What should I order at Social Kitchen?
Social Kitchen
Slow Roasted Shoulder of Lamb
Mentioned multiple times as tender, succulent, and very delicious, with ample portions perfect for sharing. It is highlighted for its French Southern style and pairs well with fresh vegetables.
Pork Belly
Praised for being perfectly soft, rich, and juicy. It is recommended for its care in preparation and flavor.
Steaks (Sirloin, Angus Fillet, Scotch Fillet)
Various steak cuts were highly recommended for their perfect cooking, crispy skin, tender meat, and overall phenomenal taste.
Flaming Halloumi
A small plate that is a popular shared dish, noted for being a favorite and highly recommended by multiple reviewers.
Gnocchi
Recommended alongside steak for being phenomenal and tasty, with generous portions.
Baby Peas
Surprisingly loved as a side dish, fresh and flavorful, often paired with lamb and other mains.
Carrots (Roasted or Baby Carrots)
Mentioned as amazing and delicious, complementing main dishes well.
Fish (Snapper Fish Fillet)
Noted for being cooked beautifully and tasty, a standout seafood option.
Beef Cheeks
Recommended as a main dish, paired with gnocchi and salad, with huge portions and great flavor.
Chicken Firecracker
Highlighted as a great starter with bold flavors.
Beetroot Salad
Recommended for being fresh and vibrant, providing a nice contrast to richer dishes.
Ceviche
Listed as a menu highlight and recommended small plate for its taste and freshness.
Chicken Liver
Noted as a good starter option.
Homemade Flatbread with Hummus
Described as delicious and a great starter or shared plate.
Lamb Hearts (BBQ)
Mentioned as tasty and adventurous starters.
Lemon Cheesecake
Recommended as a sweet finish, suggested to have individually.
Hours
| Monday | 5 to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 5 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 5 to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 5 to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 5 to 9 PM |
About Social Kitchen
Social Kitchen is a New Zealand restaurant in New Plymouth, New Zealand, serving lunch and dinner with dine-in and outdoor seating. The menu centers on sharing plates, large plates, and small plates, with dishes like firecracker chicken, halloumi, beef cheek, and blue cheese gnocchi appearing often in reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the flavorful food, attentive service, and atmosphere that feels relaxed, cozy, and welcoming. The restaurant also has a strong drinks program, with beer, cocktails, coffee, tea, and a wine list frequently noted.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Social Kitchen known for?
Social Kitchen is best known for its sharing-style dishes, especially firecracker chicken, halloumi, beef cheek, and blue cheese gnocchi. Reviewers also repeatedly mention large plates like lamb, sirloin, and pork belly, along with strong service and well-made drinks.
What dishes are most recommended at Social Kitchen?
Reviewers most often highlight the firecracker chicken, halloumi, beef cheek, and blue cheese gnocchi, plus large plates such as lamb, sirloin, and pork belly. Other specific dishes called out include ceviche, cauliflower small plates, beef carpaccio, chicken liver, and baked toffee custard.
What is the atmosphere like at Social Kitchen?
The atmosphere is described as warm, inviting, relaxed, and buzzing, with dim lighting and a modern steakhouse feel. It suits couples, larger groups, and people looking for a cozy but still lively dinner in New Plymouth.
Is Social Kitchen good value, and what is the price range?
Social Kitchen is priced at $$, and reviewers describe the pricing as reasonable for the quality and portion size. Several large plates are said to be ample for two people, which helps the sharing format feel good value.
Do you need a reservation at Social Kitchen, and when should you go?
Reservations are accepted and both lunch and dinner reservations are recommended, with some listing reservations as required. Because the restaurant is popular with groups and tourists, booking ahead is the safest way to avoid waiting, especially for dinner.
Is parking available at Social Kitchen?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Social Kitchen have vegetarian options?
Yes, Social Kitchen offers vegetarian options.
Restaurants like Social Kitchen in New Plymouth
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