Ten Standout Maori-Owned Eateries in Tamaki Makaurau to Try During Te Matatini Festival 2023

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Revel in the magical sights and sounds of Te Matatini this month as Tāmaki Makaurau comes alive for the pinnacle kapa haka event of the year. From Wednesday, February 22 till Saturday, February 25, the prestigious Māori performing arts festival is being hosted at Ngā Ana Wai (Eden Park) — and if there's one thing that goes hand in hand with this cultural extravaganza, it's kai kakato (delicious food).

Together with Whāriki, the largest Māori business network in Aotearoa, we've compiled a list of some proudly tāngata whenua-owned and -operated eateries you simply must try when you're around for the festival — or simply eating out in the city at any time.

Haere mai ki te kai!

MT ATKINSON COFFEE

Purveyors of incredibly good coffee, Emily Parsons (Ngāpuhi, Ngātiwai, Ngāti Pūkenga) and Jacob Parsons are the duo at the helm of West Auckland roastery and coffee shop Mt Atkinson Coffee. Not only do they hold the key to a seriously good brew, but they also serve a menu of toasty, tasty bagels in flavour combos sure to tickle every whānau member's fancy. Are you partial to the Titirangi (smoked salmon, capers, red onion, cream cheese and dill) or the Te Atatū (whipped feta, basil pesto and tomato)? The Oratia (bacon and egg with aioli, cheese and chipotle relish) is our current go-to but don't let us sway you, you need to check out the Mt Atkinson Coffee shop for yourself.

Mt Atkinson Coffee, 44B Portage Road, New Lynn

BEAU

Nestled in Te Rimu Tahi (Ponsonby), this charming neighbourhood restaurant owned by Diva Tiopera Giles (Ngāti Whatua) and Logan Birch is as relaxed as it is refined. Owing to its size and friendly vibes, Beau is known for being cosy, making it ideal for intimate catch ups over shared plates. But don't skip on their gorgeous upstairs dining room, it's perfect for large groups. 

While the food offering changes to reflect an innate celebration of seasonal produce, the insanely tasty Freaky Fried Chicken (a nod to their previous hole-in-the-wall locale, Freaky) always features on the menu and is a must. The oysters, smoked lamb ribs and ceviche aren't to be missed either. Āe, their moreish dishes and exceptional selection of wine will make you eager to return, but it's also Beau's sense of community that will stay with you long after you've left the table.

Beau, 265 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

SMOKIN COLE BBQ

When we heard that owner Croydon Cole (Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāpuhi) once worked as a private chef for Richard Branson, we thought: say less! However, Smokin Cole BBQ is world famous in Tāmaki Makaurau for far more than its head chef's impressive celebrity resume — the heavenly menu of low 'n' slow meats and complementary sides attract a crowd all on their own.

If you want to know what's good... well, it's all good. All of it. Finger-licking, melt-in-your-mouth, I'm-full-but-I-can't-stop kind of good. When you tuck into those succulent and sticky Asian ribs, you'll understand why they're a favourite. The truffle mac and cheese? Iconic. The beef cheeks? Out of this world. Bring the whānau, bring your mates — heck, bring the whole kapa haka group* (but make sure to book), and make an afternoon of it as you tuck into some of the very best BBQ Aotearoa has to offer.

Smokin Cole BBQ, 108 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn

COCO'S CANTINA

It's no secret that after 13 years in business, Renee Coulter's (Ngāti Kahu) Karangahape establishment Coco's Cantina has still got it. 'It' being a vivacious atmosphere; honest, homestyle Mediterranean-inspired food; and a happy hour unmatched in value and good times. Even after all these years, if you're going in a large group, you're best to book. When it comes to the kai, we recommend starting with the arancini and polenta fries — they're favourites for good reason.

While Coco's may be dependable (a Tāmaki Makaurau classic if you will), it's anything but boring. The cantina embraces you, feeds you, and fills your soul with joy. So whether you're going for a romantic date or a wholesome whānau feed, trust us when we say no matter how full you feel you'll still want the last bite.

Coco's Cantina, 376 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD

HOMELAND

Celebrate the finest sustainable producers and seasonal kai from Aoteroa and the Pacific at chef Peter Gordon's (Ngāti Kahungunu) revered restaurant and food embassy, Homeland. Gazing out to the waterfront setting of Te Routu o Ureia (Westhaven Marina), this spot is far more than another hit bistro under the esteemed chef's apron — it's a cafe, cooking school and events space too. It's here that Gordon is redefining modern Aotearoa cuisine.

Whether you're stopping by for coffee and brunch with friends on a bluebird day, settling in for a long whānau lunch in the garden marquee or enjoying a romantic seated dinner late into the evening, the dishes at Homeland change often, sometimes even weekly. It's this fact that makes for the perfect excuse to return time and again, hoping to see pāua or hāngi on the menu.

Homeland, 11 Westhaven Drive, Auckland CBD

BLUE ROSE

Yes, this is the place with the unmissable blue storefront (that you've probably seen all over your TikTok For You page). Wholesome, home-cooked Māori and Pasifika kai is at the heart of Blue Rose, a central-Auckland cafe owned by Lenny Stevens (Ngāti Porou) and Robbie Kainuku. Think lu'au and taro, oka/ika mata and mussel fritters reminiscent of whānau gatherings. But it's Blue Rose's "world famous pies" that — as the name would suggest — they're best known for. With buttery, flaky pastry encasing hearty fillings of hāngi, boil up, smoked fish, and palusami (among others), you honestly can't go wrong. But we certainly recommend going with a friend — that way you can have a try of their pick too.

Blue Rose, 414 Sandringham Road, Sandringham

MORELL BISTRO

The kind of suburban bistro and bar every local wishes they had on their doorstep, Morell is the culmination of not one but two seasoned careers in hospitality. At the helm of this beautifully executed restaurant is ex-SPQR husband-and-wife duo, Daniel (Tainui) and Sarah Morini who work as head chef and maître'd respectively — and bring a modern Italian-style menu and a kauapapa Māori approach to their much-loved Remuera spot. There's nothing better than dropping by Morell to enjoy a drink and snack al fresco on a sunlit afternoon… except perhaps coming hungry, sharing their exceptional kai with your favourite people and, of course, saving room for dessert.

Morell Bistro, 91/95 Upland Road, Remuera

HARLAN PEPPER FOOD CO.

Every neighbourhood needs an eatery serving delicious food and strong coffee, with a vibrant fit-out and personality to match. Enter two-time award-winning cafe owner Hemi Gibson's (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Wairere, Te Kauae) latest spot Harlan Pepper, situated just a hop, skip and jump away from the heart of Kingsland. Originally hailing from Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), Gibson set out to deliver a locale in Tāmaki Makaurau that was inspired by travel. With delicious dishes like Vietnamese squid salad and brisket tacos, it's safe to say he's nailed it.

Harlan Pepper Food Co., 317 New North Road, Kingsland

GROOVE BAR

Picture this: great bevs, good vibes, tasty food and the sweet nostalgic sound of old school 90s RnB tunes. It was just what Tāmaki Makaurau was missing before Bailey Mackey (Ngāti Porou) opened the doors to Groove Bar in 2021.

No diggity, no doubt, Groove Bar is the place to get your kanikani on — but if dancing isn't your thing, fear not. The menu alone will be enough to entice you, so come with friends or bring the whole whānau to share plates from the mouthwatering Asian-fusion menu (chilli caramel pork belly bao, we're looking at you). And while you soak up the atmosphere, we recommend ordering one of the fine cocktails too; the Nesian Girl, a concoction of vodka, passionfruit, white chocolate, coconut and grapefruit, has our heart if not for the name alone.

Groove Bar, 487 New North Road, Kingsland

Tim D. Film

PINK NEON SIGN

Pay a visit to Rosie Russell's (Ngāti Hine) central Tāmaki Makaurau coffee shop and you'll be greeted by a lofty space splashed with chic touches of pink — certainly adding a welcome touch of vibrancy to an otherwise concrete playground. And that's before you've had the chance to sipped one of the perfectly poured flat whites or excellently steeped cold brews.

Not only is Pink Neon Sign here to deliver good tunes and even better kawhe, they also serve the roasty goodness that is Eighthirty beans, offering to grind them to your requirements.  Talk about a hidden inner-city gem.

Pink Neon Sign, 35 High Street, Auckland CBD

The Te Matatini Festival hits Tāmaki Makaurau from Wednesday, February 22 till Saturday, February 25. For more information, head to the website. Whāriki thanks The Auckland Council whanau for their support and partnership for this feature.

This piece was written with the support of Whāriki and The Auckland Council whānau. Whāriki is a Māori business network connecting Māori in business from across the motu. If you are a Māori business owner or want to learn more about the Māori business community, head to the website.