45/47 Princess St, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North.
South African braai spirit meets top-notch NZ produce at this flame-grilled favourite. Generous in all the right ways: big flavours, hearty plates. Don’t miss the mouthwatering seafood and steaks – but if vegetarian or gluten-free is more your speed, everyone is catered to. Nab a spot in the buzzing dining room, the bar, and when the weather’s nice, out in the courtyard.
Little Savanna, Palmerston North. Photo / Neat Places
Kaitahi Chef’s Table & Lodge
24 Kingsdale Park Drive, Aokautere.
An intimate hosted dining and stay experience set among native bush with a focus on connection to place and people, so guests sit together while courses are prepared and presented by the chef. Menus follow the seasons and draw on Manawatū producers. Some ingredients are grown on site, others come from the owners’ mums’ garden, and the rest are sourced locally. The result is grounded, flavourful dishes that speak to where you are and the many hands that played a part in bringing the kai to your plate.
Kaitahi, Palmerston North. Photo / Neat Places
Haru
19 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North.
A calm central-city spot for beautifully made Japanese food. The menu skims from crisp tempura and karaage to sashimi, nigiri and comforting bowls, with generous platters that make choosing easy if you’re sharing. Vegetarian and vegan options are properly considered, not an afterthought. Order warm green or yuzu tea, add a couple of small plates, then work your way to signatures – teriyaki, agedashi tofu, takoyaki – or the crowd-pleasing mixed platter when you feel like trying a bit of everything.
HARU, Palmerston North. Photo / Neat Places
Tony’s Pizza
134 The Square, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North.
Pizza and craft beer – is there a more iconic duo? Grab a booth at Tony’s, a craft beer and pizza bar that brings a slice of New York to the Manawatū. Owner Jack Foston used to manage a craft beer bar in New York, so he definitely knows his stuff when it comes to pizza by the slice and top-notch beers. There are eight pizzas to choose from, including vegan and vegetarian options, as well as eight strictly New Zealand craft beers.
Nero
36 Amesbury St, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North.
Set in a 1918 villa with leafy grounds, Nero is Palmy hospitality with polish. Owners Scott and Yvette Kennedy run a tight ship: the kitchen cooks with what’s best that day, sourced from trusted growers and markets, with signatures like Angus Pure Beef Fillet and Taupō Angus Beef. Think well-handled steak and seafood, as well as crowd-pleasing sides and desserts that don’t overcomplicate things.
The Fat Farmer
360 Albert St, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North.
A lively corner spot known for shareable plates and a fun, European-leaning vibe. Known for their modern takes on old favourites, an eclectic wine list, NZ craft beers and classic cocktails done well. The layout swings from open-plan buzz to intimate nooks, so you can bring a group of friends or keep it cosy.
The Fat Farmer, Palmerston North. Photo / Neat Places
Brew Union Brewing Co.
41 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North.
Part brewery, part restaurant, this local haunt pours its own beers alongside rotating guest taps and pairs them with woodfired pizzas, crowd-pleasing mains and snacks designed for sharing. Reminiscent of Pacific Northwest brewpubs: warm, communal and unpretentious, with sustainability woven into the operation. Always a good choice for a casual dinner or a post-work pint.
Brew Union, Palmerston North. Photo / Neat Places
Global Kitchen
159 Broadway Ave, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North.
Chef Mark Harman brings broad international chops to a menu that’s big on bold flavour and feel-good eating. Expect globally inspired dishes built on seasonal, nourishing ingredients, presented with polish. The kitchen’s as happy cooking for varied diets as it is turning out something rich and celebratory, which makes it a smart choice for mixed groups, and anyone who likes to be surprised by a menu.
Pho Nem Hanoi Home Cooking
68 The Square, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North.
A beloved local for Vietnamese done the honest way. Their rich, fragrant broths, generous steaming noodle soups, fresh rolls and crunchy sides have kept locals coming back for years. Friendly and simple, the service is warm, and there’s always a steady hum of regulars. If you’re after a fresh, soul-warming bowl, a proper hit of herbs, or a Vietnamese coffee to finish, this is the spot locals recommend first.