What should I order at The Fat Farmer?
The Fat Farmer
Bao Buns
Mentioned multiple times as delicious with variations including chicken and pork belly. Praised for being full of flavor, fresh, and beautifully presented, making them a standout dish.
Sticky Date Pudding
Highly recommended as the nicest dessert by one reviewer, noted for being exceptional and a must-try dessert offering at the restaurant.
Southern Fried Chicken with Kimchi and Mayo
Described as juicy and delicious, this dish stands out for its flavor and texture and is recommended by guests who enjoyed its unique taste.
Angus Beef Steak
Frequently praised as the group's favorite dish, noted for its divine flavors and textures, leaving a lasting impression on diners.
Lamb Shoulder
Recommended for its great taste, crispy exterior, and tender inside. Also mentioned alongside lamb dishes in general as a highlight of the menu.
Goats Cheese
Specifically recommended for its elevated flavor and quality, making it a memorable choice on the menu.
Watermelon Salad
Surprisingly delightful and fresh, with perfectly balanced ingredients. Called one of the best salads some reviewers have had, adding a fresh element to the meal.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4:30 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 4 to 10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 4 to 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About The Fat Farmer
The Fat Farmer is a restaurant in Palmerston North, New Zealand, serving lunch and dinner with dine-in, takeout, and outdoor seating. It is known for a share-plate style menu, with reviewers repeatedly praising lamb, lamb shoulder, goats cheese, sticky date pudding, and the sharing concept. Reviewers also consistently mention friendly, attentive service, a warm and comfortable atmosphere, and strong drink options including beer, cocktails, coffee, tea, and wine. The price range is NZ$40–100, and it is often described as a good fit for groups, though it is also used for solo dining.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is The Fat Farmer known for?
The Fat Farmer is known for its share-plate dining, especially lamb dishes like lamb shoulder and soy-braised beef cheek, plus goat’s cheese sides and desserts such as sticky date pudding. Reviewers say the food arrives in a thoughtful order and is ideal for sharing, which is a big part of the experience.
What dishes are most recommended at The Fat Farmer?
Reviewers most often highlight the soy-braised Angus Pure beef cheek, the rice cracker crust market fish with preserved lemon mayo and crispy agria potatoes, the Pine Park broccolini with whipped goat’s cheese and toasted almonds, and the crispy chicken. Lamb and lamb shoulder are also repeatedly praised, along with beef cheeks and mash.
What is the atmosphere like at The Fat Farmer?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, trendy, and upscale at the same time, with a busy bar-restaurant feel and outdoor deck seating. It suits groups well, but reviewers also mention it works for couples, family dinners, and solo dining because the share plates and service make it easy to relax.
Is The Fat Farmer good value, and what is the price range?
The Fat Farmer is in the NZ$40–100 range, and reviewers often feel the portion sizes and share-plate format make it worthwhile, especially for groups. Several comments mention generous servings and enough food to take some home, which helps the value feel stronger for dinner bookings.
Should I book ahead for dinner at The Fat Farmer?
Yes, dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations. Reviews describe it as a busy place, so booking ahead is especially useful for group dinners or weekend evenings when the share-plate menu and drinks list are in demand.
Is parking available at The Fat Farmer?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Restaurants like The Fat Farmer in Palmerston North
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city