1. The Citadel

Picked by Lonely Planet as a contender for the North Island’s best burgers and Neat Places as one of North Island’s top 10 coastal cafes, The Citadel has been smashing it since opening in 2016. The heart of our seaside suburb of Castlecliff, the heated porch, piles of loaded chips and NZ craft beer selection will inspire a beach trip any time of year.

Open Thursday to Saturday from 10:00am to 8:00pm, and Sundays from 10:00am to 3:30pm.

2. Frosty Moons

Looking for something sweet? Frosty Moons is the place for you! Located in the heart of Whanganui’s CBD, Frostys serve up incredible ice cream made in Aotearoa, plus fresh-off-the-press waffles and moreish deserts. Crookie anyone? Only a minute’s walk from the Whanganui River, pick up a treat and take it with you for a stroll along the awa on a warm afternoon or evening. Bliss!

Open from 3:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. And, open from 10:00am on the weekends.

3. Little Curious Bagels

Coffee and bagels are a great pairing, and they’re even better at Little Curious Bagels! Breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea – it’s always the right time for a bagel. Don’t go thinking that’s all Little Curious Bagels have on offer. You’ll also find incredible baking. Cakes, brownies, lolly cake, and their crowd favourite cheese scones are all available for devouring too! All hosted within a charming, cosy, and relaxed setting of a beautifully restored curiousity shop.

Open Thursday and Friday between 6:30am to 2:30pm and Saturday to Monday between 8:30am to 2:30pm.

4. Angry Fox Bar

Whanganui’s latest cocktail bar, Angry Fox, knows how to make a drink! And, they have a national reputation for it. Cuisine listed its owner, Emily Wolmarans, one of New Zealand’s Top 50 Women in Food & Drink for 2024 for her efforts as a mixologist. When you stop in at Angrys for a drink you’ll know why.

Open from 4:00pm Wednesday to Friday, and from 3:00pm on the weekends.

5. Japanese Kitchen WA

Japanese Kitchen WA is tucked down a charming covered alleyway that’s cosy all year round. Great service, a tasty and authentic menu and a unique ambience make this a longstanding favourite.

Open from 5:00pm Tuesday through to Saturday.

6. Rutland Arms

Truly the most Whanganui of Whanganui institutions: some variation of the Rutland Arms Inn has been in place at the corner of Victoria and Ridgway (NZ’s Most Beautiful St 2019!) since 1849. The restaurant leans into its history, with vintage photos lining the walls and classic pub grub on the menu. The Rutland also has one of the best craft beer tap lists in town.

Open from 7:00am to 10:00pm every day of the week.