Sambucca parfait ($15) were eaten and both were superb.

Ocean View Rd in Oneroa contains the biggest density of eating places on Waiheke -approx half a dozen in very close proximity.

The most up market here is Vino Vino, which is proper 'grown-up dining' with extensive menu, good wine list and a great terrace overlooking the bay (in winter, if its open, blankets are provided). Its certainly the most expensive.
Across the road is Stjepan's Pizza Bar & Grill. Upstairs, this is, as the name suggests, pizza, pasta and grilled meats and fish. Strangely, virtually every single item is served with a cream sauce. Nothing fancy, neither bad nor particularly good, its in a nice location, with an outdoor balcony where you look down on to the street and catch glimpses of the sea. Medium priced.
Personal favourite is up the hill on Great Ocen Drive - the Lazy Lounge Cafe & Bar. Informally spread over many outdoor levels, couches indoors, some great views from the deck, alcohol, coffee, sandwiches and cake is the order of the day - closes early though (at least in winter). Cheap and cheerful.
Tramping fodder is supplied at the Schooner's Cafe back on the main street. Burgers, toasties, shakes etc. Nothing flash here and fairly cheap.
There's a couple of other places that were somewhat indistinguishable on and around here. Some of the better restaurants are to be found in the various vineyards - but out of season most of them are closed.

Takeaways, or eat on the spot.

Burgers from $3.30 to $8.50
Fish $2.80
Toasted Sandwiches $2.50 plus 60c per xtra filling.
Hot Dogs $1.80 to $3.50
Chips $2.50
Kumara chips $4.00
Plus Mussels, Oysters, Scallops, Squid rings, Chicken schnitzels etc.

Pizzas:

Lots of varieties, Medium size $11, Large $18.50
Special: 2 x large for $29.50

Favorite Dish: Mangrove Pizza : Pepperoni, Ham, Pineapple, Mushrooms, Onions, Capers, Capsicums & Olives.

New and fresh, with great atmosphere, and a military theme from memorabilia of the owner.
As well as the restaurant, there is a sports bar with TAB facilities. Also 'pokie' machines for those looking to gamble.

Described as a café, coffee roasters and cook's pantry, you will be very happy here. Sometimes you can catch some live music to help you relax.
Open 7 days a week.
Seasonal food.

Favorite Dish: Great NZ wines.