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!
The Crate Coffee serves up great coffee and a delicious range of sweet and savoury treats, all crafted with care.
Known for their famous cinnamon scroll, they're the perfect spot for a quality coffee break or a little something special on the go.
Friendly service, bold flavours and a welcoming atmosphere is what The Crate Coffee is all about.
They also have a name board out the front so if you see your name on the board it is your day for a free coffee!
Known for its warm atmosphere and authentic flavours, this family-run gem invites you to slow down and savour the little joys of life—one crêpe at a time.
Whether you're craving a perfectly crisp galette filled with savoury delights, a melt-in-your-mouth sweet crêpe, or a golden, fluffy Belgian waffle, Le Rendez-vous delivers French comfort with a smile. The café’s menu blends tradition with creativity, offering something for every palate—from the curious foodie to the homesick Francophile.
Now offering dinner service on Thursdays and Fridays, Le Rendez-vous is the perfect spot to wind down your week with a relaxed evening of delicious French fare and friendly service.
Behind the counter is a passionate French family pouring heart and soul into every dish. With their welcoming spirit and attention to detail, Le Rendez-vous isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to connect.
Perfect for a cosy breakfast, casual lunch, or indulgent dinner, Le Rendez-vous is a local favourite and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hamilton’s culinary scene.
Gothenburg is set on a large patio overlooking the beautiful Waikato River that runs through the heart of Hamilton - the perfect spot to enjoy a sunny afternoon.
The café and restaurant showcases locally grown, organic produce and specialises in tapas that are a mix of New Zealand and international flavours.
Dine-in and takeaway available! Special lunch menu available. Come and savour the authentic flavours of Thailand!
Cucina Cafe is a popular spot with a fantastic outlook to enjoy a quick bite or long lunch with family and friends.
Some of the standout dishes include salmon eggs benedict, avocado smash, and creamy mushrooms. For dessert, you might enjoy the ginger pistachio slice or raspberry crumble. They also serve a variety of beverages, including cocktails, soft drinks, and a superb soy flat white.
A favourite among locals and visitors for its lovely atmosphere and delicious food.
Halwai Restaurant and Sweets have opened at 829 Victoria Street.
Expanding from Auckland, their offering includes snacks, chaat and sweets.
Providing a homemade signature menu with every dish crafted with care and passion they believe homemade flavours bring that special touch to the dining experience.
A popular destination for riders on the Te Awa River Trail, and a nice stop on the way for visitors to the Hamilton Gardens. Next to the Waikato Museum and soon to be opened Waikato Regional Theatre. It’s a must visit if you are travelling through from out of town. The interior has the wow factor, with large windows from floor to ceiling, making the most of the panoramic view overlooking the Waikato River.
Check out some of the top spots to grab delicious noodles!
Garden Place Noodle Bar
Location: 21 Worley Place, Hamilton Central
Signature dish: Hand-pulled Lamzhau beef noodles & Belt noodles with chilli sauce
Sichuan Style Restaurant
Location: 24 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Signature dish: Noodle soup with beef brisket
Saigon Noon
Location: 103 Alexandra Street, Hamilton Central
Signature dish: Noodle Soup - Pho
Whether you are looking for a place to unwind after work or a spot to enjoy a long lunch with friends, The Mercury Room offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
Known for their long lunch where you can enjoy a delicious platter of food for two hours, with options for a bottomless experience. They offer three different time slots: 2-4pm, 5-7pm, and 8-10pm or join one of their quiz nights and test your wits while enjoying great food and drinks.
Garden Place Noodle Bar not only has noodles in its name, but it also makes them by hand, from scratch, and thumps them into shape right in front of your eyes.
.HELLO ROSIE - 9A Casabella Lane
The food caravan with a cult following in the BOP grew up and turned into a bricks and mortar eatery in Casabella Lane. Hello Rosie will defy what you think vegan food is and should be, with a cabinet of the most tempting sweet treats and a menu packed with all-time favourites like their macn cheese bites or the Rosie burger, a vegan twist on a Big Mac.
THE VEGAN BUFFET - 645 Victoria St
This vegan institution in Hamilton, which was once on Ward Street, recently moved to Victoria Street. While still 100% vegan it is no longer a buffet, but perhaps changing location and the name would be too much for this secret local eatery. Fresh, healthy and delicious dishes at a reasonable price along with the friendly service are what have kept The Vegan Buffet a cult favourite.
BEEJI DHABA - 587 Victoria St
Serving authentic North Indian dishes made from fresh ingredients, Beji Dhaba’s extensive menu is 100% vegetarian, with many being vegan. Dhabas in India are
traditional roadside stalls or restaurants serving heartyfare for travellers and truck drivers, so the menu has a big focus on famous North Indian street food.
ANN FERN - 9 Knox St
This small espresso shop in the foyer of South Bloc offices has an array of toasties, soup, and sweet treats (all with vegan options).
BÁNH MÌ CÀPHÊ - Riverbank Lane, 298 Victoria St
This trendy Vietnamese joint that spills out onto Victoria on the River offers a complete vegan menu. You’ll find rice paper and spring rolls along with their famous Bánh Mi
in two flavours, not to mention salad, noodles, curry and pudding.
BAMBOO SWEETS - Casabella Lane
One of the new kids on the block (or down the lane), but well worth seeking out for their boutique handmade chocolates.
THEOBROMA CHOCOLATE LOUNGE - Bryce Street entrance, Centre Place
From hot chocolates to handmade chocolates, every sweet tooth is satisfied.
GONG CHA - 11 Worley Place
Forget bubble tea, you need to try bubble waffles! Direct from Hong Kong, a rich warm waffle is wrapped around ice-cream and decadent toppings.
LA PROMESSE BAKE HOUSE - 5 Ward Street
For the best sweet pastries in town.
CREAM - 14 Garden Place
For truly tempting treats, from doughnuts and cinnamon rolls to decadent slices.
KOPI, RIVERBANK LANE - 298 Victoria Street
Not just great coffee, apparently the brownie is the best in town.
LE RENDEZ-VOUS - 113 Alexandra Street
Didn't make it to the Paris Olympics? No problem, Le Rendez-Vous have a crépe-load of tempting French treats.
DOT & WINNIES - 127 Alexandra Street
Yoyo, listen up, Dot and Winnies make the best melting moments in town.
SNOWTOWN - 104 Alexandra Street
Dessert like you have never tasted it. But why wait until dessert time. They're open from noon Tuesday to Sunday.
MARKYLES CAFÉ - Hood Street
For the best custard squares around.
RAZZLE DAZZLE CAKES - 148 Ward Street
Sometimes the answer is cupcakes.
This go-to is where you’ll find Hamilton locals grabbing their early morning Allpress espresso, unwinding with a long lunch (yes, there’s wine on the menu) or dropping in for a weekend brunch outing. TLDR; you can’t go wrong at Scotts Epicurean.Having been in business for more than 20 years, it’s no surprise the team here has café culture nailed. Relaxing, humble vibes paired with damn good grub = the recipe for success. Tucked away in a heritage building on Victoria Street, you’ll be greeted with vintage windows, pressed tin ceilings and comfy leather booths that are perfect for lounging in.
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10 Garden Place,
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