Basker

restaurant — Whitianga · Whitianga

About Basker

Perched along the scenic canals of The Waterways in Whitianga, Basker is a modern coastal beach kitchen and bar serving elevated Kiwi cuisine from sunrise to sundown. Established in 2023, the venue pairs contemporary waterside architecture with an easygoing, hospitable beach town atmosphere.

The kitchen focuses on communal dining with dishes crafted specifically for sharing. Guests can gather around tables filled with fresh local seafood, tasty tacos, succulent wings, and bao buns, or stop in for a Wednesday evening roast. Alongside the food menu, Basker offers seriously good coffee during morning hours, cold Peroni on tap, curated wines, and creative signature cocktails into the evening.

With both indoor and outdoor waterside seating, Basker provides an inviting environment whether you are dropping in for morning caffeine, relaxing with afternoon drinks, or booking a private celebration, wedding, or corporate event.

Basker: Waterfront Dining and Elevated Kiwi Fare in Whitianga

Nestled along the calm canals of The Waterways in Whitianga, Basker has quickly cemented its place as one of the Coromandel’s most inviting culinary destinations since opening its doors in 2023. Embracing the rhythm of coastal life, this modern beach kitchen offers guests a front-row seat to the water, where morning coffees seamlessly blend into afternoon catch-ups and evening sundowners.

From the exterior to the dining room, Basker balances contemporary design with relaxed local charm. Large windows and outdoor deck seating make the most of the tranquil waterways, providing a scenic setting where diners can soak in the sun. The environment feels elevated and modern yet entirely unpretentious, welcoming sandy feet, family get-togethers, and milestone celebrations alike.

A Menu Centered on Communal Dining

At the heart of Basker’s food philosophy is the spirit of shared dining. The kitchen creates dishes that encourage people to connect across the table, showcasing fresh, locally sourced seafood and an assortment of flavor-packed sharing plates.

Diners can mix and match dishes like succulent wings, vibrant tacos, and pillowy steamed bao buns, crafting a bespoke feast that suits every palate. For those looking for a midweek comfort meal, Basker’s popular Wednesday Roast Nights bring hearty, traditional plates to the table starting from 5:00 PM.

From Morning Roasts to Evening Sundowners

Open daily from 8:00 AM, Basker serves as a morning haven for seriously good barista coffee and breakfast bites. As the afternoon unfolds, the mood shifts toward leisurely drinks. Cold Peroni on tap, a carefully curated wine list, and innovative signature cocktails complement the coastal flavors on the plate.

Beyond casual dining, the venue is also equipped to host private gatherings. With custom catering packages and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces, Basker frequently hosts weddings, corporate functions, birthdays, and private parties looking for an effortless waterfront backdrop.

Signature items

  • Locally-Sourced Seafood
  • Wednesday Roast
  • Mouthwatering Bao Buns
  • Flavorful Tacos
  • Succulent Wings

Menu

Beverages

  • Coffee — Seriously good coffee served all day starting from 8am.
  • Signature Cocktails — Crafted cocktails designed for waterfront sipping.
  • Peroni on Tap — Cold draft Peroni beer served fresh.
  • Curated Wine Selection — Thoughtfully selected wines to pair with shared plates.

Share Plates

  • Succulent Wings — Crispy and flavorful chicken wings crafted for sharing.
  • Flavorful Tacos — Coastal-inspired tacos packed with fresh fillings.
  • Mouthwatering Bao Buns — Soft steamed bao buns filled with savory ingredients.
  • Locally-Sourced Seafood — Fresh seafood celebrating the bounty of the coastal region.

Special Dinners

  • Wednesday Roast Night — Traditional weekly roast dinner served every Wednesday from 5pm.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Basker located?
Basker is located at 3 Reweti Drive in The Waterways, Whitianga.
What are Basker's opening hours?
Basker opens daily at 8:00 AM. They close at 3:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday, and remain open until late Wednesday through Sunday.
Can I book a table at Basker?
Yes, bookings can be made online via their website or by calling 07 866 0645.
Does Basker host private events and functions?
Yes, Basker offers custom catering and hosting for weddings, corporate functions, birthdays, and private celebrations.
What kind of food does Basker serve?
Basker specializes in elevated Kiwi cuisine focused on share plates, fresh local seafood, tacos, bao buns, and wings, along with Wednesday roast dinners.
Does Basker have outdoor seating?
Yes, guests can choose between indoor seating and outdoor canal-side seating.

Tips

  • {"body":"Wednesday Roast Night kicks off at 5:00 PM and is a local favorite; call ahead to secure a table.","title":"Book Ahead for Wednesday Roast"}
  • {"body":"When booking your table online, select the outside seating option to enjoy views across the waterways on fine days.","title":"Choose Canal-Side Seating"}
  • {"body":"Basker opens at 8:00 AM daily, making it a reliable spot for morning coffee by the water.","title":"Drop in for Morning Coffee"}

Good to know

  • {"family":"Family-friendly modern beach kitchen welcoming guests of all ages."}