The Refinery — Restaurant in North Island

What a gem in Paeroa!!! Such a beautiful old building, with a great aesthetic, and a lovely outdoor garden area with a magnificent ivy covered historic building to admire!

We rocked up even before they were open yet Nikkii, Tania and the team couldn't have been more welcoming. It felt like a genuinely relaxed and happy work environment - you can feel the camaraderie - and that meant great service, great atmosphere and great food, especially the baked feta and beetroot and, bonus, pretty sure all herbs grown on site: you can taste the freshness.

On a personal note, I'm super sensitive to sound and playlists and aural landscapes generally, and this was perfect:....No radio...no kiwi rock or bad kiwi reggae....rather choices seemed eclectic and with patrons in mind.

Drinking prosecco with owner Nikki in the backyard felt like hanging out with an old friend in her garden.. I felt so comfortable with her, grateful to be able to download a stressful day. What a hostess! . And Tans you rock!

And, super special for me, we had some live music and beautiful singing from blossoming singer Rikki. Yes!

Thank you for a wonderful night for my husband Simon and I... Truly just what we...

This place was incredible! The owner was so sweet and the food was heavenly. The friend we were with told us about this place and as we kept walking, the more dingy places began to look. I started doubting that my friend knew where this place was, but lo and behold we come across the refinery. This place is tucked away from the street like its own little oasis. The staff was kind and welcoming. I wasn't looking to order a sandwich, but I'm so glad I did. I ordered a special, which I believe is a ham sandwich and it was served on milk bread. This bread was absolutely amazing. I asked the owner if she made this bread because it was so yummy. She said she got it from a bakery, which I then went to a couple days later to get a loaf myself - it was that good! Overall, cute place that is definitely worth...

A terrific find in Paeroa. After walking up and down the main strip my husband and I spotted an interesting sign for the Refinery. We followed the trail down to the back road where we discovered a quirky store front housing a small queue. The menu was perfect a mix of old, modern and one that covered my strict dietary requirements. The true delight was to come when the food arrived. What a treat!!! Both meals were OUTSTANDING. It was one of those occasions you enjoy your lunch so much you don't want to finish eating, despite being stuffed full. I can highly recommend this treasure if your in the area. Keep up the...