Traditionally Mondays are a chance for our hospitality businesses to have some time off and catch up with all the other work in the business that doesn’t involve cooking.
But there are still plenty of places offering dining options on a Monday.
Amber Mathew embarked on a Monday mission to explore options around the mountain.
Waitara – Craft Coffee | Open 6:30am – 2pm M-F, 8am – 12pm Sat
A great place for a quick, yummy grab-and-go Proof & Stock coffee, light breakfast or lunch. With savoury sausage rolls and sandwiches made at the Lepperton Café, as well as sweet slices and cupcakes, my go-to is their Cubano (pulled pork, ham, and cheese dressed with mustard, pickles, and a touch of red onion on freshly baked ciabatta). They also stock a variety of Taranaki made goods like wood craft, jewellery, and the cutest tiny terrariums you’ve ever seen!
Bell Block – Dawat Indian Restaurant | Open 11am – 2pm M-F, 4:30pm – late 7 days
Does the thought of warm naan and tandoori chicken make your mouth water? This newly opened restaurant is available for dine-in and takeaway orders seven days a week, with a wide variety of flavourful Indian dishes which cater to several dietary needs and preferences. Dawat’s naan is hands-down the best I have had in Taranaki. What I love eating along with it is their amazing Kadhai chicken and perfectly spiced biriyani – both are moreish!
Inglewood – Lure Coffee, Eats, & Treats | Open 7am – 2:30pm M-F, 9am – 3pm Sun
There’s nothing better than finding a cosy café with incredible eats, a beautiful view, and a vibe that makes you want to stay – and Lure ticks all those boxes! Their raw slices, created in-house, are simply divine and are all vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto friendly. My brood went crazy for the luscious lemon slice with its creamy icing and bright, yet mellow, citrus zing. The ganache on their chocolaty peanut butter slice was oh-so-indulgent that I think my heart stopped for a second! Pair that with a cup of Escape coffee, a warm winter soup, or a tasty savoury tart and your tastebuds will be dancing on cloud nine!
Stratford – Colonel Malone’s Restaurant & Bar | Open 11am-2pm and 5pm-9am 7 days
Their menu is full of classic favourites like a tender, juicy lamb shank, Italian-inspired chicken parm, a sizzling steak, and the Kiwi staple – beer battered fish & chips. Open seven days a week, for lunch and dinner service, they also serve a variety of bar snacks throughout the day. Call ahead to book a table and indulge in their homemade cheesecake or custom cocktail list.
New Plymouth – Frederic’s Restaurant & Bar | Open 2-10pm M/Tu, 12-11pm W-Sat, 12-10pm Sun
Pub meets posh with a menu that includes several premium cuts of NZ grown meats and local Taranaki produce providers. Pick your potion out of a variety of craft beers on tap as you choose between their scrumptious teasers, burgers, steaks, and mains! Their mouth-watering Louisiana fried chicken thighs and absolutely decadent grilled mac “n” cheese are musts for me!
Oakura – Butler’s Reef | Open 12pm – late Mon – Fri; 11am – late Sat / Sun
Whether you’re dining with the fam, on a date, or just want to grab some grub and watch the game, you’ll find a spot with your name on it at Butler’s! This is one place that has it all – breakfast anytime, a kid’s menu, more than a dozen ½ size portion options (as their mains are mega sized!), and even a Monday menu special. For $20, you can have their crispy fresh fish and chips with a side salad and your choice of a beer or wine. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, a swing for the littles ones, and a pool table for big kids who still like to play.
Now you know where to go for some incredible Monday eats from one side of Taranaki to the other. So this Monday, skip the dishes and venture out to find something new and Tasty in Taranaki!
Follow @tastyintaranaki for more of the latest and greatest food to-do’s in Taranaki.