What should I order at The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant?
The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant
Chicken Schnitzel with Mushroom Sauce and Fries
Recommended multiple times for its delicious taste and highly praised as 100% recommendable.
Seafood Chowder
Frequently mentioned as delicious with generous seafood portions and a velvety creamy sauce, making it a favorite starter or main.
Salt and Pepper Squid
Highly praised for being cooked to perfection with a unique Asian-inspired teriyaki and Japanese mayo sauce, considered the reviewers' favorite squid dish.
Pork Belly
Described as utterly outstanding with perfect jus and portion size, a standout dish among reviewers.
Steak
Mentioned multiple times as cooked perfectly, making it a reliable choice for meat lovers.
Nana's Roast
Noted for great value and delicious taste, offered as a perfect-sized lunch option.
Crispy Chicken Salad
A favorite of repeat visitors, praised for its taste and freshness.
Oxtail Stew
Described as cooked to perfection with amazing taste, recommended by returning visitors.
Seafood Extravaganza
Mentioned as a delicious and generous seafood meal, highly regarded for freshness and flavor.
Slow Braised Lamb Shank
Praised for being delicious and a hearty meal choice.
Mac & Cheese (Kids Menu)
Highly appreciated by children and parents alike for being very good and a great kids’ menu option.
Dumplings
Enjoyed by guests and recommended as a tasty menu option.
Tiramisu
Mentioned as a favorite dessert with excellent taste and presentation.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM to 9 PM |
About The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant
The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant is a restaurant in Napier, New Zealand, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It is especially known for seafood dishes, along with items like lamb shank, paua fritters, and fish and chips, and reviewers often praise the fresh food, generous portions, and views over the marina and pier. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with upstairs seating for larger groups and a setting that works for solo diners, couples, and families. Reviewers also consistently mention friendly service and good value, including a lunch roast that was noted as especially affordable.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Sports
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant known for?
It is best known for seafood, especially paua fritters, whitebait fritters, oysters on the half shell, fish and chips, seafood chowder, and seafood pasta. Reviewers also highlight the marina and pier views, plus fresh, flavorful food and generous portions.
What dishes are most recommended at The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant?
Frequently recommended dishes include the salt and pepper squid with teriyaki and Japanese mayo, the slow braised lamb shank, seafood extravaganza, chicken schnitzel with mushroom sauce and fries, and Nana's Roast. Reviewers also call out the crispy chicken salad and seafood chowder as strong choices.
What is the atmosphere like at The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with sea-faring maps and memorabilia on the walls and views onto the pier. It suits groups and family gatherings well, and reviewers also mention upstairs seating for bigger bookings and date nights.
Is The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant good value?
Yes, many reviewers say the value is strong for the NZ$30–80 price range, especially because portions are large and the seafood dishes are well liked. One lunch roast was specifically called great value at NZ$17.50, and other comments mention reasonable prices for the quality and size of the meals.
Do you need to book ahead or expect a wait at The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant?
Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner, and the upstairs room can be booked for larger groups. Some reviewers mention food arriving within a reasonable time, while others report waits of about 20 to 30 minutes for starters and longer during busy periods.
Is parking available at The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
Does The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant offers vegan options.
Is The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, The Thirsty Whale Bar & Restaurant is good for kids.
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