From slurping umami-rich broth Japanese ramen, bingeing on Colombian barbecue, to feasting on a Korean bibimbap rice bowl meal served in a stone pot - these are a sumptuous excuse to get over the Bridge to this North Shore suburb by the sea.
Beyond its beaches, cinemas and shopping, Taste of Takapuna - the centre’s own “restaurant month” - will run through October to help visitors and locals alike discover the deliciousness on offer.
Organised by Takapuna Beach Business Association (TBBA), the annual event brings together Takapuna’s restaurants, bars and eatery operators in a delicious celebration of food.
Beyond a promotion of must-try dishes, Taste of Takapuna - in collaboration with Chow Luck Club - will also feature a signature Takapuna Showcase, featuring five of Takapuna’s best at a one-night-only launch event at St Maree (Oct 1), and two Progressive Dinners that takes participants to eight restaurants on two evenings (Oct 9 and 19).
Link to the two progressive dinner events above: chowluckclub - events
“October is Taste of Takapuna month, a celebration of all the wonderful places to eat and drink in Takapuna,” said Terence Harpur, TBBA chief executive.
This year, the challenge is for diners to try all the featured must-try dishes.
“For every dish you try, we’re giving you the chance to win a $250 Takapuna dining voucher to help you try more of the delicious eateries our neighbourhood has to offer,” Terence said.
Details on how to enter can be found here: https://www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz/taste-of-takapuna/taste-of-takapunas-must-try-dishes/
Here’s the list of the must-try dishes:
AJISEN RAMEN
Samurai Katsu Ramen ($25) Kumamoto Tonkotsu pork broth served with Samurai Katsu Skewers, tamago, kikurange, and our house-crafted ramen.
BENNY’S BURGER
The Canadian Burger ($19.90) Stacked with a juicy smashed Angus beef patty, crispy bacon, golden chips, gooey mozzarella, and smothered in rich, savoury gravy, mustard mayo and crunchy onion rings for the ultimate sweet-meets-smoky bite. Big, bold, and unapologetically indulgent.
BIAN SUSHI
B:Plates ($26-$28) Your choice of RecSogalbi-Jjim-Braised beef ribs, Bulgogi-Marinated beef, Yangnyeom Chicken-sweet & spicy crispy fried chicken, Jang-eo-grilled eel with teriyaki sauce, or Chicken Katsu Curry-Breaded chicken cutlet served with curry sauce.
BUNS N ROLLS
Roti ($11.90) Soft, golden roti filled with your choice of slow-cooked beef, BBQ pork, crispy chicken or teriyaki tofu, topped with fresh vegetables, pickles, onion, coriander and a touch of sriracha mayo — a perfect harmony of fresh, vibrant, delicious flavours.
BURGER BURGER
Southern Charm ($22) BB fried chicken thigh, bacon jam, Buffalo sauce, Swiss cheese, slaw, BB pickles & herb mayo.
COUSIN SCOTT’S
Nashville Fried Chicken Family Plate ($65) Perfect for the whole family! One whole bird of our secret-recipe Nashville Fried Chicken with your choice of two heat levels (we recommend Hot—the way it was designed to be enjoyed) and four sides of your choice. (Gluten-free upon request)
EL HUMERO
Colombian BBQ pork ribs ($45) Tender pork ribs marinated in our signature passionfruit-infused BBQ sauce, then slow-cooked to perfection. Served with a side, sauce and salad.
EL ORIGEN
Pastel de Choclo ($29) A hearty corn pie – Chile on a plate! Traditionally, it features a flavorful mix of seasoned beef, onions, olives, raisins, and hard-boiled eggs, sometimes with juicy chicken pieces, baked under a creamy purée of fresh corn until golden and slightly caramelised on top.
FATIMA’S
Spinach & Feta Cigars ($7.80) Crispy spring roll pastry filled with feta, spinach, and drizzled with sweet-tart pomegranate molasses.
FREAKY BURGERS & TACOS
Lamb Birria Taco ($9 or 3 for $25) Braised lamb, cheese, onions, coriander, Green sauce, Lamb consomme and lemon on the side.
HANOI HAVEN
Bo La Lot ($37) Chargrilled Beef wrapped in betel leaves, served with fine vermicelli noodles, salad and pickled veggies, and dipping fish sauce.
HONEY CAFE
Fried Buttermilk Chicken & Waffle ($26) Belgian waffle, Southern-Style fried chicken, bacon, Sriracha maple syrup.
HONG’S KOREAN KITCHEN
Handmade King Pork Katsu ($26) Handcrafted with pork loin, this crispy King katsu impresses with its size and satisfies with its hearty flavor.
JAM ORGANIC CAFE
Turkish Eggs ($26.50) Poached eggs served on Greek yogurt, lentils, Bean hummus, rye sourdough, spicy zatar mix, chilli butter, fresh parsley, and dill garnishing.
LAPA EMPORIUM
Brazilian Cheese Bread ($26.50) Traditional Brazilian cheese bread—gluten-free. It’s cheesy, crispy on the outside, tender inside, and made with tapioca flour.
LUNA
High Tea ($42.50 per person $32.50 per child) High Tea is back! Includes 90 mins of unlimited tea, coffee, and matcha alongside Luna’s high tea treats. Spaces are limited each weekend only (10am / 12.30pm / 3pm) with a min. 2 per table booking.
NANAM
Iconic Eats Set Menu ($45 for both, $65 for both with wine matching). Enjoy two of our most iconic creations, the dishes that first put Nanam Takapuna on the map. Wagyu Beef “Longganisa” – Wagyu Beef and Lemongrass Sausage Taco / herbs / peanuts / pickles. Pork “Lechon” – Apple & artichoke sarsa / cucumber / truffle oil.
REGATTA BAR & EATERY
Foveaux Paua Arancini ($25) Foveaux Paua Arancini / parmesan custard / dashi / black rice / pared with Bluff Gin.
RENKON
Teriyaki Salmon Donburi ($21.50) Fresh salmon marinated in signature house-made teriyaki sauce, served over rice and stir-fried vegetables. A perfect balance of flavour, comfort, and tradition in each bowl.
ROSIE’S RED-HOT CANTINA
Monster Nachos ($39) the famous Monster Nachos available with Birria Beef, Adobo Chicken or Chili Braised Jackfruit. Topped with chilli con queso, melted colby jack cheese, pico de gallo, pink onion, coriander, avocado crema, salsa roja, chipotle mayo and jalapeños.
SEVEN HILLS CAFE
Salmon Rosti ($28.90) House-smoked Big Glory Bay smoked salmon on kumara rosti, being popular in our proudly local cafe for over 29 years.
ST MAREE
Express Lunch Meal ($23.80) Best Weekday Lunch Deal In Takapuna: Your choice of – one snack, main, and coffee, tea, juice or soft drink. Available Tuesday to Friday, 11:30am-3pm
STREET ORGANICS
LCHF Blueberry Protein Pancakes ($28) LCHF Blueberry Protein Pancakes – light, fluffy and packed with goodness to keep you fueled all day. A low-carb treat that’s super filling and absolutely delicious, so you can savour every bite.
TAKIMI MAZESOBA
Mazesoba ($21-28) Whole-wheat & buckwheat noodles, rich in fibre and flavour. Customise your bowl with toppings, enjoy authentic Japanese solo booths and nature-inspired dining. A bowl that lightens your heavy soul.
THE PLACE
Hot stone bibimpap ($23) Bibimbap served in a sizzling hot stone pot. The crispy rice at the bottom, mixed with various toppings and gochujang, remains piping hot until the end of the meal.
THE PLUMM CAFE
Chicken Waffle ($29) House-made waffle with bacon, fried chicken, fresh seasonal fruit and organic Canadian maple syrup.
Full directory of eateries in Takapuna here: https://www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz/directory/eat-and-drink/
VOTE for your favourite hospo business in the Taste of Takapuna People’s Choice Awards here: https://www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz/peoples-choice-awards/
VOTE for your favourite hospitality businesses, in the Taste of Takapuna 2025 People’s Choice Awards!
There are six categories: Best Café, Best Restaurant, Best Takeaway, Best Drinks, Best Coffee and Best Sweet Treat – you can nominate any hospitality business in Takapuna that you think should win each category.
Once voting closes, the votes will be tallied, and the winning businesses will be announced and awarded a trophy.
Some lucky voters could also walk away with $500, $300 and $200 Takapuna dining vouchers just for supporting and voting. Voting closes Friday, 31 October 2025.
