Menu
Kei te aamene te ngaakau ki ngaa waahi kai!
From cosy cafes to fine dining establishments, from international cuisines to local specialties, Hamilton Central is a food lover's paradise. Let your taste buds guide you!
If you’re looking for authentic Thai cuisine, Thai Classic is the perfect destination. They proudly serve a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Thai classics to modern fusion creations, all crafted with the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
As the sister restaurant of Chim Thai in Rototuna, Thai Classic continues the tradition of delivering exceptional flavors and warm hospitality.
Standout menu items:
• Curry Puffs – Minced chicken, potato, and yellow curry wrapped in flaky puff pastry.
• Duck Roti – Roast duck served on roti with cucumber, carrot, and homemade hoisin sauce.
• Massaman Curry – Traditional beef curry slow-cooked in coconut cream with cashew nuts, potato, and onion.
• Pad Thai – The famous Thai noodle dish with Asian chives, bean sprouts, eggs, and ground peanuts.
• Yummy Duck Sizzling – Marinated duck with honey and sweet chili sauce over vegetables, served sizzling hot.
• Thai Classic Sizzling – Your choice of meat with vegetables, cashew nuts, and Thai oyster sauce, sizzling to perfection.
• Sticky Pork Ribs – Tender pork ribs marinated in a sweet Thai glaze, served with vegetables.
They also cater to vegetarian guests with delicious dishes such as crispy spring rolls and more. Pair with a refreshing Thai Classic Sunrise mocktail for the perfect balance.
At Thai Classic, every dish is made to delight your taste buds and give you a true taste of Thailand.
Wonder Horse is a cocktail bar that’s become a cornerstone of Hamilton’s nightlife. Since opening in 2012, it has built a reputation for handcrafted cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and an atmosphere that draws in locals and visitors alike.
Wonder Horse is all about quality drinks and good times. Their menu features a mix of classic cocktails and tailored creations.
You’ll also find:
Wonder Horse is the perfect venue for staff parties,birthday celebrations or corporate functions. They can also tailor make nibble and cocktail menus to suit.
And if you thought Wonder Horse was just about cocktails think again, they also hold regular Whisky Nights, featuring rare tastings, curated pours, perfect for connoisseurs and curious sippers alike.
Dora’s Café is one of Hamilton’s best-kept secrets. With its warm ambiance, friendly staff, and consistently delicious food and coffee, it’s no wonder this café has become a local favorite for breakfast, brunch, and casual catch-ups.
A mix of classic café fare and unique treats. Popular menu items include:
Dora’s Café is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates good food, great coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. Stop by and discover why this little café is making a big impression.
A café that’s quietly become one of Hamilton’s most celebrated coffee spots.Demi Urgos is more than just a café—it’s a destination for coffee lovers who appreciate quality, community, and a touch of artistry.
While coffee is the star, Demi Urgos also offers a satisfying menu of baked goods and light bites.
Demi Urgos is known for its unpretentious, cosy vibe making it a great spot to catch up with friends, enjoy a solo coffee break, or even work remotely.
Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a great café in Hamilton, Demi Urgos is a must-visit.
Hamilton’s dessert scene just got a whole lot sweeter with the arrival of Kori Desserts, a vibrant new café on Ward Street that’s serving up a delicious mix of Korean-inspired treats and Instagram-worthy creations. Since opening early July 2025, it’s quickly become a go-to destination for anyone with a sweet tooth—and for good reason.
Kori Desserts specialises in Asian-style sweets, with a focus on Korean and Japanese flavors. Their menu features a mouthwatering selection of:
Prices range from $11 to $28, with generous portions designed to be shared—though you might want to keep them all to yourself!
Every dish at Kori Desserts is a visual delight. From the towering soufflé pancakes to the vibrant bingsu bowls. If you are looking for a dessert that tastes as good as it looks, this is the place to be.
Rocket Coffee Roasters has long been a local favorite for coffee lovers. But in 2025, this humble café made international headlines—ranked 62nd in the world on a prestigious list of top coffee shops. Rocket Coffee is the only New Zealand café to earn a spot on the global stage.
Rocket isn’t just a café—it’s a coffee destination. Co-owner Glen Crompton describes it as a place where the focus is purely on coffee. No food, no distractions—just expertly roasted beans and beautifully crafted drinks.
Beyond the beans, Rocket is deeply rooted in the Hamilton community. They highlight the farmers behind each coffee, support sustainable practices, and create a space where locals feel at home. As Crompton puts it:
“We let the coffees tell their story and their own flavours... This ranking is a reflection of the hard work and commitment to quality that we put into every cup.”
Whether you're a seasoned coffee connoisseur or just looking for your next great brew, Rocket Coffee Roasters is a must-visit in Hamilton. Come for the coffee, stay for the story—and experience one of the world’s best right here in Aotearoa.
Tucked away on Ward Street in the heart of Hamilton Central, La Promesse Bakehouse is a delightful bakery that’s quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Ling and Richard, this boutique bakehouse is all about quality, craftsmanship, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pastries.
La Promesse is known for its handcrafted pastries, made fresh daily with premium ingredients and a whole lot of love. Their display cabinet is a visual feast, often filled with:
Whether you're a pastry connoisseur or just love a good croissant, La Promesse Bakehouse is a must-visit in Hamilton.
If you're looking for bold flavors, festive vibes, and a true taste of Mexico in the heart of Hamilton, El Mexicano Zapata Cantina is your go-to destination.This lively cantina brings the spirit of Mexico to the Waikato with colorful décor, handcrafted cocktails, and a menu packed with authentic street food favorites.
El Mexicano Zapata serves up a delicious array of traditional Mexican dishes, including:
They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, making it a welcoming spot for all dietary preferences.
There wide selection of drinks include these favourites:
Whether you're a taco lover, a tequila enthusiast, or just in the mood for a fun night out, El Mexicano Zapata Cantina delivers a fiesta every time. Come hungry, leave happy—and don’t forget to try the churros!
If you're craving bold flavors, vibrant spices, and the comforting warmth of Southeast Asian cuisine, look no further than Penang Street Food in Hamilton. This restaurant brings the soul of Malaysian street food to the Waikato with a menu that’s as rich in culture as it is in taste.
Penang Street Food is inspired by the bustling hawker stalls of Penang, Malaysia. The restaurant blends traditional Malay recipes with a modern dining experience, offering dishes that speak to heritage, family, and flavor.
Some of their standout menu items include:
They also offer vegetarian options, crispy snacks like curry puffs and wontons, and refreshing Malaysian drinks like 100 Plus and A&W Root Beer.
Located in the heart of Hamilton’s vibrant dining district, Iguana Street Bar & Restaurant is a local favorite known for its relaxed atmosphere, creative menu, and unbeatable weekly specials. Whether you're after a casual dinner, a night out with friends, or a hearty Sunday roast, Iguana delivers every time.
With a different dining in deal every day of the week. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
Monday - $20 Large pizzas.
Tuesday - Date night, dessert cocktails and dessert night $9.50 single and $16.50 share
Wednesday - $1.50 Chicken wings.
Thursday - All you can eat ribs.
Friday - $31 From the Grill.
Saturday – Platters Day
$36 -Entrée platter
$55- Mix grill platter
$28 – Dessert platter
Sunday - $31.50 Roast
Iguana is also a popular venue for birthdays, staff parties, and private functions, with flexible catering options and a space full of character.
Located in the historic Waikato Brewery Building, which dates back to 1887, Chim Choo Ree is a culinary gem that blends New Zealand and European cuisine with sophistication and flair. Since opening its doors in 2011, the restaurant has become a staple of Hamilton’s fine dining scene, known for its elegant atmosphere, creative dishes, and memorable dining experiences.
Chim Choo Ree menu is a combination of seasonal ingredients, local produce, and refined techniques, resulting in a menu that’s as dynamic as it is delicious.
Chim Choo Ree host exclusive dining events including their French Nights – A six-course tasting menu paired with French wines, celebrating the elegance of French cuisine.
Set in a beautifully restored heritage building, the ambiance at Chim Choo Ree is both intimate and stylish. The interior features warm lighting, elegant décor, and a layout that encourages relaxed conversation and connection.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night of fine food and wine, Chim Choo Ree offers a dining experience that’s both elevated and welcoming.
Palate Restaurant stands out as a beacon of innovation, flavor, and hospitality. Founded in 2005 by award-winning chef Mat McLean, Palate has grown from a modest 45-seater into one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed restaurants, now located in the stylish SkyCity Hamilton complex on Victoria Street.
Mat McLean is regarded as one of New Zealand’s top chefs. A graduate of Waikato Polytechnic, Mat honed his skills in prestigious kitchens across London—including Michelin-starred restaurants Leith and The Capital Hotel—before heading to Melbourne, where he served as Head Chef at Middle Brighton Baths.
Returning to Hamilton in 2004, Mat saw an opportunity to bring Melbourne’s relaxed, high-quality dining vibe to his hometown. He opened Palate in early 2005, and despite a rocky start, quickly built a loyal following through his commitment to seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and technically refined cooking.
Venues across the country are firing up their grills and melting their best ingredients between two slices of golden bread. Let the cheesy, crunchy, pickle-packed pilgrimage begin.
Participating central city venues:
@frankfoodnz - McClure's Pickleback Short Rib Focaccia
@furnacesteakhouse - Lord of the Rinds - Matt’s Pork Scotch Bacon Melt
@joesgaragenz - Schnitz & Giggles
@keystonehamilton - Lamb and Chorizo Smash Toastie
Check out the toasties on The Great NZ Toastie Takeover website in the comments below...they look so unbelievably cheesy and delicious!
Only for a limited time!
©HamiltonCentralBusinessAssociation
