Amelia WilliamsThinking of a trip to Riverhead? This charming spot just outside Auckland is well-known for its scenic views, but it’s also a genuine food destination.
Locals looking for a new weekend favourite and tourists exploring the area will agree: finding a memorable place to eat is key.
We’ve been eating our way through town to find the spots that truly deliver.
We’ve rounded up 5 of the best restaurants in Riverhead, Auckland, capturing the range of historic waterside taverns and buzzing breweries. Let’s get into it.
How much does dining cost in Riverhead, Auckland?
Planning your food budget for Riverhead is pretty straightforward. For a nice breakfast or brunch, you’ll likely spend around NZ$25 to $35 per person.Lunch costs usually fall somewhere in the middle.
When it comes to dinner, budgeting about NZ$50 to $80 a head (before drinks) is a good plan. Of course, if you’re celebrating at an upscale spot or enjoying a few craft beers and wines, your total will be higher.For upscale experiences, you will most likely need to spend NZ$100 to 140 up.
1. The Riverhead
Website: https://www.theriverhead.co.nz/
Address: 33 York Terrace, Riverhead, Auckland, 0820
Contact: 09 412 8902 / [email protected]
Schedule: Mon – Sun, 11 AM – 9 PM
Must-Try: Riv’s Ribs
The Riverhead is an experience steeped in history, operating as New Zealand’s oldest riverside tavern. It has an incredible heritage charm with the wooden tables and a pleasant outdoor seating area.
The place is beautifully restored, blending that old-world feel with modern comfort.
It’s a massive venue broken up into different spaces so you can have a casual drink or even attend a wedding.
But more than the ambience, the place also had great food. I once came here for a Sunday lunch and was blown away by the Riv’s Ribs. If you’re wondering what to get, that’s it.
All in all, it’s a stunning spot, but because it’s so popular for events and weekend trips so you absolutely must book ahead or you might be disappointed.
Customer Reviews:
We had my son’s post wedding celebration here. We were treated extremely well. Very enjoyable. The staff were exemplary, the food was delicious and the servings impressive. We were there for four hours and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Highly recommended!!!
– Graeme Wright | Google Review
We had our wedding at the Riverhead Boathouse and the day went so smoothly! Our on day coordinator was fantastic and made the lead up and day stress free! We also had so many compliments on the food (especially the salt baked beets!) Highly recommend the boathouse if you are looking for a wedding venue- you won’t be disappointed!
– Bel W | Google Review
2. The Beekeeper’s Wife
Website: https://www.thebeekeeperswife.co.nz/
Address: 1047 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Riverhead 0820
Contact: 09 869 4659 / [email protected]
Schedule: Mon – Tue, 7:30 AM – 3 PM; Wed – Fri, 7:30 AM – 10 PM; Sat, 8 AM – 10 PM; Sun, 8 AM – 8:30 PM
Must-Try: 12-Hour Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder
The Beekeeper’s Wife is all about fresh and social dining. This place has a fantastic all-day menu that welcomes guests for a quick morning coffee or a long, relaxed dinner.
The vibe is warm and quintessentially Kiwi—very welcoming and family-friendly.
I tried the 12-Hour Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder on a friend’s recommendation, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. It was flavourful and so tender it was practically falling apart.
Definitely going back for that!
The menu has a great variety from pizzas to brunch classics, and a solid drinks list.
It’s a local favourite, so it can get quite packed during peak times, which might mean a bit of a wait for your food, but it’s worth it.
Customer Reviews:
Had a fantastic dine-in experience at The Beekeeper’s Wife in Riverhead. The interior is cozy and laid-back, and the service was warm. I’ll definitely be back for another browse of their menu.
– Dhiren Panchal | Google Review
The food portion is huge! We ordered the pork ribs and the bao bun, and they both tasted delicious.
The staff was lovely and provided excellent service. We will be back!
– Ann Vu | Google Review
3. The Portage Bar at the Riverhead
Website: https://www.theriverhead.co.nz/portage-bar-about-us
Address: 33b York Terrace, Riverhead, Auckland, 0820
Contact: 09 412 8902 / [email protected]
Schedule: Mon – Sun, 11 AM – 9 PM
Must-Try: NZ Sirloin Steak
If you love the history of The Riverhead but want a more relaxed and social vibe, The Portage Bar is your spot.
As the casual arm of the historic tavern, it’s a place where friends catch up or just unwind by the water. The atmosphere is full of character, with cool historical touches.
We grabbed a table outside for a birthday gathering, and the sharing platters were ideal for a group.
Their NZ Sirloin Steak was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and it was incredibly tender. It had such a clean, beefy flavour that really stood out to me.
The menu is hearty pub-style food, so if you’re looking for fancy, this isn’t it. But for a great steak and a cold beer in a welcoming setting, this place is spot on.
Customer Reviews:
Big shoutout to Grace behind the bar! Outstanding service. Super friendly and definitely knows what she’s doing! 🙂
– Gizelle Schoeman | Google Review
We had a birthday event at the Portage Bar and it was wonderful. Had the outside seating area for about 30 people and the sun was shining and the atmosphere was great. Thoroughly recommend. Thank you for making our day special.
– Janine Hutchinson | Google Review
4. The Landing Restaurant at the Riverhead
Website: https://www.theriverhead.co.nz/the-landing
Address: 33 York Terrace, Riverhead, Auckland, 0820
Contact: 09 412 8902 / [email protected]
Schedule: Mon – Sun, 11 AM – 8:30 PM
Must-Try: Pasta Alla Norma
The Landing is the signature restaurant at The Riverhead, offering a more refined dining experience right by the water.
The setting is unbeatable, especially on the outdoor deck under the 100-year-old oak trees. It’s scenic and feels special.
The menu is all about modern New Zealand flavours, focusing on seasonal and local produce. When I had dinner here, the service was wonderfully welcoming, and I found the Pasta Alla Norma was a fresh and delicious treat.
The atmosphere also makes it a popular choice for date nights and family celebrations.
While it’s only 25 minutes from the city, it does feel like a bit of a drive, but that seclusion is also quite a part of its charm.
Customer Reviews:
Had such a lovely experience today! The restaurant has a stunning view that makes the whole atmosphere so special. The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was warm and welcoming. Definitely a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a meal, and take in the beautiful scenery. Highly recommend! 🌿🍷
– Lyn Ph | Google Review
The staff were welcoming and so helpful, especially with accommodating our tricky food requests. We were seated on the verandah overlooking the river – a beautiful setting. The food was excellent and served promptly. The desserts were delicious too. A fabulous celebratory meal.
– Pam S | Google Review
5. Hallertau Brewery
Website: https://hallertau.co.nz/pages/riverhead
Address: 1171 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Riverhead, Auckland 0892
Contact: 09 412 5555 / [email protected]
Schedule: Tue – Thu, 12 AM – 9 PM; Fri, 12 PM – 10 PM; Sat, 9 AM – 10 PM; Sun, 9 AM – 9 PM
Must-Try: Wood-Fired Pizza
For craft beer lovers, Hallertau Brewery is a must-visit destination.
Hallertau Brewery provides a full-on biergarten experience, expanding beyond a simple taproom with its fantastic, buzzing atmosphere. They brew their innovative beers right on-site, and the whole place is a fantastic spot for a sunny afternoon.
The menu is designed to pair perfectly with their beer, especially the amazing wood-fired pizzas. My personal go-to is the one with Clevedon Buffalo Mozzarella, perfectly balanced by tomatoes and basil.
I loved how family-friendly (and dog-friendly!) the outdoor area was. It’s a popular spot for a reason, so it gets incredibly busy on weekends.
You might have to hunt for a table or wait a bit, but the lively vibe and fresh beer are worth it.
Customer Reviews:
Abby served us, and we let her pick the food beer and wine. Everything was perfect, including the service & the dj was a 10 as well. Love love love
– Leanne Holder | Google Review
The food we ordered is great! Steak with the smoked flavor which is perfect! Roasted cauliflower is perfect with the sauce.
Everything is great with the good weather. Besides the #2 beer is the best!
– Faye Hu | Google Review
