Auckland Region Restaurant Tips by worldkiwi

Restaurant Name: Puhoi Valley Cheese - Cafe.

Puhoi Valley Cheeses started out as a cheese factory, sourcing and producing locally. Situated in a steep, forested valley, about 40-50 minutes drive north of Auckland, there is now a lovely cafe there too. From inside you can watch the cheese makers at work through large glass windows. I did wonder how the cheesemakers felt with people gawking at them! The cafe serves a la carte and buffet and is aimed to the light lunch market with a European/Pacific Rim menu. The highlight is the "Cheese Bar" where you can taste the cheeses themselves and buy if you wish.

Favorite Dish: The food is delicious and most dishes include some Puhoi Valley cheeses of course. Try the feijoa wine (pineapple guava is another name for this fruit). It's scrummy on a sunny spring day sitting in the sun on the cafe terrace.

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Puhoi, just north of Auckland.
Directions: Take the Puhoi turnoff on State Highway 1, heading north, drive through the village until you see the sign on the right.

Restaurant Name: Stanmore Cottage Cafe and Restaurant.

Stanmore Cottage is an historic building in Stanmore Bay - part of the urban Whangaparaoa area. Locals know all about it, but for visitors this place is a bit off the beaten trail. If you're in the area and looking for fine food in nice surroundings then this is a definite place to head for.
The menu has a northern European influence, and the restaurant has received national awards for its food.


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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 09 424 7074
Address: 195 Brightside Road, Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa
Directions: Whangaparaoa is a satellite town, about 40 minutes north of Auckland city centre by road. You would need to take the northern motorway to Silverdale and then follow the signs for Whangaparaoa.

Restaurant Name: Al Camino Restaurant.

Al Camino restaurant is situated in the northern satellite town of Whangaparaoa, about 40 minutes drive from the city centre (outside rush hour). The restaurant is small and popular, so it would pay to book on weekends. Greek food is the specialty, but the dishes are generally a fusion of eastern mediterranean food.

Favorite Dish: Anything!

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Manly Village, Whangaparaoa
Directions: If driving from Auckland City, take the northern motorway to Silverdale and then the Whangaparaoa turnoff from the Hibiscus Coast Highway. Follow signs for Manly. Turn left at the Manly roundabout.