Kei te aamene te ngaakau ki ngaa waahi kai!
From cozy cafes to fine dining establishments, from international cuisines to local specialties, Hamilton Central is a food lover's paradise. Let your taste buds guide you!
Located in the historic Waikato Brewery Building, which dates back to 1887, Chim Choo Ree is a culinary gem that blends New Zealand and European cuisine with sophistication and flair. Since opening its doors in 2011, the restaurant has become a staple of Hamilton’s fine dining scene, known for its elegant atmosphere, creative dishes, and memorable dining experiences.
Chim Choo Ree menu is a combination of seasonal ingredients, local produce, and refined techniques, resulting in a menu that’s as dynamic as it is delicious.
Chim Choo Ree host exclusive dining events including their French Nights – A six-course tasting menu paired with French wines, celebrating the elegance of French cuisine.
Set in a beautifully restored heritage building, the ambiance at Chim Choo Ree is both intimate and stylish. The interior features warm lighting, elegant décor, and a layout that encourages relaxed conversation and connection.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night of fine food and wine, Chim Choo Ree offers a dining experience that’s both elevated and welcoming.
Palate Restaurant stands out as a beacon of innovation, flavor, and hospitality. Founded in 2005 by award-winning chef Mat McLean, Palate has grown from a modest 45-seater into one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed restaurants, now located in the stylish SkyCity Hamilton complex on Victoria Street.
Mat McLean is regarded as one of New Zealand’s top chefs. A graduate of Waikato Polytechnic, Mat honed his skills in prestigious kitchens across London—including Michelin-starred restaurants Leith and The Capital Hotel—before heading to Melbourne, where he served as Head Chef at Middle Brighton Baths.
Returning to Hamilton in 2004, Mat saw an opportunity to bring Melbourne’s relaxed, high-quality dining vibe to his hometown. He opened Palate in early 2005, and despite a rocky start, quickly built a loyal following through his commitment to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and technically refined cooking.
Venues across the country are firing up their grills and melting their best ingredients between two slices of golden bread. Let the cheesy, crunchy, pickle-packed pilgrimage begin.
Participating central city venues:
@frankfoodnz - McClure's Pickleback Short Rib Focaccia
@furnacesteakhouse - Lord of the Rinds - Matt’s Pork Scotch Bacon Melt
@joesgaragenz - Schnitz & Giggles
@keystonehamilton - Lamb and Chorizo Smash Toastie
Check out the toasties on The Great NZ Toastie Takeover website in the comments below...they look so unbelievably cheesy and delicious!
Only for a limited time!
Munchies recently opened in the central city and they are serving up delicious food and drinks all under $10!
Welcome to Beeji Food and Desserts — Hamilton Central
At the heart of Hamilton Central, Beeji Food and Desserts stands as New Zealand’s premier pure vegetarian and vegan-friendly Indian boutique restaurant. They take pride in offering an authentic culinary experience, staying true to the rich flavors, traditions, and diversity of Indian cuisine.
Their carefully curated menu showcases a wide range of pure Indian delicacies, thoughtfully prepared using time-honored recipes and the freshest ingredients. From vibrant street food classics to royal Mughlai dishes, and from wholesome vegan options to indulgent desserts — every plate tells a story of India’s rich culinary heritage.
Why Choose Beeji:
Warm up your winter with our mouthwatering menu for group dining!Get a group of friends together or perhaps the gang from work and enjoy a welcome drink on arrival followed by a sumptuous spread.
Welcome beverage on arrival
(House wine, beer or tap, non-alcoholic drink)
Sharing Boards
Bread rolls
Baked brie and honey
Walnut and rosemary crackers
Seared tuna, marinated cucumber with gingerand wasabi dressing
Roasted root vegetables
Steamed broccoli with garlic butter andtoasted almonds
Garden salad
Sous vide lamb with mint jus
Apricot and bourbon glazed champagne ham
Passionfruit and kiwifruit pavlova
Steamed fruit pudding with custard
$75 per adult
$39 per child (5 - 16 years)
Under 5 Free
(Minimum 10 people)
RSVP
07 9578009
Warm up your winter with our mouthwatering menu for group dining!Get a group of friends together or perhaps the gang from work and enjoy a welcome drink on arrival followed by a sumptuous spread.
Welcome Beverage
House wine, beer or tap, non-alcoholic drink
Starters
Seasonal vegetable soup
Assorted bread selection
Meat platter
Seafood
Steamed tiger prawns
Half shell mussels
Cool Salad Selections
Seseme slaw with crispy noodles
Pumpkin, chorizo, walnut and feta
Broccoli, sundried tomato and orzo pasta
Carvery
Maple glazed champagne ham
Hot Selections
Salmon, Steak, Chicken, Gnocchi
Steamed & roasted vegetables
Sweets
Fruit Crumble, Pavlova,
Ice Cream, Fresh Fruit Salad
$89 per adult
$42 per child (5-12 years)
Minimum 25 People
Bookings are essential
07 9578009
Kumar Kitchen have extended their Te Rapa offering by opening an additional restaurant in Victoria Street.
The Vegetarian menu is extensive and includes:
Chaat - Burgers - Momo - Soup - South Indian Dishes - Indo Chinese Dishes - Desserts
With two restaurants already in Auckland Nan Hot Pot have now expand into Hamilton offering a fun and interactive dining experience!
Nan Hotpot, a proud ambassador of traditional Chinese hotpot culture, bringing the rich, bold flavors of China to your table. Specialising in premium broths and a truly immersive dining experience
How hot pot works:
Choose Your Broth: Start by selecting your preferred broth.
Select Ingredients: Pick a variety of ingredients to cook in the broth.
Cook: Once the broth is boiling, place your ingredients in the pot to start cooking.
Ducky Chinese Restaurant have completed their beautiful new fit out and are now open! (Located next to Nan Hotpot)
Some of the dishes on the menu include:
Visit the friendly team and enjoy a great evening out!
Saigon ’60s was name after Ho Chi Minh city (a.k.a Saigon) back in the 1960s.
Saigon in the ’60s was the capital of American colonisation, vivid and culturally well-blended with international flavours. Taking the inspiration from that retro vibe, they have named their restaurant “Saigon ’60s” with the vision to cook not only the most authentic Vietnamese foods for Kiwis, but to also unique fusion dishes that can satisfy any conservative guest, who is taking baby steps into this dynamic cuisine. From a starting point in Rotorua in 2018, and now having their newest restaurant in the heart of Hamilton CBD. Saigon ’60s is an eatery destination which should not be missed by locals and tourists.
Some of their top selling dishes include Roast Duck Pho, Spicy Lemongrass Noodle Soup, Noodle Salad Grilled Pork and of course their Banh Mi!
100% Vegetarian Restaurant!
Status Restaurant showcases the finest in Vegetarian, Vegan and Jain cuisine, complimented by an exceptional dining experience built on careful attention to every aspect of service, food, atmosphere and beverages selection.
Their goal is to create food that restores, replenishes and revives.
Status Restaurant is a place to be nourished by simply prepared Vegan, Vegetarian and Jain food that comes from recipes their families have been preparing for generations in India.
Warm, inviting interiors with a touch of Indian decor suitable for both casual dining and special occasions.
Menu dishes include:
Check out their menu for more options!
Book a table or order a home delivery or takeaway today!
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Never miss a beat in Hamilton Central
10 Garden Place,
Hamilton Central