Alfresco dining

Our top picks for alfresco dining

Dining out or drinks with friends is always a treat – but doing so on a warm summer’s day or during a gorgeous sunset is just that wee bit better! Make the most of outdoor courtyards and alfresco dining at these great venues and your summer will be one to remember.

LANTERN

20 Domain Road, Papamoa Beach

As the name suggests, this southeast Asian restaurant in Papamoa is decorated with low-slung lanterns and literally glows after dark. Enjoy a drink in the tropical garden or dine on the covered deck.

SUGO

19 Wharf Street, Tauranga

Tauranga’s revamped Wharf St is a fabulous place to sit and people watch as you enjoy delicious Italian cuisine beneath the lights and lanterns that are strung overhead. Choose from their tall bar leaners or pick a cosy table.

RISING TIDE

107 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui

Handmade dumplings, award-winning craft beer, cider and curly fries are a hard combination to beat. Good brews and good vibes are always on offer, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating at long shared tables.

THE TRADING POST

1 Hall Road, Paengaroa

This French bistro in Paengaroa is located inside a beautiful wooden cottage that has a small wooden deck and rustic garden to match. They’re open Wednesday to Sunday for a casual bite to eat.

THE ISLAND

20 Domain Road, Papamoa Beach

After a big day at the beach, dinner at this laid-back Papamoa restaurant is a perfect choice. Relax in the large garden bar and enjoy woodfired pizza, epic burgers, and smoked meat cooked over their Texas-style BBQ.

ALPINO

16 Pacific Avenue, Mount Maunganui

Grab a sidewalk table and relax in style at one of Tauranga’s most popular eateries. The chic Italian décor oozes its way outside and you can sip cocktails or dig into a huge bowl of pasta while sitting in the sunshine.

ROXIE'S RED HOT CANTINA

113 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui

One of Roxie’s legendary frozen margaritas is exactly what you need on a hot summer’s day. Thrown in some tacos or monster nachos and you’ve got a ready made party on your hands.

DOCA

6 Wharf Street, Tauranga

Formerly known as the Dry Dock Café, this venue has a new lease on life and its sunny outdoor terrace is as popular as ever. Its famous for its coffee and cabinet treats but now doubles as a licensed pizza bar and is open late each night.

FLATWHITE

21 Shaw Road, Waihī Beach

Locations don’t get much better than this beachfront café! Their rustic décor is framed entirely around the ocean view so you can watch the waves roll in or the sun set while you dine.

MISS GEE'S

3/59 The Strand, Tauranga

Serving speciality cocktails and delicious food, Miss Gee's has a sunny courtyard and a ‘greenhouse’ which lets light shine thought the roof to make you feel as though you’re outdoors. Overhead hanging plants complete the look.

WHITE HOUSE

15E Minden Road, Te Puna

Large sun umbrellas, strings of lights and scented white roses surround this restaurant’s outdoor balcony and courtyard in Te Puna. It’s a stunning setting to enjoy some of the finest food in the Bay.

NECTAR

92 The Strand, Tauranga

This new bar and eatery is on a big site with full sun, making it the perfect hangout spot for brunch, coffee or a cheeky cocktail. There’s greenery galore and the fitout looks incredible both inside and out.

HARBOURSIDE

Old Yacht Club Building, 150 The Strand, Tauranga

Tauranga’s fine-dining favourite, the covered balcony at Harbourside literally sits over the water and offers some of the best harbour views in town. The deck is fully enclosed so you can enjoy your meal ‘outdoors’ without any wind or rain.

BAR CENTRALE

51 Willow Street, Tauranga

One of Tauranga’s historic treasures, the former Post Office, is now home to this lively Italian cocktail bar. Pull up a bar stool outdoors and share authentic pizza and other Mediterranean delights.