Tonic
$$$$
Fodor's choice
This eatery draws diners with cuisine that fuses fresh local produce with an international flair. The local love for Tonic is intense, so be prepared to wait for a table.
1 Best Restaurant in Northland and the Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Sorry! We don't have any recommendations for Northland and the Bay of Islands right now.
Seafood abounds in the north with scallops and oysters farmed throughout the region, though occasional sewerage scares and algae blooms put them off-limits. Snapper and kingfish are available year-round, and marlin and broad-bill swordfish are abundant between January and June.
The region prides itself on its local produce, and with more skillful chefs arriving in the region, the restaurant food has improved.
People eat earlier in Northland than in the cities, with restaurants filling around 7. Dress is casual—jeans are acceptable in all but the most upscale lodges. From May through September, many restaurants close or reduce their opening hours, some to four nights a week. October sees regular hours resume.
