Best Restaurants & Cafes in Russell

Russell has a small but excellent dining scene. Here are our picks for the best places to eat and drink in New Zealand's oldest town.

Breakfast & Coffee

Russell Bakery

The Russell Bakery is the local institution for breakfast and coffee. Excellent pies, pastries, and coffee. Arrive early — it gets busy and sells out of the best items by mid-morning.

Hone's Garden

A lovely garden cafe on the waterfront. Good coffee, light meals, and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a slow morning.

Lunch

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

The Duke is New Zealand's oldest licensed hotel and the best spot in Russell for a waterfront lunch. The menu is classic — fish and chips, burgers, salads — but the location is unbeatable. Sit on the deck and watch the ferries come and go.

Dinner

The Gables Restaurant

The Gables is the finest dining in Russell. Set in a historic building on the waterfront, the menu focuses on local seafood and New Zealand produce. Book ahead — it's small and fills quickly.

Hananui Bar & Restaurant

A more casual option with good food and a lively atmosphere. The fish tacos are excellent. Good selection of New Zealand craft beers.

Sage at Paroa Bay Winery

The finest dining in the Bay of Islands region. Perched high above the bay at Paroa Bay Winery, Sage holds a One Hat award from the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2025. The menu is inspired by the moana (ocean) and whenua (land) — think line-caught seafood, estate-grown produce, and thoughtful New Zealand wine pairings. Open Wednesday to Sunday from noon. Book well ahead; it fills quickly and the drive out from Russell is part of the experience.

Drinks

Duke of Marlborough Hotel Bar

The best sunset drinks in Russell. Sit on the waterfront deck with a glass of New Zealand wine and watch the light change over the bay. It's one of those experiences that stays with you.

Omata Estate

A boutique winery perched above the Bay of Islands with sweeping views over the water. Omata Estate produces small-batch wines — including their signature Brut, Syrah, Pinot Gris, and Rosé — all grown on the property. The cellar door is open for tastings and is one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Worth the short drive from Russell for the views alone.

Practical Notes

Russell is small — most restaurants close early (by 9pm) and some are closed on certain days, especially in winter. It's always worth calling ahead to check. The Russell Bakery and Duke of Marlborough are the most reliably open.