Discovering the best restaurants in Hastings reveals a vibrant dining scene in this Hawke’s Bay city, where fresh local produce meets inventive cooking across a range of cuisines. From Asian street food and handmade pasta to authentic Indian dishes and coastal winery experiences, these spots deliver satisfying meals for everyday dining or special occasions. Standouts like Funbuns and Sazio Pasta Bar highlight the variety available.
1Funbuns
Funbuns is a locally owned small business in central Hastings specialising in handmade bao buns and other Asian-inspired street foods designed for sharing. The menu features a variety of fillings for the steamed buns along with sharing plates and creative cocktails, drawing inspiration from cuisines across Asia. It suits groups and food adventurers looking for flavorful, casual dining with vegan and gluten-free choices available.
Services
- Handmade Gua Bao steamed buns with diverse fillings
- Sharing plates including salads, dumplings, and fried items
- Cocktails and beverages
- Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options
Highlights
- Fresh handmade steamed buns made in store
- Inspiration from street foods across Asia
- Locally owned small business
- Options for various dietary preferences and spice levels
Location & Contact
Name: Funbuns
Address: 300 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings 4122
Phone: 06 650 0185
Website: funbuns.co.nz
2Sazio Pasta Bar
Sazio Pasta Bar in Hastings is dedicated to creating a sense of fullness through hearty, handmade pasta and Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. The name means “full” and “satisfied” in Italian, reflecting their focus on generous portions and satisfying meals. It appeals to pasta lovers and those seeking authentic Italian flavors in a vibrant setting.
Services
- Handmade fresh pasta dishes
- Antipasti and starters
- Desserts
- Local wines and Italian aperitifs
Highlights
- Daily crafted pasta using Hawke’s Bay ingredients
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Curated selection of Hawke’s Bay and Italian wines
- Focus on robust flavours and local produce
Location & Contact
Name: Sazio Pasta Bar
Address: 215 Heretaunga Street East, Hastings 4122
Phone: 06 650 7717
Website: sazio.co.nz
3Star of India
Star of India provides authentic North Indian cuisine at their Hastings restaurant, offering a range of traditional dishes with options for dine-in or takeaway. The family-run establishment emphasizes bold flavors and accommodates dietary needs with vegetarian and gluten-free choices. It is ideal for families and curry enthusiasts seeking reliable, flavorful meals.
Services
- North Indian curries and tandoori dishes
- Tandoori breads and sizzling platters
- Vegetarian and gluten-free options
- Lunch specials and takeaway service
Highlights
- Authentic Indian recipes with customizable spice levels
- Two Hawke’s Bay locations including Hastings
- Generous portions and affordable options
- Fast and reliable takeaway and delivery
Location & Contact
Name: Star of India
Address: 1012 Karamu Road North, Hastings 4122
Phone: 06 878 4008
Website: starofindiabay.co.nz
4Elephant Hill
Elephant Hill is an innovative winery estate situated on the Te Awanga coast near Hastings, combining world-class winemaking with a restaurant experience featuring contemporary cuisine and stunning ocean views. The estate emphasizes seasonal local produce and pairs dishes with their acclaimed wines. It suits wine lovers and those seeking a scenic fine dining setting.
Services
- Wine tastings and cellar door sales
- Restaurant dining with seasonal menus
- Private dining and events
- Premium wine offerings
Highlights
- Coastal location with Pacific Ocean views
- Innovative winemaking on the Te Awanga estate
- Focus on local Hawke’s Bay produce
- Licensed alcohol retailer
Location & Contact
Name: Elephant Hill
Address: 86 Clifton Rd, Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay
Website: elephanthill.co.nz
5Restaurant Ari
Restaurant Ari is a neighbourhood bistro in Hastings offering bold, flavour-driven Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes rooted in local produce. It provides an elevated yet approachable dining experience suitable for lunches, dinners, and special occasions. The restaurant welcomes groups and events in its private dining space.
Services
- Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired mains and sharing plates
- Lunch and dinner service
- Private dining and events
- Catering and functions
Highlights
- Flavour-driven cooking using local Hawke’s Bay produce
- Private dining room for groups
- Reservations recommended for best experience
- Focus on innovative and tasty food
Location & Contact
Name: Restaurant Ari
Address: 103 Karamu Road South, Hastings
Phone: 06 222 7100
Website: restaurantari.co.nz
Restaurants in Hastings at a Glance
| Business | Based in | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Funbuns | Hastings | Fresh handmade steamed buns made in store |
| Sazio Pasta Bar | Hastings | Daily crafted pasta using Hawke’s Bay ingredients |
| Star of India | Hastings | Authentic Indian recipes with customizable spice levels |
| Elephant Hill | Te Awanga | Coastal location with Pacific Ocean views |
| Restaurant Ari | Hastings | Flavour-driven cooking using local Hawke’s Bay produce |
How to Choose the Right Restaurants in Hastings
- Consider the type of cuisine you prefer, whether it’s Asian fusion, Italian pasta, Indian curries, or Mediterranean flavours.
- Evaluate the location, such as central Hastings for convenience or coastal spots for scenic views.
- Check if the restaurant sources local, seasonal ingredients for fresher and more flavorful dishes.
- Look for options that accommodate dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.
- Assess suitability for your group size, whether casual sharing plates or private dining for special events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hastings Restaurants
What types of cuisine are commonly found in Hastings restaurants?
Hastings restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines including Asian fusion, Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, and contemporary New Zealand fare. The diverse food scene reflects the multicultural influences of the region and its connection to local agriculture and winemaking.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available at most Hastings restaurants?
Yes, many restaurants in Hastings cater to vegetarian and vegan diners with dedicated menu items or modifications upon request. Options are often made using local seasonal produce, making plant-based dining fresh and flavorful.
Do I need to make a reservation to dine at popular restaurants in Hastings?
It’s recommended to book ahead, especially for dinner service or weekends, as many popular eateries can fill up quickly. Making a reservation ensures you secure a spot, particularly at fine dining venues or during local events and festivals.
Is Hastings known for any regional or local foods?
Yes, Hastings is part of Hawke’s Bay, often referred to as New Zealand’s “fruit bowl” due to its rich produce and vineyards. Regional specialties often include fresh seafood, local lamb, handcrafted cheeses, and wine-friendly dishes featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Can I find family-friendly restaurants in Hastings?
Absolutely. Several restaurants in Hastings offer kid-friendly menus, relaxed atmospheres, and flexible seating for families. Many also have vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it easy to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.
What should I know about consumer rights when dining out?
Consumers have rights regarding food safety, accurate menu descriptions, and fair pricing. For more information, visit consumer.org.nz.
Where can I learn about food safety standards in New Zealand?
Food safety is regulated nationally. Check mpi.govt.nz/food-safety for official guidelines on dining and food handling.
How We Chose the Best Restaurants in Hastings
Every business in this guide was found by searching for restaurants in Hastings, then checked against its own website. Names, addresses and phone numbers are taken from the business’s own site rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what they publish themselves. We also check that each one is actually based in or genuinely serving Hastings, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business with no website of its own is not listed, because there is no primary source to verify it against.