Camina Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in North Island

Nestled in the heart of Whangamatā, Camina offers an unparalleled dining experience that masterfully blends tradition with innovation. From the moment you step into this Spanish-inspired eatery, you're enveloped in an ambiance that is both warm and inviting, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Cuisine: At Camina, the art of flame-cooking takes center stage. Every dish is meticulously prepared over an open flame, infusing a delightful smoky essence that elevates the natural flavors of locally sourced ingredients. The menu is a testament to culinary excellence, featuring standout dishes like the perfectly cooked lamb and the exquisite picanha. Each bite is a harmonious blend of taste and texture, leaving diners in awe of the chef's prowess.

Service: The service at Camina is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you arrive, Rowan and his team make you feel warmly welcomed and special. Their genuine hospitality and attention to detail ensure that every guest feels like a valued part of the Camina family. The staff's knowledge of the menu and their enthusiasm for the culinary journey they offer enhance the overall dining experience.

Ambiance: Housed in Whangamatā's old cinema building, Camina has transformed the space into a modern-day hearth. The interior is beautifully appointed, blending simplicity with elegance. The open kitchen design allows diners to witness the culinary magic firsthand, especially from the coveted bar seats that offer a grandstand view of the chefs at work. This setup not only provides entertainment but also deepens the connection between the guests and the cooking process.

Overall Experience: Camina is more than just a restaurant; it's a celebration of the timeless tradition of gathering around a fire to share stories, warmth, and exceptional food. The combination of outstanding cuisine, impeccable service, and a captivating atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Whangamatā. Highly...

Wow! We had such an amazing meal at Camina!

We sat at the chef’s bar, which was wonderful as we were able to watch the chefs prepare the food and see the care that went into each dish. The menu is the Spanish “tapas” style of dining with small dishes to share between your party.

The service was fantastic—knowledgeable about the menu and had some suggestions for us, friendly and attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed talking to our young waitress about the similarities/differences between New Zealand and the US and Australia! We started with the housemade ricotta with honey, chili oil, herbs and walnuts on their grilled homemade focaccia bread—it was absolutely delicious!! Then, we progressed to our main dish and our side dishes. We ordered the lamb skewers which came with spiced eggplant and buttermilk dressing. The lamb was tender, juicy, and very flavorful. We chose the side seasonal salad and the patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) to go along with our lamb. The seasonal salad was dates, heirloom tomatoes, walnuts, herbs and dressing and it , was refreshing and different than any salad we have ever had. The patatas bravas was bite-size pieces of potatoes with seasoned sour cream dressing as well as a spicy dressing (which we had on the side). It, also, was very good.

We finished our meal with the burnt honey semifreddo with pistachios. This is a Spanish type of ice cream and it was a wonderful, refreshing way to end our meal!

If you are looking for a delicious meal with a different flair—go to Camina! You will not be...

Outstanding! The best dining experience I've had in New Zealand in as long as I can recall. Superb food & superb service. Beautiful decor & vibe yet without pretension. I came here with my partner for my birthday and were greeted by Rowan with such genuine warmth, like an old friend you haven't seen in some time. He very clearly understands the fundamental rule of hospitality - to be hospitable. We loved our seats at the chefs table & enjoyed the theatre of watching Barend & Lena produce some insanely delicious meals, exuding an air of calmness whist doing so which supports the relaxed atmosphere. We appreciated they had some moments to chat with us about their creations, and they even asked if we were OK for drinks. Never in my life have I had a chef ask if we were OK for drinks! Their attention to detail & the obvious communication between all the staff equates to brilliant service. Renee took care of us so well and was informative & attentive yet relaxed & unhurried (the perfect combo) allowing for time to take an interest in us as guests. Excellent food, excellent cocktails, excellent service, excellent ambience, excellent staff. Faultless. Thank you to all the team for a really special dining experience to match a special occasion. Do yourself a favour and...