We came on Wednesday and were served by Luka. He did a fantastic job, was attentive and friendly!
I am gluten free and was impressed with the variety of options, I went for the GF fish and chips which was delicious and my mom the pesto gnocci.
Overall was a lovely meal and would definitely return! 😊
There were not specific information regarding gluten free/ dairy free options, any fried food is not on offer, chips/fries, calamari are not gluten free, they cook everything in the same fryer. Fish and chips were completely off the menu. I ordered the beef burger gluten-free, dairy free. It was a sandwich ,not a burger this was never specified at time of ordering. I told them I can't have the cheese and yet my order came out with it, so I had to wait for them to rectify this. Cocktails were amazing but never come here with allergies. I did not choose these allergies, and yet I felt so embarrassed. I only had to pay $20 an $8 discount because I was unhappy and complained. Not happy at all
We're usually in too much of a hurry when we visit Whangarei to take time out in a cafe but yesterday the conditions were right and we ducked in for a light lunch. We both loved this small, friendly cafe and especially the super-strong coffee. The oat milk latte was superb. We didn't have time to order one of their main meals (another time...) but chose from the cabinet: a taco wrap and a veg muffin. Each of these came with accompanying sauces and my wife commented on how usually 'vegetable muffins' means the tiniest sliver of vegetable matter amongst all the gluten, but at the Dragonfruit Cafe it was packed full of veg and very filling. My taco wrap was in two pieces and also very filling. I'm not a big fan of "fake" meat (in this case a kind of vegan mince) and I much prefer beans but it was tasty enough to meet requirements and kept me going all afternoon. I prefer a little more "zing" to my food and perhaps there could have been some lemon seasoning or a bit of spice, but perhaps my tastebuds were just having an off day. Regardless, highly recommended and I'm looking forward to trying some of the other menu items.
A warm and inviting cafe beside the city marina surrounded by a number of cafes and next door to a museum and short walk to the Kauri Clock Museum. Good selection of gluten free food.
I love coming here as someone who has coeliac disease. There are lots of yummy gluten free options and even a gluten free menu. Thank you for providing a range for coeliac sufferers that includes more than lettuce and fruit!
A must-visit in Russell!
After a day at the beach, my wife, our friend, our two kids (9 and 5), and I stopped by Hone’s Garden, and it was absolutely phenomenal. We ordered the barbecue chicken pizza, a gluten-free pizza, and the garlic herb pizza bread with added mozzarella—all were delicious. The salads (Greek, Caprese, and pear) were fresh and flavorful, and the dozen oysters, served simply with a wedge of lemon, were fantastic.
The drink options were equally impressive—a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a microbrew rounded out the meal perfectly. The service was excellent—the staff were attentive, answered all our questions, and went out of their way to address our friend's gluten-free concerns.
Hone’s Garden is the perfect blend of great food, drinks, and friendly service in a beautiful setting. We’ll definitely be coming back, and it’s a must-stop if you’re in Russell!
Amazing cafe in kaitaia - wonderful food and smoothies, big outdoor space with games available for kids and adults. On par with any Auckland cafe! Vegan, vege and gluten free options available
The vegan salad was delicious and didn't need the haloumi I added. It was healthy, satisfying, and would have been great on its own. The salted caramel almond slice was also good, and it was gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free. The lemon honey was amazing, especially since I asked for a super strong one and got extra lemon honey ginger syrup and hot water. The staff was friendly. I also found a nice treat for myself at the crystal shop nearby that closes at 1pm.
I have recently found out that I’m gluten and dairy intolerant and a special thank you to the staff that assisted in making my food delicious. I’ve been there several times now and will go again 🙂
Great place for breakfast. They have eggs bene a number of ways and a full counter of baked goods, egg frittata muffins, breakfast sandwiches (including gluten free and keto options). Coffee was excellent and friendly service. Plus the view is pretty spectacular!
Go back in the afternoon for cake, scones and naughty but nice treats
We were blown away by the service we received when we visited. Our daughter has coeliac disease and the staff were super helpful explaining what she could and couldn't eat. When her pizza was a little late coming out, we were given updates to say it was not far away. Everything tasted great and the restaurant filled up while we were there but this didn't mean a drop in the attention we received.
We had originally planned to just get takeaway pizzas and eat on the beach but we're glad we chose to eat in instead. We will definitely be back.
Excellent friendly service from the minute we walked in. Really yummy meals and good gluten free options. Our visit was made even better by our fantastic waiter! Can't wait to come back next time we're in Whangārei.
Amazing service, great food choices including lots of gluten free options and even a little play corner with toys for the kids. Thanks to the lovely friendly staff and chefs who made our brunch perfect 👌🏽
Very good experience at Charlotte’s kitchen. Staff were friendly, atmosphere was great (but very busy) and the food came out fast and was delicious. Highly recommend getting at least one pizza!
The best thing is that they take food allergies seriously. The menu is labeled (eg gluten free, dairy free, vegan etc) so you know what’s what. And the staff always ask the kitchen if you have any further questions.
Definitely recommend this place if anyone in the family has dietary restrictions.
Very friendly staff, delicious and nutritious food, and reasonably priced. Caters to dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegans as well. Lovely spot to stop for a coffee, smoothie, or meal in the town centre. Will definitely be back!
Great little cafe for Gluten Free dining. Lots of GF choices. Their waffles are not GF but they can make the French toast GF. I ordered a shrimp and avocado salad and it was such a treat to eat GF battered shrimp. It was very tasty
Aqua Restaurant and Bar (In the Hundertwasser Art Centre)
81 Dent Street, Whangārei 0110, New Zealand
Gluten-free options
BreakfastLunchDinnerBrunchDeliveryTake AwayPet FriendlyOutdoor SeatingKid FriendlyRestaurantOpen Late
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Shondell
My family had a really nice brunch here! The menu is pretty inclusive with lots of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. I forgot to take a photo of my meal for the review but I got the vegan spiced mushroom dish and it was so nice! I also had fries with vegan aioli and a flat white with oat milk - also really good! The service was a little chaotic being very busy and a relatively new cafe, so even the staff are still learning what the menu items are - but everyone was super friendly.
Just love ❤️ coming here while in Whangārei.
Had lunch the other week, and every order came out on point.
There was special gluten / no onion , and some I won't mention special requests.
I myself love the seafood chowder with extra bread. (std menu 2 piece bread ain't enough) 😁
Can be very busy at times, so it pays to call n check availability before heading off.
Also, try to get a table outside or inside the restaurant.
Can get very loud in the outside covered area
Best pho I’ve had in so long !
This place is a great place for a casual date
Highly recommend the pho beef and slow cooked special and the salted iced coffee!!! You can get this as a combo for $30 ☺️
Love that this place is available in Whangarei for gluten free / celiac people !
The spring rolls are yummy too.
Welcome back Tracee and Trish really great .The best bacon and eggs breakfast in Keri Keri .Lunch is also a real treat as well and all the old favorites are back like Yoyos,Carrot Cake and all the other sweets as well the Gluten Free.Most of all the hospitality along with the happy faces everyone's so so friendly
Ordered take out pizza on our last night in Paihia. Meat lovers and the Hawaiian. Wasn’t expecting much but was super impressed! Lovely bases, both gluten free and traditional with generous high quality toppings. On the pricier side but haven’t had many better pizzas and came out quickly. Highly recommended.
We booked the cafe to host my parents 60th Wedding Anniversary on 17/5/2025. They catered for 40 guests. The venue was perfect. It had a great atmosphere and was ideal for mixing and mingling. The food was amazing and plentiful, with both standard and gluten free options available. Many guests commented on how good the food was. The service was outstanding. Very highly recommend this cafe.
Gluten free options here, bread can be swapped out and some sweet treats on display (caramel slice and brownie). Really enjoyed the caramel slice. Also enjoyed our BLTs and coffee. Lovely people who run the Cafe too very welcoming and eager to please. Would recommend.
Excellent Indian food, especially for being in such a small town. Very friendly staff and they were especially attentive about my wife's gluten and nut allergies.
I would like to thank the owners of Authentic Flavours for being very kind and professionally food health safety conscious. Authentic Flavours can also cater according to dietary requirements. They made sure the celiac safe food dish masala dosai is all separately secured and stayed warm. We trust Authentic Flavours when it comes to celiac safe. We absolutely enjoyed the masala dosai and the gluten free okra curry was delicious. Your dishes are all always tasty and we will definitely dine in one day. I will also bring a group of ladies to dine at your place as the food is always amazing. Thank you again for filling us up with mouth-watering food and your lovely warm hospitality.