Pasta & More at a Davenport (Wait, Devenport!) Old-School Café

Every time I hang out with this friend, we hit the same snag: We can never decide what to eat! 😂 But here’s our go-to solution lately—we just hop on a boat and head to Devenport to eat at this classic spot. Spoiler: It’s always worth the little trip. The place we love? Manuka Restaurant—it’s the kind of “old-school café” that’s been around for ages, and you can tell it’s a local favorite. As soon as we walk in, there’s this cozy, familiar vibe—no fancy frills, just warm lighting, friendly staff, and the smell of homey food wafting from the kitchen. So many local Kiwis (New Zealanders) eat here too—you’ll hear them chatting with the servers like old friends, which says everything about how trusted this spot is 🇳🇿. We usually mix up our orders, but their pasta is always a solid pick—al dente noodles, rich sauce, and just the right amount of cheese (no skimping here!). But the real standout lately? Their daily special: steak—for only 35 bucks, it’s a total steal. The steak is cooked exactly how you ask for it (medium-rare for me, please!), juicy and tender with a perfectly seared crust. It comes with sides like roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes, and every bite feels hearty and satisfying 🥩. What I love most about this place is that it’s consistent. No matter when we go—weekday lunch or weekend dinner—the food tastes good, the service is friendly, and the vibe is relaxed. It’s the kind of spot you don’t have to overthink; you just show up, order your go-to, and enjoy the company. Next time you’re in Devenport and craving something reliable (or if you’re just stuck on “what to eat” like us), this old-school café is the answer. 📍 Location Manuka Restaurant, Devenport #DevenportEats #OldSchoolCafe #LocalFavorite #SteakLovers #PastaTime #NewZealandFood #DevenportGuide