Jeff S.'s
Best places for a drink
- 111Brew Craft Beer PubTauranga"An ever changing range of quality beers on tap or bottled. A few ciders too. Hosted by the Croucher folk from Rotorua, doing their best to spread the craft gospel. Laid back, family friendly, good food & regular live music too. A great adult pitstop after hitting the waterfront playground with the younger crowd.
- 222Comida TaurangaTaurangaModern tapas, good atmosphere and service.
- 329AstrolabeMt MaunganuiOne of the best bar refits in a long time has resulted in a super kitsch, astro turf carpeted beer garden, complete with caravan and all the appropriate nostalgia accessories. It's a Macs Bar.
- 47Okere Falls StoreOkere FallsMany food and beverages that are hard to come by in the provinces. Good hot dogs, german bier and some brilliant smoothies. Nice outdoor area and short 15 minute walk to stunning Falls.
- 59Brooklyn Patio & EateryTaurangaThis place has had a few names and owners in my time but the good parts remain consistent. It had a nice fit out a few years back that still looks great. It gets evening sun which until recently no other locations on the Strand could claim. It also seems to attract knowledgeable staff and has a good pizza oven. Sorted.
Jeff S.'s
My favourite restaurants
- 113Harbourside RestaurantTaurangaA resturant of national quality. Great spot on the inner harbour and like me the chef loves Duck!
- 29La Barca Italian RestaurantMt MaunganuiItalian classics with a modern twist. Good beer and wine lists. Thoughtful staff.
- 322Comida TaurangaTaurangaModern tapas, good atmosphere and service.
- 411Tay Street Beach CafeMount MaunganuiLittle bistro number this one. Quality food and fit out. On-to-it staff. Probably the best on the Beach.
- 5488 Devonport Chinese RestaurantTaurangaGood Yum Cha as well and lunch and dinner menus. Decor in keeping.
Jeff S.'s
Best kid friendly eateries
- 115Nourish CafeTe Punaindoor and outdoor options for kids as well as quality food and beverages.
- 241Grindz CafeTaurangaA room dedicated to young folk. A range of other rooms and spaces. Considerate staff too.
- 37Okere Falls StoreOkere FallsMany food and beverages that are hard to come by in the provinces. Good hot dogs, german bier and some brilliant smoothies. Nice outdoor area and short 15 minute walk to stunning Falls.
- 48Classic Flyers Aviation Museum Cafe & Conference VenueMount MaunganuiThe main attraction here are the planes; the scale biplane that kids can play in is worth the trip alone. There is also a range of other aeronautical distractions for young and old. Its next to some of the airport hangers so you may even see the real thing in action.
- 511Brew Craft Beer PubTaurangaA changing range of quality beers on tap or bottled. A few ciders too. Hosted by the Croucher folk from Rotorua, doing their but to spread the craft gospel. Laid back spot, family friendly with good food too. Even a bit of live music too..
Jeff S.'s
Best spots for out of town visitors
- 113Mount MaunganuiMount MaunganuiUp, around or even just beside. Go for a walk and enjoy the views on offer. Stunning every time.
- 210Mount Main Beach (Ocean Beach)Mount MaunganuiSurely NZ’s best ‘city beach’ - a fine place to while away a summer day. Don’t ignore nearby Pilot Bay on the inside of the harbor - its a grand spot for an evening dip or F&C by the beach.
- 34Monte GelatoMount MaunganuiA good beach needs good Gelato nearby (just in case). This place is top quality.
- 47The Strand Downtown TaurangaTaurangaThe waterfront playground is great for young folk. The harbour views and the sparkling water make for an enjoyable amble and there’s a dozen or so good bars or restaurants within shouting distance for when you need to recharge.
- 514Tauranga Art GalleryTaurangaIts a great building and space. Has a consistently interesting and accessible procession of exhibitions.
Jeff S.'s
My favourite cafes
- 114The Dry Dock CafeTaurangaWhat’s not to love about a place where the owner; Sandra knows not only your name but your regular order? Coffee is consistently good and Wharf St is nice sport.
- 237Cafe 88Mt MaunganuiGreat array of home made goodies with option of street, cafe or backyard seating. This place is at the heart of the Mount.
- 345Love Rosie BakeryTaurangaThose gals can bake! Love Rosy is loaded with butter & sugar fueled nostalgia.
- 45Providores Urban Food StoreMount MaunganuiThe breads and baked goods are the highlights here. Great cafe to grab takeaways and get outdoors.
- 511Tay Street Beach CafeMount MaunganuiLittle bistro number this one. Quality food and fit out. On-to-it staff. Probably the best on the Beach.