TOP 10 BEST Restaurants in New Zealand - Updated October 2024

The Matakana Village Pub

78/100 (1728 ratings)

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Vegan Options

British

New Zealand

Bar

Gluten Free Options

Pub

Bar

New Zealand

Pub

British

Vegetarian Friendly

Vegan Options

Gluten Free Options

Brunch

Drinks

Dinner

Lunch

After-hours

Ribs

Soft Shell Tacos

Wild Mushroom Pappardelle

Ale

Cappuccino

Polenta

Roast Pork Belly

Pasta

Sunday roast

Kids Fish and Chips

Salad

Ice Cream

Handmade Beef Burger

Calamari

Chicken Wings

Fish Tacos

Risotto

Beef Cheeks

Crispy Salt & Pepper Squid

Mussels

Fish and Chips

Calamares

Burger

Risotto

Salmon

Lamb Shoulder

Matakana Burger

Lamb

Crumbed Lamb Cutlets & Pressed Shoulder

Fish & chips

Pesto

Beef Cheek Bacon & Mushroom

Chowder

Fish

Kiwi Seafood Chowder

Fish & Chips

Tapas

Beef

Pork

Natural Oysters with Mignonette

Tacos

Polenta Fries

Flat White

Children's Beef 'N Cheese Burger with Chunky Cut Fries

Sit down

Bar

Pub

British

New Zealand

Serves Alcohol

Highchairs Available

Full Bar

Accepts Credit Cards

Outdoor Seating

Television

Live Music

Reservations

Seating

Table Service

Wheelchair Accessible

Drinks

Brunch

After-hours

Dinner

Lunch

Mid-range

"Was very impressed with the food here at Matakan Village Pub. Great outdoor seating with plenty of spaces. Good on nice summer day but may be packed..."

Dora The Food Explorer

"This is one of the best place around matakana! Dont miss it when you are around the area! They serve good steak and ribs and fish n chips! You can..."

Pam Gaddi

"Popped in here for Sunday lunch on a sunny winter day. Lots of seats outside so I bet this is an excellent place to come in summer. Had the slow..."

Steph Coulton

"Food was Lovely. All 3 meals were very enjoyable. It was very busy and all the staff were great and nice to deal with. We highly recommend it...."

Gina Snow

"Nice play to hang around with your friends. Nice choice of local beers. Love the Wednesday quizz night! They have heater so it is warm even in..."

Arnaud Bonnard

"Use to love this place to bits!!Good food Good beersGood company Just extremely overpriced drinksVery pricey..."

Twigs

"Me and 3 other friends came here for a quick brunch after leaving omaha. We were welcomed at the door by the boss and it was a very serene and..."

Henry Gao

"We enjoyed a couple of very chilled out afternoons here. First time we ordered from the bar menu - chicken wings, mac n cheese and the tacos. They..."

Kimberley

"Lovely setting and ambience with modern, outdoor furnishings, ideal for larger groups. The food is quite average, nothing special, just hearty,..."

Charlene Weaver

"Nice place to spend a few hours. Good range of beers on tap. Decent service. Food was quite good but I did think they could do with changing the oil..."

Paul O

"Stopped off here on the way home from Omaha beach a few weeks ago and loved chilling on the cosy couch by the fire place (even though didn't need or..."

Debbie Maher

"Been here a few times now. Friendly staff and nice beach pub culture. I can't judge what the mains are like as we haven't been here for..."

Scotty Ray

"Very good beer list. Tasty and nourishing vegetartian options. The couches looked particularly enjoyable for whiling away a sunny..."

Shane Flannelly King

"Delicious food - Fish and Chips. Friendly staff and Good Music. 10/10 for the ambience... Will definitely come back when we visit Matakana..."

Ryan Castelino

"Was a bit concerned about what I was getting myself into. When we arrived at noon on a Sunday afternoon the entire pub was empty apart from one..."

Frank

"Service is very friendly and the staff can and do make good recommendations on food, wine and beer. Atmosphere is stylish pub: it used to be a..."

JS

"Had lunch here today, sat inside as my sister was a little cold. Loved the atmosphere. I had steak which was cooked well the side of potatoes were..."

Sarah S

"Great burger, could have been a bit more generous with the fries! The service was friendly and casual. Exactly what you'd expect from a decent..."

James Sanders

"I had some fat frys to begin with, which were not quite crunchy enough but the aioli sauce was amazing and super tasty. Main was a braised lamb pot..."

Monique Ohlson

"Drove up from Auckland today for lunch. Have been several times but I just love the feel of this pub. Food and service were excellent. Had the..."

Yumtum

"Had a group dinner here a week ago. The pub was really busy, and expected pub grub at best. The food and service were outstanding, especially given..."

Rebecca Cook

"The Villa Maria specials and the tapas are amazing value - 6 tapas for $60 or $20 for a glass of wine and 1 choice to choose from 3 options for your..."

House Of Eats

"Went last night for dinner. I had fish and chips (would have liked some salad with this), and my friend had their special- beef short ribs. The..."

Eli A

"Visited on a Sunday a few weeks back for lunch, and to our surprise, we had a pleasant meal. Staff were quite friendly. We had ordered the pulled..."

Jemimah

"Don't know what's happened there in the last 6 months but something has and it's all good. After the refurbishment the setting was great but the food..."

Jan Hare

"We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the Matakana Pub on Friday.The only complaint was the woody clumps of rosemary in my pasta dish, but..."

Celeste Bowden

"I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. Love the alterations and staff could not be more pleasant. Food not perfect and a bit pricey for a pub but great..."

Kate

"Awesome atmosphere, friendly staff and superb food. I ordered a tasty medium rare scotch filet, with roasted kumara and mushroom sauce. My wife asked..."

Mauricio Kimura

"We had Sunday lunch, good old kiwi staple of fish & chips. Food was very well done & yummy. Great outdoor seating, lovely atmosphere. Staff were very..."

Jo Chan

"Had the burger, and what a great decision. Hot chips, perfectly cooked and the best bacon. Lots of beer on tap and the food the others were all..."

D Beech

"Two thumbs up! Scrumptious food ~ Great service ~ If you pass by this way just go and..."

June Lee

"As a large group of 12 adults and 3 children searching for a late lunch, we couldn’t have found a better place. Rather than looking ‘put off’..."

Lynette Reid

"We were here quite a few months ago (Easter weekend) so can't remember many of the finer details but, a conversation today jogged my memory that I..."

Catherine Lea

"Beautiful local pub which is busy at night - recommend bookings for dinner. The bbq wings tasted great - just that the wings were the smallest..."

Isabelle Tran

"Best pub experience in a very long time. Beautiful location, kind staff, delicious and perfectly cooked meals and good..."

Anna Abbey

"huge portion, friendly staffs, cozy outdoor seats, all good, the food are tasty, beef cheek was a bit dry. house slaw is so good. btw, they surcharge..."

carina chang

"Had a really good experience at MVP after our group of 30 were rudely turned away from the Rusty Pelican next door because our group was more than..."

Peter D

Rusty Pelican Restaurant & Pizzeria

78/100 (1534 ratings)

Restaurants

Gluten Free Options

Pizza

Vegan Options

Pub

Vegetarian Friendly

Pizza

Gluten Free Options

Vegan Options

Vegetarian Friendly

Dinner

Lunch

Greek salad

Salad

Ice Cream Sundae

cheese pizza

Calamari

Surf N Turf

Rib eye steak

Calamares

Shrimp Cocktail

Garden Salad

Big Beef Burger

Chowder

Fish and Chips

Prawn Salad

Ribs

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Prawns

Chicken Fettuccine

Burger

Kumara Wedges

Chicken Nibbles

Chicken Nachos and Beef Nachos

Nachos

Basket of Curly Fries

Fish

Beef

Spaghetti Bolognese

Seafood chowder

Garlic bread

fish n chips

Sit down

Pub

Pizza

Free off-street parking

Highchairs Available

Full Bar

Free Wifi

Accepts Credit Cards

Reservations

Outdoor Seating

Takeout

Seating

Television

Table Service

Accepts Mastercard

Wheelchair Accessible

Accepts Visa

Cash Only

Serves Alcohol

Gift Cards Available

Parking Available

Dinner

Lunch

Mid-range

"This place offer a great deal on everyday! We were lucky to be in this place for a ribs and steak at an affordable price! The food was okay for the..."

Pam Gaddi

"Came here and got the Mojo pizza and a side of fries - the pizza was amazing! The base was the perfect in-between of a thick and thin crust, and was..."

Bryce Galbraith

"After a long day at tawharanui nothing hit the spot better than a pizza and fries at the Rusty Pelican. The pizzas are huge and can easily feed two!..."

Amindha Fernando

"Two days ago, we reviewed a place who serves generous amount of food and it looks like it’s becoming a trend because the place we will be reviewing..."

Ang Sarap

"Best. Kumara. Fries. In. The. World!!! So so so tasty and big, comes with two decent sized pots of sour cream (like it should!). Pizzas here are also..."

Kealy Mathews

"Pleasant efficient staff, a comprehensive menu and choices for gluten free eaters. Our drinks were served promptly as was the food and the restaurant..."

Rae Anita Cox

"Great food, great service. Any reviews regarding "rude comments/bad customer service" is obviously forgetting that working in a popular..."

This.is.sophies.email

"Hmm some rude comments not sure why? We came for dinner on a Fri. Restaurant was fully booked so nice young girl asked if we'd like to go next door..."

Sanjesh Lal

"Has THE best kumara fries ive ever tried. I cant believe this place isnt more popular!! I really recommend this place! Try their amazing pizzas as..."

Tan.ned

"Best ribs I've ever had and only $18.50 on a wednesday. Absolutely delicious and huge portions. Will be back. Thanks for coming Rusty..."

Samantha Wilson

"I make a trip up from auckland to have the pizza here every so often because matakana is a very relaxing place and pizza is a very relaxing food...."

Anna

"Love coming here on tuesdays for a game of pool and pint Of beer from my fave bartender in mata stewy.Good yarns with the locals out back...."

Twigs

"That's what lunch at @rustypelicanmatakana looked like. A big bowl of mussels and some pan seared salmon. It is a little expensive, but the food..."

Kymberlee Müller

"I don't usually write reviews, however, I felt that after having such a good experience over the weekend that I had to. My cousin and uncle had a..."

Hannah Ryan

"Popped into the Rusty the other day for a pizza after the beach with some friends and we were not disappointed! Our waitress was very pleasant and..."

Maudy

"OMG, the rusty pelican pizzas are the best i've ever had. Generous toppings with organic chicken on the mexican pizza was delicious and full of..."

Will Finlay

"Been here several times before. Always okay. Had lunch today. Service was quick, efficient, and friendly. Ordered prawn salad and chicken nibbles...."

Patrick Tong

"Came here on rainy Saturday afternoon, was quiet inside, the fire was on very warm and cosy. Staff were friendly and the service was great really..."

Samantha Grace

"Whenever we visit Matakana, despite already being full from all the market food, we still can't help ourselves but to come to this place for amazing..."

Michelle Ma Belle

"We were slated to reach Matakana for lunch on 15 May 16 but overshot the place and managed to find our way back after a longish detour. This made for..."

Narayanan Valadi

"Whoever the chef was that cooked my medium-rare rib-eye steak that day I had lunch here deserves a medal. lol Well seasoned and cooked to..."

TheMʌverick

"Have been to Rusty's a few times. Reliable food, huge and maybe a little too big on portions. Sometimes the food can be bland. The pizzas are ok...."

Pugsly

"Really enjoying been there, especially after a whole morning shopping at the Matakana Vintage farm market😂 The Salmon pizza is heaven. Very tasty...."

Xin He

"Ok so it's bar food, nothing wrong with that and I'm rating in this context The meals were huge! I got the ribs and my Partner got calamari both..."

Tina Harrison

"Rusty Pelican serves typical bar food, so don't expect too much. I love coming here after a long day at one of the beaches up North! The pizzas,..."

Charlene Weaver

"After coming here two weekends in a row I can say that the rusty pelican serves good honest pub food. I can safely say that if you come..."

Laura Hunt

"A great choice in Matakana - lots of choice on the menu, something for everyone. When we walked in on a Saturday, no-one came over to greet so there..."

Emily Pavey

"Long standing Matakana restaurant and pub specializing in very good pizza. A bit pricey but it is a cheerful spot and the service is quick and..."

Layton

"Great Pizza every time! We haven't tried any of the other meals as of yet, but will definitely try their seafood and ribs dishes as they look very..."

S B

"We always call in at the Rusty with the kids for a Pizza. Our family favourite!The "Red rooster" Sweet cilli Chicken pizza is yumJust what..."

Anthony Matijasevich

"Stopped in for late lunch/dinner to wait for traffic to subside a little. Beatutiful day for it so we sat outside. After reading the reviews,..."

Bulking Steerco

" Have been here several times. Pizza is always good; hot, fresh and tasty. Definitely recommend the spicy chicken one. Pizza is a bit pricey at $28..."

Dallace Wulf

"Good value pizzas and very decent portions. We ordered the mini one and some curly fries to share and was blown away by how full we got! Definitely..."

Jenny Cao

"Have been here several times and yes the food is great. The meals are good, the pizzas are good, the desserts are good. The service is excellent and..."

NevB

"I recently took the AK rugby team up to this restaurant and was thoroughly impressed and so was all the players, the pizzas where huge and the other..."

Craig Lister

"excellent food and huge servings go with an empty stomach for a good feed. great..."

Neil Jones

"Recommend this place to others. Great food and service-fab pizza, the best Pizza in Auckland..."

Coffee4two

"Had booked for Thurs 13 March but on passing ate there on Wed 12 March as well. Our third visit. Good value meals. Pleasant atmosphere and wonderful..."

Blair Pilcher

"Awesome feed. Agree pizzas the best in town. Cheers. Will be back for sure. Oh the ribs too, beast of a feed...."

John Point

"Having now been to the Rusty, I say "boo" to all those who gave one star because of the drinking water saga.... Couldn't have been clearer what the..."

Chris Monkton

"I thoroughly enjoyed my "sweep it off the floor Pizza".i enjoyed the friendly patrons, staff and owners conversation.I will definitely be..."

Sam Coutts

"Great pizzas. The Godfather is our favorite. Good meals too but very consistent whereas the pizzas are always great. Good pub..."

Susan Vize

"We had a very enjoyable family dinner at the Rusty Pelican. The food and wine was tasty and our lovely waiter was polite, friendly and very..."

Lisa Watson

"Woohoo is the correct saying, this place is as good as it gets!! You cant not award them a Five Star. We had the most amazing night. Service was..."

Trina Parkes

"Matakana is a fantastic area to visit should you ever find yourself in Auckland and Rusty Pelican is surely one of the best places to dine there. I..."

Jane Green

"My family and I where told about the rusty in Australia by friends who know we where traveling to New Zealand. Matakana was a very nice place to..."

Greg Anderson

"I have been to the Rusty Pelican in Matakana a number of times. The food is always great. The new popcorn shrimp dish on the menu is amazing, great..."

Jemma Harvey

"Great food and excellent vibe.Lots of good food to choose fromAn enjoyable evening for..."

Gill Thurlow

"I currently went to the Rusty Pelican for a meal with myself and a few friends on a trip up to the coastal area on the weekend. What a treat! Between..."

Sharni Harris

"What a fantastic place to eat. I have eaten here many times over the years. The menu has heaps of options and caters for everyone. The place provides..."

Sammy

"My kids and us love to dine at Rusty Pelican. For a casual restaurant this place ticks all the boxes. Very children friendly with kids games..."

Lena Chrapowicka

"Best pizzas in town and an awesome selection!! YUM! Loving the weeknight specials too, a treat for the locals! Thanks Rusty..."

Mupps

"I would highly recommend this place if you are visiting Matakana. We had a thoroughly enjoyable experience here. Great food, with a vast menu and..."

SANDY LISTER

"We had a great time here. Would strongly recommend this place to visit in Matakana. Fantastic..."

Latska

"Paying for the water is not a big deal when the food you get here is great . Every meal ive ever eaten here has impressed me and when i walked across..."

Jason Dewitt

"This place is amazing, absolute bang for your buck . They only serve bottled water but all the proceeds go to a charity and i have no problem in..."

Tracey Flintoff

"I went to the roast night on Wednesday in the Rusty Pelican with four other friends,we booked at 6:30pm lucky because the restaurant full,we know..."

Sam

"Lovely food. Place a bit barn like and noisy though. I'd probably go..."

Justine Green

"if you are coming into the ww,matakana or omaha areas,you won't find better than the Rusty P!!Locals and visitors alike pack this place throughout..."

Andrew Langsford

"Having been to numerous restaurants, cafes and bars over the years locally, nationally and periodcally internationally... I have come to know that if..."

Rachael Aitken

"If you are dining in Matakana you can't go past the Rusty, beautiful large meals at very reasonable prices and very competent attentive staff, well..."

T Harrison

"I can certainly recommend the Wednesday night Roast Special. Soup was tasty, but only just warm when served. Nice to have a choice of three meats..."

Trina C

"Great place! Food was amazing and servings huge. Great value for money. Staff were warm and attentive. Definitely a place to..."

Rachel De Guzman

"Lovely staff, very popular and busy place. It was pretty loud due to being so popular and having so many people in one room. It also got really hot..."

Renee

"The ribs were delicious and amazing, huge portion worth the price! Great service and atmosphere, the staff friendly. A nice restaurant to try when..."

Faye O

"I must highlight the Cuttlefish and Prawns dish that stole the show. It was a culinary masterpiece, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting..."

Sam Jayathilake

"Matakana is known for it beautiful scenic beaches and wineries. The town itself is quaint and somewhat… busy as, even on a quiet weekday! With..."

Chanthavee Samountry

"Nice place. The waitress wasn't fantastic though. Didn't ask us if we wanted more drinks and seemed like she didn't want to be there. The food was..."

Dave Smyth

"4.5 stars! All the meals were very delicious. The portions were way larger than we expected as well and we needed takeaway boxes (you can easily just..."

Amanda

"Beautiful food and nice big servings!! You won't be disappointed!! Beautiful fish and..."

Dion Ogorman

"Very yummy lunch. Really enjoyed the chocolate..."

Angie

"I believe they extended the cafe, the modern side is now for lunch while the pub side potentially for dinner? While i liked the pub side more the..."

Celia Chan

"Got fish and kumara wedges takeaway. Fish had a light batter so you actually taste the fish not just the batter. Kumara wedges were wonderful...."

Keith Craig

"The pizza, topped with chicken and avocado, was delightful. It was a generous serving size that would be suitable for at least two..."

Greeshma Stanly

"We went for an impromptu lunch and was impressed with the variety of menu items. It was a late lunch and wasn't very busy. We were seated, and fairly..."

LeslieB

"Beautiful place with great portion of delicious meal! Fantastic! Love it love it love..."

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