What should I order at Aqaba?
Aqaba
Fried Chicken
Mentioned multiple times as delicious and part of a popular platter, highlighting it as a standout dish.
Turkish Pizza
Specifically noted for being very good and authentic, making it a recommended choice.
Aqaba Platter
Recommended for sharing, includes calamari, pork belly, fried chicken, breads, spreads, and dips; praised for variety and portion size.
Calamari
Frequently mentioned as a favorite item, included in the Aqaba platter and separately praised for quality.
Chips/Fries/Wedges
Commonly ordered side dishes noted for good quality and portion size, despite one mention of slightly over-salted chips.
Sundaes (Kids Meals)
Mentioned as a hit with children, indicating a good dessert option for families.
Open Steak Schnitzel Sammy
Described as delicious and well-proportioned, making it a solid main choice.
Yatai Chicken Curry
Praised for quick service and flavor, recommended for those seeking flavorful curry.
Chocolate Brownie
Highlighted as the best by one reviewer, a must-try dessert.
Soft Poached Eggs and Crispy Rosti (Breakfast)
Breakfast praised for quality and taste, specifically the soft poached eggs and crispy rosti.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 to 9 PM |
About Aqaba
Aqaba is a family restaurant in Palmerston North, New Zealand, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. It offers a casual, cozy, and trendy dine-in setting with outdoor seating, a bar, and reservations recommended for busy meal times. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly service, generous portions, and welcoming atmosphere. Popular dishes mentioned often include pork belly, buttermilk chicken, fish and chips, creme brulee, bao buns, and seafood chowder.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Live music
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
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- 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 street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Aqaba known for?
Aqaba is especially known for pork belly, buttermilk chicken, and fish and chips, with reviewers also calling out seafood chowder and creme brulee. People often mention the generous portions and friendly service as part of why these dishes stand out.
What dishes are most recommended at Aqaba?
Reviewers most often recommend the pork belly, buttermilk chicken, fish and chips, and the Aqaba platter, which can include calamari, pork belly, fried chicken, breads, spreads, and dips. The birria tacos, Philly cheesesteak, and seafood chowder also come up as strong picks, with comments about bold flavor and good portion size.
What is the atmosphere like at Aqaba?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, with a nice design aesthetic, plenty of space between tables, and a warm, well-heated dining room. It suits groups and families well, and reviewers also mention it works for solo visits and relaxed date nights.
Is Aqaba good value, and what is the price range?
Aqaba is in the NZ$20–60 range, and reviewers often say the prices feel reasonable for the portion sizes. Several comments mention generous servings, especially for lunch and shared platters, though some mains are described as a little small compared with the starters and desserts.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba?
Lunch can get busy, and reservations are recommended for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Reviewers also note that the staff communicate well about wait times during large bookings, so it is a good idea to plan ahead if you are coming with a group.
Is parking available at Aqaba?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Aqaba have vegetarian options?
Yes, Aqaba offers vegetarian options.
Is Aqaba kid-friendly?
Yes, Aqaba is good for kids.
Restaurants like Aqaba in Palmerston North
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