+ Beautiful food. Lots of seating areas to choose from. Reasonable pricing. Pleasant music. - Water glasses were either dirty or stained, we couldn’t tell which. The ordering app was a little dodgy so be careful. Limoncello cocktail extremely sour (like duh yes but this was crazy sour). Sauce bottles all needed a good clean.
Overview
If you’re looking for a dining experience that combines vibrant atmosphere, delicious meals, and a stunning location, The Island at 20 Domain Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga, New Zealand, is the place to be. Nestled near the scenic Papamoa Beach, this restaurant offers not only amazing food but also a relaxed yet modern ambiance that makes it a perfect spot for both casual diners and those seeking a special night out.
From the moment you walk in, the inviting warmth of The Island creates a comfortable and welcoming vibe. The restaurant’s design strikes a perfect balance between contemporary chic and beachside charm, with natural elements that echo the surrounding environment. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a meal with friends, the atmosphere here encourages you to unwind and enjoy every bite.
The menu at The Island is a reflection of New Zealand’s fresh, local ingredients, expertly crafted into dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. The food ranges from fresh seafood options like locally caught fish and shellfish to hearty meals like steak and gourmet burgers. Vegetarians will also find a great selection of plant-based options that are just as flavorful and satisfying as their meat counterparts. The chefs at The Island take pride in using only the finest seasonal ingredients, ensuring that each dish is not only fresh but also packed with rich flavors.
One of the standout dishes is the pan-seared snapper, which is known for its tender, flaky texture and perfectly seasoned crust. It’s accompanied by a tangy citrus-infused salad, which pairs beautifully with the fish. For those with a heartier appetite, the grilled ribeye steak, paired with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, never fails to impress. Each dish at The Island is carefully presented, showcasing the chef’s attention to detail and passion for culinary excellence.
In addition to its food, The Island boasts a fantastic selection of wines, many of which are sourced from local vineyards. Whether you’re a fan of a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a smooth Pinot Noir, the knowledgeable staff is always on hand to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal. The cocktail menu is also worth noting, with an array of creative drinks that complement the laid-back vibe of the beachside location.
The service at The Island is exceptional. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations or ensure that your dining experience is seamless. The casual yet professional approach makes you feel at ease, as though you are a guest in someone’s home. Whether you’re visiting for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the service here enhances the overall experience, ensuring that every guest feels well taken care of.
Reviews from customers consistently praise The Island for its combination of great food, friendly service, and beautiful surroundings. Many visitors mention the stunning views of the beach, which add an extra layer of enjoyment to their meals. The outdoor seating area is perfect for enjoying the fresh ocean breeze, and if you time it right, you might even get a glimpse of the sunset as you dine.
The location of The Island couldn’t be more ideal. Situated just a short stroll from Papamoa Beach, it’s the perfect place to stop after a day in the sun or a walk along the shore. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Tauranga, this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience that showcases the best of New Zealand’s cuisine and hospitality.
For those looking to host an event or celebrate a special occasion, The Island offers a range of private dining options. The spacious layout can accommodate groups of various sizes, and the team is happy to work with you to create a tailored experience that suits your needs. With its blend of fantastic food, excellent service, and unbeatable location, The Island stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable meal by the sea.
If you haven’t yet visited The Island, make sure to add it to your list next time you’re in Tauranga. It’s a dining experience you won’t soon forget.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fireplace âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Live musicPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Late-night food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Counter service âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ Tourists âś“ University studentsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPets
âś“ Dogs allowedPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1615 reviews
Absolutely fantastic experience. The place was very busy when we arrived, but the staff still managed to quickly find us a table without any fuss. We were served immediately and both drinks and food came out in under 10 minutes, which was impressive given how full it was. The little details stood out too. Drink glasses were properly chilled, service was sharp and friendly, and everything felt well organised. This place is noticeably better since coming under new ownership compared to our last visit. You can tell there’s been a real lift in standards across the board. We’ll definitely be back
Beefy T burger was really good and also the lemonade. Chicken burger was also really good. Food was hot and fresh. Wait time wasn’t too long but it really does depend on the amount of people there
We dined with a family of seven and they had something for all ages 70 to 9. Absolutely 5 out of 5 stars with excellent service and amazing food. The brioche bread and potatoes (both sides) were incomparable. Everything we were served was absolutely excellent.
Highly recommend the island. The food is always on point the staff and customer service is actually 6 star worthy. Had the platter yesterday. Sensational, pork ribs, sausage, pork belly and lamb loin chops with amazing sides…. SENSATIONAL!
Enjoyed the overall atmosphere with indoor and outdoor options. However found the service lacked luster. Food came out quick and was pretty good for the prices. Good pub food. Originally ordered fries with the burgers which the server clearly did not pick up so we had to go up a 2nd time to finish the order. Overall was a good experience. Would go again.
Great BBQ platter, the pizza was amazing finished off with a really good passion fruit cider, awesome family/beach atmosphere. Had to go back to try the burgers and wings the next day and dem burgers aren't your biggest, but damn they are delicious and priced well. Wings had a nice crunch as well.