Gisborne does not have a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. With a population of only 34,000, it can be difficult to find something suitable for your taste, particularly on Sundays! However, there are some hidden gems that I discovered on a recent trip there that were very nice.
Thai Sunshine Restaurant (Thai)
Although we had heard good things about Just Thai in Gisborne, we were curious to try the Thai Sunshine Restaurant after stopping by and seeing that it was deserted on a Saturday night. We later found out that this was due to a big rugby game between the All Blacks and Australia, which resulted in the entire local population being at home glued to their televisions.
However, despite the lack of companions, we had a very enjoyable meal. The menu contained all the standard Thai dishes and at reasonable prices. We opted for a panang curry and a vegetable dish with cashew nuts. They were both among the best Thai food I’ve ever had. The curry, in particular, was rich in flavors and with just the right amount of spice. Encouraged, we decided to finish with a fried banana dessert; it was quite simple but again delicious.
Thai Sunshine has a nice but quite soft decoration. It matches the manner of the owner, who seemed relaxed almost to the point of nonchalance. The food was superb though, and she served us the largest glass of Taylor’s ten-year-old harbor ever offered to me!
In short, highly recommended.
Contact information:
- 116 Gray Street, Gisborne
- Open: Dinner from 5pm, Monday to Saturday.
- Came licensed and BYO
Verve Cafe and Bar
On a quiet Sunday lunchtime this place was buzzing and no wonder this is an absolute gem. Apparently a casual cafe, we found the prices quite high. However, when we looked at the portion sizes offered, we concluded that it was a good value; our veggie wraps were excellent and big enough to last for two meals (we took half home for dinner).
The rest of the menu seemed equally attractive and innovative. The coffee was also very good.
One thing worth mentioning was the excellent service. The staff was very friendly and attentive.
Contact information:
- 121 Gladstone Road, Gisborne
- Open: 7.30am – 5.30pm from Monday to Friday; 8.00am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday
- With licence
Other restaurants in Gisborne
Marina Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is in a charming setting, right at the junction of the three rivers in Gisborne (one of the three rivers, the Turanganui River, is the shortest river in New Zealand, at only 1.2 kilometers long). The menu is best described as ‘international’ with innovative meat, seafood and other dishes.
Nice to see a wine list with a fair selection of local Gisborne wines as well.
Price wise, this is the best, but the Marina restaurant has an excellent reputation.
Contact information:
- Marina Park, Vogel Street, Gisborne
- Open, dinner from 6.00pm, Tuesday to Saturday; lunch from Thursday to Saturday
- Fully licensed
- website: www.marinarestaurant.co.nz
At the beach restaurant
As the name suggests, this is right on the boardwalk, and probably has the best view of any restaurant in Gisborne. Being at the top (above the local surf rescue club), the panorama spans virtually the entire length of Poverty Bay, with Young Nick’s Head in the distance. There is a good variety of well-presented meals and separate selections for children and seniors (for the latter the menu says “Golden Oldies – Must be 65 and over”).
Contact information:
- Centennial Marine Drive, Gisborne
- Open: lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Friday; breakfast, Saturday and Sunday
- Fully licensed
