The best seafood restaurants in Gisborne make the most of a coastline that lands tarakihi, mussels, scallops and oysters close to the kitchen door. Seafood in Gisborne is best enjoyed with a view, whether that is a harbourside table on The Esplanade or a dining room above Midway Beach in Awapuni. The Wharf Bar & Grill and Tahu both put local fish and shellfish on menus built for long lunches and sunset dinners.
1The Wharf Bar & Grill
The Wharf Bar & Grill overlooks the Gisborne Inner Harbour from 60 The Esplanade, with a large alfresco area for watching the sun set over the water. Its menu has a dedicated “From the Ocean” section alongside steaks, ribs and burgers, so it suits groups where not everyone wants fish. Every meal is made in-house from scratch in an open kitchen.
Services
- Crumbed or battered tarakihi with chunky fries and tartare
- Mussels in a creamy tomato and sambuca sauce with garlic bread
- Tempura prawns, cajun humboldt squid and calamari
- Wharf Seafood Platter for 4 to 6 people, pre-order required
- Online takeaway ordering and gift vouchers
Highlights
- Rebuilt and reopened after a fire in January 2016
- Open kitchen design where diners can watch the chefs at work
- Large alfresco dining area facing the Inner Harbour
- Walk-ins welcome, with bookings recommended in peak periods
Location & Contact
Name: The Wharf Bar & Grill
Address: 60 The Esplanade, Gisborne
Phone: 06 281 0035
Website: wharfbar.co.nz
2Tahu
Tahu is a restaurant and bar at 40 Centennial Marine Drive in Awapuni, on the Midway Beach waterfront. It is a modern New Zealand restaurant rather than a dedicated seafood house, but local fish and shellfish run through its seasonal lunch and dinner menus, from oysters and scallops to a daily fish dish. The team frames the venue around honouring their tipuna (ancestors) and Te Tairāwhiti, and it suits anything from a casual beachside lunch to a group dinner.
Services
- Oysters, subject to availability
- Pan-seared scallops and fried baby calamari
- Fish ō te rā, the daily fish main, and a mango ceviche of fresh local fish
- Fish and chips with house tartare at lunch
- Set menu for groups, plus bar, lunch and dinner menus
Highlights
- Beachfront setting on Midway Beach in Awapuni
- Wine list featuring Gisborne producers such as Matawhero and Millton
- Kids bento box option for younger diners
- Bookings and walk-ins both welcome
- Open from 3pm Monday to Thursday and from 12pm for lunch Friday to Sunday
Location & Contact
Name: Tahu
Address: 40 Centennial Marine Drive, Awapuni, Gisborne 4010
Phone: 06 281 0281
Website: tahu.co.nz
How to Choose the Right Seafood Restaurant in Gisborne
- Read the current menu first: seafood dishes change with the season and the catch, and daily fish specials are common.
- Check whether large dishes such as seafood platters need to be pre-ordered before you book a group table.
- Decide on the setting you want, from a harbourside deck on The Esplanade to a beachfront dining room in Awapuni.
- Ask about dietary needs early, as gluten free and dairy free options are often available on request.
- Book ahead for Friday and Saturday evenings and summer weekends, when waterfront tables fill quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gisborne Seafood Restaurants
What seafood is commonly on the menu in Gisborne?
Expect local fish such as tarakihi, along with mussels, scallops, prawns, calamari and oysters when they are available. Many restaurants also run a fish of the day that changes with the catch.
Where are the seafood restaurants in Gisborne?
Most waterfront dining clusters around the Inner Harbour on The Esplanade, a short walk from the city centre. Further south, Awapuni has beachfront dining on Centennial Marine Drive overlooking Midway Beach.
Do I need to book a seafood restaurant in Gisborne?
Walk-ins are usually welcome, but booking is wise for weekend evenings, summer holidays and larger groups. Some shared seafood platters must be ordered in advance, so mention them when you book.
How much does a seafood meal cost in Gisborne?
Prices vary by venue and season. Seafood mains at sit-down restaurants typically cost more than a takeaway, and shared platters for a group are priced per platter, so check the current menu before you go.
Are there family friendly seafood options in Gisborne?
Yes. Many restaurants offer a kids menu with battered fish and chips, and casual lunch service is a relaxed way to enjoy seafood with children.
Can I order seafood as takeaway?
Some Gisborne restaurants offer online takeaway ordering alongside dine-in service, which is handy for platters or fish and chips at the beach.
Is it safe to gather my own shellfish around Gisborne?
Shellfish can be affected by toxic algal blooms, so check the Ministry for Primary Industries shellfish biotoxin alerts before collecting. Eating seafood at a licensed restaurant avoids that risk.