Where to eat: the 18 best restaurants in Dargaville

Lovely little cafe. They had gluten free options which was great! Really good coffee. Garden area out the back which was sheltered from the weather.

Great lil gem in a small town, loved their chowder, tasted different from the others I have tried before, unique taste with the addition of some vegetables (I guess it was white radish). Pizzas were good too. There’s an open area at the back for those who would enjoy sitting outside.

Went with family this morning for breakfast.... .will definitely not be going near the place again....I had quiche which which was brought out half hour before rest of food.....and could not eat it as it had a oaty bottom and was dry......the other breakfasts well where do I start....bacon not cooked properly.....toast was black and I mean black.. which they had put the burnt side face down....crepes swimming in maple syrup......kumara hash was swimming in oil.....yuck

We got the bagel and pork tacos which weren’t anything great, even factoring in the price. The bagel was basic asf and dry. Defs tasted waaaaaaaay better for fraction of the price. Should have just got a beer. The carrot cake was okay though. Hopefully they don’t make there coffee how they make there food.

I got bacon and eggs on wonderful bread. A. Got toast with jam and a great müsli. A truely lovely breakfast. Friedly personal and oh great orange juice!!

Food took 35 mins after ordering, it didn't seem all that busy, the crepes were doused in maple syrup, the toast was burnt, the bacon wasn't cooked enough and to top it all off watched an old dude (who worked there) yell at the wait staff, plus the chorizo was swimming in oil. Just visiting but will not be returning

Best! These guys are best in town. Bagel Benedict on the lunch menu for $20 is amazing! Definitely coming back for that again.

Disappointed with Pricing and Quality I ordered vegetable noodles and was surprised to learn that the takeaway price was $19, but for dine-in, it was double. Wonder what kind of rule that is! On top of that, the noodles were disappointing—just onions and cabbage, barely any other vegetables. The taste wasn’t great either. Definitely not worth it.

Great seafood wok as usual. Always Great food

Food is ok, just. The smorgasbord lacks freshness and i'm not sure why but the chow mein is more like soup. The oil tastes like it should have been changed ages ago. A lot of the meals are pre-made and then microwaved. Ok as a last resort.

My husband and I were looking for somewhere to have lunch today and saw that this restaurant was open. We sat down at a clean table, and I used the clean toilet facilities. We then proceeded to order from the delicious and varied menu, and the photos of each dish made that easier for us. The couple who I think are husband and wife were efficient, friendly, and proficient! The meals were so delicious, fresh and well, just delicious!!! We moved from an entree through to mains that we decided to share for the experience, and then I finished off with a dessert....baked banana with ice-cream. The battered banana was crisp as you cut through the coating to the banana. We started with a Speights and finished with a green tea. No need for dinner tonight. We will definitely eat there again. The cost was very reasonable. They also have hot food to take away.

What wonderful welcoming hosts. Delicious food, would go out of your way for a warm, and comfortable meal. If you have been there time and time again they know what you like. See you again very soon

The fried rice is to die for if you haven’t had it here you need to get down here. Thanks guys see you next time.

Fantastic food. Fresh and perfectly cooked. Delicious! Thank you.

Merkabah Restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience with delicious food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their Philly steak and Kiwi burger are truly outstanding—packed with flavor and cooked to perfection. The dishes are well-prepared and beautifully presented, making every meal a delight. The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring that guests feel comfortable and well taken care of. Highly recommended when you go visit Dargaville and Kai Iwi Lake. ☺️

First time I came here on a rainy day off and the fire was going. I took a seat on the couch and got an oat latte and read my book. The atmosphere was so cozy that I had to come back with my friends. We came back a couple more times for lunch and I had the waffles without bacon. Their coffee is always a treat and the waffles are delight. Every time was just a pleasure to be there!

Such a friendly helpful greeting and service, had a mocha which came out fast, yummy with love heart marshmallows, pancake stack of 2 large pancakes very yummy maple sauce too. Recommend this place totally, lovely to sit on the big deck in the sun.

Greeted with lovely helpful service , coffee is okay my waffles were great . My partner had a pancake stack although nice …2 pancakes doesn’t make a stack. All in all a enjoyable experience.

Best food we’ve had on the North Island. An unexpected delight in Dargaville. We were greeted with a friendly smile followed by prompt service in a delightful setting. Thank you 😃

Came in for a late lunch and the place was fairly busy and you order at the counter. A group of 4 before us took a long time to order, so we waited a while. The coffee came out in good time but the food took about half an hour to come out. As we were on a tight timetable to catch a bus in Whangarei, the kitchen were very good at packaging the meals up as takeaway rather than eat in. The meals themselves were pretty good. My vegetarian rosti was beautifully presented

always amazing , forgot to take a before photo of food but its amazing

Ordered yesterday Father’s Day 7thSeptember25, I’m in very big regret ordering food from this restaurant. Me and my sister ordered big quantities of food, mine was $101 and hers $221 and afew cents. The food was very bland and tasted different from what it supposed to taste like, keep in mind we eat from different Thai and Asian restaurants we know our food.The meat was not cooked properly and it seems it was beaten so it can cook faster the seafood rubbery and tasteless and the kids was complaining how the food tasted weird. our family was shocked and disappointed. We couldn’t eat further. Now what I have taken in the photo will go to the animals to eat. Waste our hard earned money on food that wasn’t cooked with proper intentions that seems rushed some of the dishes wasn’t touched too all gone to waste. Shame on you!

Prawn Tom Yum is super delicious, and beef green curry is not bad. Good environment.

I had a beautiful meal here which was the green curry. If you haven’t eaten here you need to book in they are great people with great food. Thanks team

Wow we ordered the Nam Tok It felt like we were taken back to Thailand eating the authentic street food. Service was absolutely fantastic and the lady was so incredibly nice. Highly recommend coming here!! Prices are worth value as portion was big!!

Food was amazing, service was friendly and helpful. They even brought us a heater because it was cold. Prices were great for the amount of food we got. Definitely recommend for family dinners.

As most of the previous reviews have stated - very good food, very generous portions and excellent value. Plenty of Vegetarian options too, all of which are super tasty. The deep fried tofu salad in spicy sauce was absolutely awesome and totally in its own lane...Highly recommend this spot!!!

The food is ALWAYS delicious here. Friendly staff, great service, and popular place for locals. We regularly have family birthdays and other special celebrations here.

Very tasty food. Fresh and clean. We ordered Lamb Rogan Josh and Garlic, Cheese naan and they were super delicious. Staff is friendly and kind. Thank you and will definitely visit again if we are around.

Had a beautiful meal at D Town Indian Restaurant tonight. Great service well looked after by a very pleasant young man. Would recommend this restaurant to everyone.

I’ve been meaning to put up a review about D Town for a while. Nearly a year ago we were on our way back to Auckland after driving to Pouto with a truck load of furniture, it was getting late when we got to Dargaville but we decided to stop to see what was open as we were hungry, we went into D Town and they said they were closing but took our order anyway, after talking to the owner and telling him about our day he locked up set us a table and they put on the meanest meal for us, they all went out of their way to accommodate us and we were so appreciative, it’s a little bit late but thank you to all the staff and the owner beautiful people and good food.

My family and I had a great dinner here together. My kids loved the chicken korma and malai kofta, and my favorite was the palak paneer and garlic naan. We found out the chef used to cook at a high-end hotel in Mumbai. Super friendly service. What an Indian restaurant gem to find in Durgaville!

Went there twice and all the food we tried was delicious. The highlights are the butter chicken and nans! The cheese ones were very generous and the plan nan was fresh and crispy!

Beautiful meal, onion bahji, pasanda chicken, chicken kadih, rice and pashwari naan. Really helpful and attentive staff. Very reasonably priced. Including beer and mango Lassi NZ $68

Tasty food at a great price. Highly recommend 👌 Keep it up.

We have just finished a delicious takeaway meal (spring rolls, red curry chicken, and drunken noodles with pork) from this place. Wow! Yum!! We were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of ingredients and the depth and diversity of flavours - and the price was very reasonable. The service was nice too. Thank you!

If today was an example of how this business is daily than woooow everything was soo tasty nothing was wasted and the service was amazing than you !!

We had starter and two meals and soft drinks as they are not licensed. The food was good hot but basic for a Thai Resturant. None of the nice decorative artistic vegetables you expect when served this cuisine. It was a takeaway just served on a plate in a very cold side room on a wooden kitchen table, which we were shuffled into when we arrived whilst the main part was empty. Cutlery wrapped in thin paper napkin. They are a takeaway cafe just changing to a Resturant, awaiting for licensing, but I do feel they need to step up their service and presentation.

A cute little 20 seater unlicensed restaurant. Was very busy noting many takeaway orders but we dined in along with a few other patrons. I had the chicken satay appetiser along with chicken cashew nut main. My wife had the honey pork spare ribs. All dishes were well portioned and very tasty. Some Thai restaurants I have been to in the past the food has tasted much the same and bland but these dishes had their own unique flavour. Very tasty.Based on our experience tonight I would highly recommend.

Meal was substantial. Good value and popular with locals and visitors. Pleasant wait staff. Plenty of large prawns and good amount of chicken. I ordered the Chef special spicy fried rice. I would recommend this little place but get in quick as it fills up fast. NOTE : Pad Thai do not accept credit cards. Eftpos or cash.

Pad thai was too sweet, takeaway box 1 nzd, duck red curry don't come with rice,3 nzd for rice.

Go here often, nice food and great service

A huge selection of items to choose from - sandwiches, sweets, hot food, pies, salads and full meals. Just remember if later in the day, the longer the food has been sitting in the cabinets. Visited twice and noticed earlier in the day the quality of the food was much better (of course... just fyi). 👍

Excellent value for money, 18 bucks for fish and chips that would have fed 2 and it comes with a fried egg! I never eat lunch anywhere else when I'm in Dargaville

Food is basic, but tons of variety and very fresh. Staff always so friendly obliging. They do incredibly long hours too

Delicious food, great service by friendly staff. Affordable prices

We are new to town and wanted to try out a nice bakery. Little did I know we just got back from the hospital and getting told we have food poisoning. 25 weeks pregnant throwing up and being sick because of a small meal I ate here this morning how sad!!

Best iced coffee and ice chocolate!! So good

Mmmm delish new items on the menu, i just haaaaad to add a few strips of bacon but im a meat eater so i cant go without 😁 THIS is the Avocado Smash mmmm mmmmmmm!

Got John Dory and chips. The fish was so fresh and the chips were perfect. Honestly probably the best fish and chips I’ve had in a while

Food is usually OK but they never answer the phone, neither is there any message to tell you if they're closed. It just rings... and rings... and rinnggggs

Fantastic yummy food and excellent customer service.

A favorite and convenient haunt of mine growing up just around the corner. The current owner's are friendly and have lifted the standards from the prior owner's. Great kiwi takeaways with a couple of asian inspired options. I can't say I've ever been disappointed buying from here. If you're into shrimp cocktails this is where to get them. Conveniently situated on the main route north, they are well worth the stop.

Good priced tasty takeaways . Truckie burger was so yummy !!!

Nice stop for bite & munch while traveling visiting Dargaville

Greeted with happy smiling attitude and were most very helpful in helping me select which in turn saved me some money. Order called out clear as that it ready { done on number system.) The big piece of fish and good size scoop of chips of which were so bloody nice. Well presented

Food was horrible. My partner asked for fried eggs sunny side up and got eggs fried both sides. Cold eggs, bacon and sausages. Ordered a fluffy for my daughter and got a hot chocolate instead! My burger was burnt and chips under cooked. Will never return.

Stopped in for breakfast and wish we hadn't. Bacon was tasteless and thin and fried eggs not cooked properly. Coffee strong and bitter. Milkshake ok. Wouldn't recommend at all.

Nice burger very friendly staff

Quick service...quite place to get it out of

Great place for coffee....

Absolutely delicious sushi! Everything was incredibly fresh and full of flavour. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients. Best sushi in town! Will definitely be coming back — highly recommend!

Ive been coming here since they opened. Ive tried many sushi places over the years, as it is a favourite food of mine. Its always so fresh and you cant beat the sushi here. The customer service is always lovely and they are very kind. They have vegetarian options that make it easy to eat here with my family. The avocado is always top notch too!

This might be the freshest sushi I‘ve ever tasted! SO good! And the people working here are so kind and made sure we had all we needed. They walked us through all the vegetarian options and there were more than enough. We‘ll definitely be back.

They’ve got a great variety of menu options and everything tastes super fresh and delicious. I’m definitely planning to stop by every time I’m in Dargaville. The owner is really friendly too.

They had a fresh and diverse selection of sushi, everything was delicious. The owners were so friendly, and I’ll definitely visit again if I come back to Dargaville.

So happy the donburi menu is back! Love their teriyaki chicken and the banana chocolate rolls

Food was 10/10 lady was so kind even gave us free Korean coffee. Will defiantly be back when we next come down to dargaville

Great breakfast, and we couldn't resist taking a scone each for lunch. The BEST date scone and cheese scone in NZ!! (Great staff too!!) Thank you

Nice food and staff. During busy time having a barista I think would be good so person on the till only served and didn't have to worry about making coffees.

Best bacon n eggs on toast with large black coffee ☕️ 😋

Great coffee and cheese scone. Our come to place when visiting Dargaville. 😊

Super Good Coffee and Turkish Food. Friendly Host!

Very friendly.. great chef.. awesome food.

Excellent lunch Mixed vegetarian salad yum

This store is mostly positives. They have a great selection of bulk-food staples, with glass jars available for free to fill. They also have a good zero-waste beauty section with really affordable bath bombs ($7) and other supplies. The food also looks and sounds delicious. I would 100% stop here for lunch if I was in the area again. The main negative and the reason for only 3 stars in my review is that they only have takeaway container options, including for the dine-in coffees. During the time I was sitting in the shop, most people who come here chose to dine-in, but they didn't offer a dine-in option using actual cups or plates (even for the fridge-section baked goods) which means that so many coffee cups and takeaway containers are unnecessarily ending up in landfill. That is the sole reason for my 3-star review, and I hope that in the future they introduce a non-takeaway-container option for people like me who choose to avoid disposable containers where possible. Until then if you're reading this review please bring your own reusable cup!

Had a really good flat white coffee and a sourdough sandwich. My partner and I swapped sandwich halves so we could experience two different flavours. They were to die for!!!!!! Highly commend. Everything is wholesome and tasty and reasonably priced considering the high quality and choice. Food was wrapped nicely in tinfoil to keep warm, and paper bags - all true to being wholesome and organic. Don't go past this shop, there are gimmicks to entertain as well as good staff and good cooking

Happened across this little gem by accident on a trip from out of town. I had a “flying pig” sourdough sandwich (chicken, bacon, cheese and cranberry sauce) and my daughter had a Philly Cheese. She has proclaimed it to be the best sandwich she’s ever tasted. There is also a delicious looking menu of salads, smoothies, juices and baked goods, as well as coffee and hot drinks. The prices are very reasonable! The store also sells a selection of sweets, pantry items, soaps, and an amazing looking selection of loose leaf teas (I didn’t count but at a guess I reckon there were maybe 40 varieties?!). The decor and the vibe is quirky and interesting, the owner and team very friendly. Highly recommend a stop at this shop ❤️

A fabulous coffee shop, with sandwiches that are sublime. Delicious Banoffee pie and jams and cream for just $5. Great coffee too. Great atmosphere with an original old radio playing. Try the Reuben or Beef sandwich. Yum yum. Has bulk food items too!

First time in NZ that I found a place where you can eat a beautiful, healthy salad and sandwich for a reasonable price. The portions were a good size and freshly made. My family also enjoyed the bagels and milkshake. I highly recommend it and I hope to have a chance to come back soon. Thanks!

I have been here many many times for coffee and other cakes and scones but this was my first time getting a sandwich off the menu .The staff was so lovely and made a sandwich for me even though it was almost pack up time . The sandwich was $14 and just had layer upon layer of corn beef , and other wonderful condiments I can’t even describe but it was fireworks in my mouth and I ate it till I felt sick because I couldn’t stop .. and even after all of that over half was left . It was probably one of the best sandwiches of my life .

I have found myself coming here more regularly lately. The staff are pleasant and the food is great. The BLT toasted being my favorite at the moment. I haven't had a bad coffee yet. You can usually find a seat though it can become very busy during lunchtime. The food is proper quality.

Yummy food

It was to runny and sweet

Took at least 40min to get served, take out deliveries and phone orders seamed to be more of a priority. The food was great when it finally arrived. The ladies serving did a great job, our drinks were delivered promptly.

Best butter chicken I’ve ever had, so creamy. Great naan, fast service, helpful wait staff, nice quiet atmosphere.

One of the best Indian curries I've had. This place is a hidden gem. Big menu, good drinks range and a good atmosphere. I've come here a few times when traveling through, definitely will be back.

Highly recommended. Lovely quiet dining experience, Awesome food and great service. It might be in a small town but its as good as the big centres. It was the best butter chicken I've ever eaten. The pizza was great too, of course. I asked for extra hot and it was the flavor I really wanted. I'm going back to Auckland tomorrow. I think I will miss that taste. I want to take the chef to Auckland.

Brilliant place to pop into if you are traveling through. Amazing selection of food, that tastes great, staff are welcoming and helpful, the restaurant is comfortable, an all round great place to dine, thanks guys.

The food was good and the service was lovely! I was craving a pub feed so I ended up getting a steak and it was good! Cooked just how I like it with some rosemary on top too. The chips and gravy were yum and I would recommend getting the sirloin. I also ordered the chilli prawns to share with my partner and at an entree size the portion was decent. The prawns were amazing and I liked how the tails were crunchy enough to eat. The desserts were simple but nice and it was a good experience trying kolfi for the first time. Overall I’d recommend you go here!

We come here for dinner and we were made to feel very welcome by the staff. Great vegetarian food on there menu. The food was delicious and we even had a dessert. We loved the music while eatting and great meals deals. I highly recommend eatting here if your in Dargaville.

Had late lunch here Gurnard was fish of day so fish & Chips was really good. Service friendly and quick coffee was good so highly recommend.

A cute little restaurant, lovely front of house staff. Not a lot of GF options but they were more than happy to try and accommodate. Ended up having an amazing gluten free steak sandwich.

Unexpected delicious breakfast, best potato rosti we've had in years, service was quick and friendly, coffee was hot and good. We took some pies for lunch and were the best we'd had for some time! Very happy! :)

The staff were amazing and accommodating of our dietary needs. Pretty outside seating area and a cozy home feel to the place. Almost threw up though not because of the food but the way my sister eats a poached egg is revolting hahahaha.

Lovely wee place, staff very friendly and helpful. I had Nachos, which were nice but not quite spicy enough for my taste. They are served with sweet chilli sauce, but as I don't like sweet things, gave it a miss. Great menu.

Perfectly cooked Dory today at Jo's home cookery. So many lovely choices on the menu too. We were a big group and the meals were served in a timely manner and the waitress was pleasant. A nice, warm place to go when the weather is wet and cold.

Fabulous meal, had mussel fritters, so delicious. Been there many times, and always had such good meals. I often wish that more restaurants served home cookery, cos it is so good. Six of us at our table, and everyone loved their meal.

Best fish and chips, great customer service.

Best fish and chips in Kaipara. Fresh fish, great breakfasts and awesome staff. If your looking for the quintessential Kiwi Fish&Chip shop this is it.

Wonderful friendly service! Hot food, all cooked to perfection - not greasy!! Especially loved the Homemade Savoury Sausage - Top notch; a Must have!! The Homemade Tatare Sauce, a perfect compliment.

Simply amazing fish and chips (I had the snapper) to sit down or take away in a very pleasant, clean, quaintly decorated restaurant. We found it when driving through, but would 100% eat here regularly if we were local!

What a amazing little Fish and chips shop you have, thank you so very much for looking after our Big family today.Your food was amazing, your hospitality was top notch and to bombard you today with our Large family you handled us in such a professional manner.We appreciate the yummy kai today. Totally recommend to everyone that's looking for a good heart kai of fish and chips.Thank you very much Brooks Family

My family ordered the Fisherman's basket, fish and crabsticks. The food was fresh, hot, high quality and the seafood in the fisherman's basket - woah the best I've had. Fisherman's basket is big enough to be shared and comes with perfectly cooked chips, fresh salad and dressing and homemade tatare sauce! Highly recommend.

Really nice place to stop for fish and chips. Excellent value, friendly service and spotless. We had the hoki meal. Fish, chips, salad, tartare and salad dressing....all for $10! A good cup of tea too. Really recommend this place 😊

Super friendly & accommodated my fussy order perfectly! Bar being attached is a great idea! Lucky I dont live in the area or would become a regular!

Less than one star The website menu not up to date. Settled for a Chicken avo burger. For $10.50, it was small with very little avocado. McDonald's would do better! Not to mention I was told it would come with fries...nope. Then the lady who served me backtracked when confronted. Needless to say, would not recommend, nor will I waste my money there again. Nothing could possibly rectify the terrible experience I had...left an unhappy customer.

I love this local resturant!!! its hot so much character and great menu and good food! go and enjoy it for yourself. They have an indoor and outdoor area , in the sun or under the shade and they even have cocktails after 5pm!! im definitely going back!! love this little gem

N8ce place to stop for lunch. We all had fish and chips. It was very good. Nice portion size and great prices. It was a bit chilly, so some of us got hot mochas. Yummy! After lunch, we had some of their ice cream. We loved the large scoops!

Thought we would pop in for a Cocktail at the local after seeing the sign during the day for there “Cocktail Happy Hour” Teenager walked in before us all to get a soft drink - Shannon swears at him as she says ‘I hate £#{¥…. kids “ - then as we start ordering she is very rude, grumpy - others in the bar also mentioned her rudeness!!!! So then ‘very weak’ drinks arrive which were like mint n soda for the Mojitos, curdled milk in pina colada, and so much Worcester in the Bloody Mary it looked more like a Pooey Jane Then to top in off there was floating bit in the drink which we discovered where the paint on the glasses One of us mentioned this to Duty Manager Shannon who grumpily said must be our fault …. Sorry Sharkey’s we would have spent a lot more $$$$$ if we had a better experience Won’t do that again Oh and by the way I couldn’t find what ‘Food Grade’ cert anywhere ??????? This should be clearly displayed….

Loved the fish and chips. Great staff. Super friendly and helpful. Highly recommend.

What a rip off !!! Smallest bit of fish I have had in 18 years of moving to New Zealand Asked for enough hot chips for 6 people but were sold enough for a family of mice . My daughters chicken burger was so tiny as per photo Over $58 too Come on guys