The Five Best Restaurants in Palmerston North
The city has a surprisingly diverse range of quality restaurants and the food scene here is getting better and better, with a variety of both casual and fine dining establishments. Its culinary landcapes includes multi-cultural influences and innovative shared-plate experiences, as well as the classics we all know and love. Many eateries in Palmerston North focus on fresh local ingredients, with Manawatū produce used wherever possible too.
While there are loads of great places to eat in Palmerston North, these five are our current favourites close to our Palmerston North accommodation - perfect for spending time with good company over dinner during your next visit.
Little Savanna
Little Savanna is known for its BIG flavours! The flawless fusion of South African cuisine with New Zealand's freshest produce is something very special. Little Savanna prides itself on delivering the dining ‘trifecta' – large portions of great food offered for a reasonable price, served within a comfortable yet interesting setting with unbeatable service. Although known for their flame-grilled meats, Little Savanna is vegetarian-friendly and offers gluten-free options too, so there is something for everyone.
Stand-out dishes include the meat platter, perfect for sharing, and the sweet and sticky BBQ baby back pork ribs paired with their signature slaw. It's one of the best restaurants in Palmerston North for groups looking for somewhere unique to enjoy those hard-earned post-work drinks and nibbles. And the best part? It's only 5 minutes drive from our Palmerston North motel.
Aqaba Bar & Kitchen
Set in one of Palmerston North's most distinctive heritage buildings on Broadway Avenue, Aqaba has been a cornerstone of the city's dining and nightlife scene since 1995, blending its historic character with a modern dining experience. Under Executive Chef Mark Harman, Aqaba delivers refined, ingredient-driven cuisine alongside expertly crafted cocktails and an exceptional wine list boasting over 30 options by the glass.
Must-try dishes include the lamb rump, served with a kumara coconut puree, baby sumac carrots and a variety of tasty accompaniments, as well as the scotch fillet with a tomato and capsicum compote, paired with a rich tarragon butter and crispy onion rings. Whether it's a relaxed lunch, an intimate dinner, or a lively evening out with friends, Aqaba offers an elevated experience without losing its heritage character.
Nero
Nero has been a culinary favourite in Palmerston North for decades, known for its high-quality steak and seafood dishes, as well as fantastic vegetarian options too. The renowned restaurant is set within a historic villa, surrounded by leafy grounds, which has been tastefully modernised while celebrating its heritage charm. On a nice day, we recommend dining al fresco in the gorgeous landscaped courtyard.
The contemporary European cuisine is beautifully prepared and presented, and the service equally impressive. And trust us, it's worth going for a three-course meal… The entrees, mains and desserts are all outstanding – it's rated one of the top restaurants in Palmerston North for good reason! It's only a short 4-minute drive from our Palmerston North accommodation.
Angkor
Angkor comes highly recommended by other guests, and it's not hard to understand why. This Cambodian (Khmer) restaurant on Coleman Place serves up authentic, beautifully balanced dishes built on the freshest ingredients and vibrant, aromatic spices. Every dish is crafted to order, from rich, fragrant curries to sizzling stir-fries, and the menu happily caters to vegetarian and gluten-free diets on request. It's a menu that rewards a bit of exploration - expect dishes that are light, refined, and full of flavour, served in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
Stand-out dishes include the sizzling Lemon Grass stir-fry, fresh lemon grass and lime kaffir leaves tossed with seasonal vegetables and your choice of chicken, beef or prawn, and the Beef Lok Luk - pan-seared rump steak served with lettuce, cucumber and tomato in a Khmer pepper and lemon sauce. For groups, the Angkor Platter is a great way to sample a bit of everything, from five spice beef to salt and pepper prawns.
Haru
Haru, located on Broadway Avenue, is one of the top-rated restaurants in Palmerston North, serving up a variety of mouth-watering Japanese dishes. Bookings are highly recommended for Haru and often fill up well in advance - once you experience the food here, it’s easy to understand why.
Guests love the plates and platters, offering a selection of tasty morsels to satisfy your own hunger or to share with friends in a lively, welcoming atmosphere: think sushi, chicken karaage, tempura, edamame and more. Haru caters well to vegetarians and vegans, and many dishes can be made gluten-free on request too. As far as places to eat in Palmerston North go, Haru has it all - and it’s only about 4 minutes from our motel in Palmerston North.
Ready to experience Palmerston's best restaurants?
Palmy doesn't always get the culinary credit it deserves, but spend a few evenings working through this list, and you'll see why the people here are so fiercely loyal to their favourites. From flame-grilled dinners at Little Savanna to aromatic plates at Angkor, there's a genuine range here for every kind of occasion.
Our advice? Don't try to cram it all into one visit. Pick two or three that catch your eye, and ask our team at our Palmerston North motel for their current top picks when you check in - menus change, new places open, and we're always happy to point you toward whatever's impressing us that week.