If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my travels, it’s that the best way to understand a place is through its food. And in Tairua, that means seafood—fresh, locally caught, and bursting with flavor.
Located on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Tairua is a coastal gem with breathtaking ocean views, a laid-back vibe, and a seafood scene that’s nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re a fan of buttery scallops, grilled snapper, juicy prawns, or fresh oysters, Tairua’s seafood restaurants offer something for every palate.
During my stay, I embarked on a culinary adventure, exploring the town’s best seafood spots. Here are my top picks, complete with personal experiences, must-try dishes, pricing details, and tips on how to get the best deals when dining in Tairua.
1. The Old Mill Café – Fresh Seafood with a View
Location: 101 The Esplanade, Tairua, New Zealand
Why Eat Here? A charming waterfront café serving ultra-fresh seafood
Price Range: NZD 25 – 50 per dish
Rating: 4.8/5 on Google Reviews
A Café with Character
The moment I stepped into The Old Mill Café, I felt as if I had discovered one of Tairua’s best-kept secrets. Nestled right on the waterfront, this cozy yet elegant café exudes charm with its rustic wooden interiors, soft background jazz, and panoramic views of the Tairua Harbour.
The café’s nautical-inspired décor—with vintage fishing nets, maritime paintings, and wooden beams—immediately set the mood for a seafood feast. The staff welcomed me with warm smiles, making me feel at home right away. The open-air terrace was the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while watching boats gently bob in the distance.
What makes The Old Mill Café truly special is its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Everything on the menu is made in-house, from the sauces to the freshly baked bread, ensuring a quality dining experience that highlights the best of New Zealand’s coastal flavors.
Must-Try Dishes
Freshly Shucked Oysters (NZD 32 per dozen)
These oysters were as fresh as it gets. Served on a bed of ice with a simple mignonette sauce, they had a delicate briny sweetness that transported me straight to the ocean. I added a squeeze of lemon and a dash of Tabasco for an extra kick—absolute perfection.
Seafood Chowder (NZD 28)
Creamy, hearty, and packed with mussels, prawns, snapper, and scallops, this chowder was comfort in a bowl. What I loved most was the balance—it was rich but not overly heavy, with a velvety texture that paired beautifully with the café’s homemade sourdough bread.
Grilled Snapper with Lemon Butter (NZD 40)
The snapper was grilled to perfection—light, flaky, and infused with smoky char. The lemon butter sauce added a tangy richness that complemented the fish without overpowering it. Served with roasted seasonal vegetables, this dish was both satisfying and wholesome.
My Experience
Dining at The Old Mill Café felt like a celebration of everything I love about coastal New Zealand—laid-back vibes, scenic views, and incredibly fresh seafood.
My personal highlight? The oysters. I’ve had oysters in many places around the world, but these were truly special—plucked straight from Coromandel waters and shucked right before serving. Each bite was a burst of the sea, reminding me why New Zealand seafood is world-renowned.
The seafood chowder was another standout. It was the kind of dish that warms your soul, making it a must-order on a breezy Tairua evening.
How to Get the Best Deal
- Happy Hour (4 – 6 PM): Enjoy discounted seafood platters and select wines.
- Early Bookings via Eat New Zealand: Reserving a table through Eat New Zealand often includes a 5–10% discount for early bookings.
- Combo Deals: Ask about their “Tasting Board”, which offers a little bit of everything at a better price than ordering separately.
2. The Pepe – Casual Seafood Dining at Its Best
Location: 222 Main Road, Tairua, New Zealand Why Eat Here? Relaxed, family-friendly spot with a fantastic seafood menu Price Range: NZD 20 – 45 per dish Rating: 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor
Laid-Back and Delicious
If you’re looking for a casual, no-fuss seafood experience, The Pepe is your spot. Located right in the heart of Tairua, this buzzy, welcoming eatery is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The vibe here is beachy and relaxed—think wooden tables, friendly staff, and an open-plan layout that lets you watch the chefs work their magic in the kitchen. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite after a surf session or enjoying a long, lazy lunch, The Pepe delivers on all fronts.
What impressed me most was the generous portion sizes. Unlike some high-end seafood restaurants where portions can be on the smaller side, The Pepe serves up hearty, satisfying plates that are perfect for sharing (or devouring solo!).
Must-Try Dishes
Garlic Butter Prawns (NZD 30)
Plump, juicy prawns sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce and served with crispy sourdough bread to soak up all that deliciousness. This dish was simple yet incredibly flavorful, with just the right balance of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs.
Salt & Pepper Calamari (NZD 22)
Lightly battered, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this dish was an absolute standout. The seasoning was spot-on, with just the right amount of peppery kick, and the accompanying house-made aioli took it to the next level.
Beer-Battered Fish & Chips (NZD 25)
This classic dish did not disappoint. The batter was golden and crispy, encasing a moist, flaky snapper fillet. Served with hand-cut fries and a tangy tartar sauce, this was comfort food at its finest.
My Experience
From the moment I walked into The Pepe, I knew I was in for a fun, relaxed dining experience. The place was buzzing, with groups of friends laughing over seafood platters and families enjoying generous servings of classic Kiwi fish and chips.
I started with the garlic butter prawns, and let me tell you—they were divine. The rich, garlicky sauce paired so well with the fresh, sweet prawns that I found myself mopping up every last drop with the sourdough bread.
Next came the salt & pepper calamari, which was perfectly crispy and full of flavor. Each bite had just the right amount of seasoning and crunch, making it one of the best calamari dishes I’ve had in New Zealand.
Finally, I couldn’t leave without trying their famous fish & chips. The snapper was incredibly fresh, and the light, crispy batter made it the ultimate beachside meal.
How to Get the Best Deal
- Lunch Specials (11 AM – 3 PM): They offer discounted seafood combos, making it a great value meal.
- Book via First Table: A fantastic platform where you can get 50% off your meal if you book early.
- Family Deals: If dining with a group, ask about their seafood platter specials, which are cheaper than ordering individual dishes.
3. The Stoked Restaurant – Ocean-to-Table Perfection
Location: 223 Paku Drive, Tairua, New Zealand Why Eat Here? Upscale seafood restaurant with an emphasis on sustainability Price Range: NZD 35 – 70 per dish Rating: 4.9/5 on Google Reviews
A Seafood Experience Like No Other
For a more upscale dining experience, The Stoked Restaurant is unparalleled. This sustainability-focused restaurant sources all of its seafood from local fishermen, ensuring that every dish is fresh and responsibly caught.
Must-Try Dishes
Crayfish (NZD 65) – Grilled to perfection, served with a garlic herb butter.
Seafood Platter (NZD 75, serves 2) – A feast of prawns, oysters, scallops, and fish, served with house-made dips.
Seared Tuna with Wasabi Mayo (NZD 40) – Perfectly seared tuna with a slightly spicy kick.
My Experience
The crayfish was divine—tender, buttery, and full of flavor. The seafood platter was another highlight, perfect for sharing and packed with a variety of fresh seafood.
How to Get the Best Deal
- Tuesday Seafood Night offers special discounts on platters.
- Book through Zomato New Zealand for occasional discount codes.
Where to Book Your Tairua Seafood Adventure
Want to make restaurant reservations in advance and ensure you don’t miss out on Tairua’s best seafood? Here are some great platforms to help you plan your dining, accommodation, and travel in New Zealand:
- Eat New Zealand – A fantastic platform for discovering and booking top-rated restaurants across the country. Perfect for securing a table at The Old Mill Café or The Pepe before they fill up!
- First Table – If you love great deals, book early on First Table to get 50% off your meal at participating restaurants. Ideal for budget-savvy foodies!
- Expedia & Agoda – Looking for a seaside stay near Tairua’s best seafood spots? These platforms offer great accommodation deals.
- GrabOne NZ – Occasionally features restaurant discount vouchers and dining experiences, so check here for exclusive seafood deals before you go!
Final Thoughts: Why Tairua is a Seafood Lover’s Dream
Tairua isn’t just a beautiful coastal town—it’s a foodie’s paradise, especially if you love seafood. From oceanfront cafés to fine dining spots, this town has something for everyone.
So, if you find yourself in New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula, make sure to indulge in Tairua’s incredible seafood scene. Trust me—you won’t regret it! 
