Takaka’s Tasty Treasures: Top 5 Food & Drink Spots
Takaka, a bit like the heart of Golden Bay in New Zealand, is that kind of spot where the scenery takes your breath away and the community just has this friendly, welcoming vibe. That’s so very true! Beyond the postcard views, Takaka actually has a thriving food and drink scene that’s almost bursting with local flavors and creative culinary takes. From comfy cafes dishing out smooth coffee to restaurants showcasing fresh seafood, there’s always something yummy to discover around every corner. Looking for places with breathtaking views? Takaka has got you covered! We are going to check out five spots in Takaka that you won’t want to miss. Each one has a unique atmosphere and a taste of what makes this place special.
1. The Mussel Inn: A Takaka Institution
The Mussel Inn is basically an icon. Really! If you’re going to Takaka, it’s almost mandatory that you stop here. Nestled a bit in the countryside, it’s so that type of rustic pub that feels like it’s been there forever, even though, well, maybe it hasn’t quite been *that* long. The big draw? Apart from its vibe, which just shouts ‘relax and stay a while,’ it’s all about their freshly brewed beers. I mean, they’re famous for it! Like, properly known across the area. They use local ingredients, you see, including hops grown right there on the property. I was talking to a local recently. They described their unique beers as, and I quote, “liquid gold.”
Now, if beer isn’t quite your thing, fear not! That’s true! They’ve also got a hearty menu that features dishes loaded with, you guessed it, mussels. And that makes sense, it’s in the name. I often see folks munching away on big bowls of steamed mussels while listening to some local musicians playing tunes. It is so quite the atmosphere! In summer, the place is always packed, yet still, there’s space for everyone to feel comfortable. Think of it as a little festival happening every day! Families, travelers, locals—all hanging out, soaking up the easy-going vibes. The location of Mussel Inn in Takaka allows you to connect with like-minded people over a hot plate.
2. Anatoki Salmon: Catch Your Own Lunch
Want an experience that’s both fun and delicious? Then, seriously, check out Anatoki Salmon. It’s a salmon farm where you can, literally, catch your own lunch. Really! It’s slightly outside Takaka township, but the trip is seriously worth it for a super memorable afternoon. So how does it work? Pretty easy! They’ll give you a rod and all the gear, and then you get to fish in their ponds which, by the way, are teeming with big, gleaming salmon. Once you catch one, they’ll actually clean and prepare it for you. This salmon can be prepared right on site! You get to select how.
You can then either take your catch away with you or you can have it cooked right there in their cafe. It tends to be that simple! And when I say cooked, I mean, wow! They grill it, they smoke it; I’ve even seen them turn it into sashimi. That’s totally up to you! They also have other, somewhat simple options, of course, like salmon burgers and salmon salads, just in case the whole fishing thing feels like a bit much. By the way, they’re well known to cook the fish just as you like. While you’re chowing down, that is, don’t miss the gorgeous setting, it’s almost picture perfect with water views and all those serene green surroundings. Anatoki Salmon brings people from far and wide.
3. The Dangerous Kitchen: Sweet Treats and Savory Delights
Don’t let the name freak you out; The Dangerous Kitchen is anything but actually dangerous! In fact, it’s almost super delightful, with so much of that being thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and, like, seriously yummy food. I think it’s perfectly positioned in the core of Takaka, just a short walk from the local shops! It means that, like, whether you’re after a light snack or you are wanting something more substantial, it’s an easy stop on your travels! What makes it kinda neat is that their menu tends to have a lot of variety. Yet, you may have already anticipated this.
They have super tasty wood-fired pizzas, loaded with fresh ingredients (a bit yummy), along with cabinets of homemade cakes and slices. Sweet things galore! I spotted a carrot cake I really wanted just this last Tuesday when I passed by there! Locals enjoy this a lot! The coffee, too, actually tends to be top-notch, which is pretty awesome if you want a break after checking out all the local sites. What tends to bring people back to this place is probably the mix of the tasty treats and a very cool setting. It really does have a very homey feel. You will be excited about all the delicious recipes and what they offer to customers here at The Dangerous Kitchen.
4. Roots Bar: Relaxed Vibes and Great Music
If you are trying to look for a bit of a chill spot with some music and just a cool overall vibe, Roots Bar might be the thing for you! Now this is a pretty fun establishment, and what makes this great bar truly shine is the very chilled environment combined with very well-picked live music, giving that place an easy going fun experience. Located pretty much near Takaka, its like there’s always music playing so that you can let loose! You can dance like no one is watching! Also, its known for all of its fun weekly programs too, this place seems to attract locals and travelers of every variety to get together to make the party even more enjoyable. The people that come really want to relax.
While all that entertainment is available its probably worth noting their pretty fantastic food. I would suggest getting some of the local and even foreign selections so you can be reminded about your culture even as you listen to the great local artists sing to the dancing crowd. Roots bar is great cause there is no dress code so whether you are trying to impress with fancy clothes or you wanna show off that tourist outfit, roots bar will pretty much appreciate you regardless. I think that for visitors looking to absorb Takaka after hours scene while enjoying well sourced food and having musical talent for talent then you could come here and be blown away. Roots Bar’s cool staff and very friendly clients do not dissapoint, in my own opinion! Check their site for when artists play at night.
5. Golden Bay Motels & Apartments : The Old Fire Station Restaurant & Bar
Housed in Takaka’s Golden Bay Motels & Apartments historic Old Fire Station, their Restaurant & Bar really combines heritage with modern tastes and what makes it great for you and your crew is just how much of an effort the friendly and accomodating staff put to create this cool cozy and just honestly really inviting experience that does really do the Fire Station justice. A lot of people may ask; But why the name? and thats fair. This place is not actually really even active and just sits next to takaka so don’t expect much in the ways of blazing excitement. This place features very fancy architecture with great looking old tools. When its so close to other landmarks, its really obvious to spend some time here and eat! Really neat history makes this place awesome, not to mention just how amazing the workers are to assist you on your quest of food!
From there selection they have a couple local takes and various meals to offer to your pleasure. Whats kinda neat is they offer to do meals for any and all dietary requirements and I personally really appreciate when workers make sure to check in with me constantly to make sure everything tastes just as expected and everything else I might require for a very delicious meal. As far as experiences with eating with other members and getting suggestions from staff, The Old Fire Station is my favourite for eating! Look through what this awesome restaraunt can offer!