Schnappa Rock Restaurant & Bar

I had the most amazing food here after a day diving. I'm not sure I've ever had a more perfectly cooked steak. Crunchy potatoes, broccolini with pickled onions, fresh chimichurri, au jus. I thought the food would be good but it was actually world class. Cannot recommend this place highly enough. If I had one recommendation for the owner it would be to add more outdoor seating, especially 2 person tables, as sitting outside by the marina is a great atmosphere. Great place!

Schnappa Rock in Tutukaka is a fantastic spot for seafood with a relaxed coastal vibe. The service was delightful and set the tone for a really enjoyable meal. The ceviche with avocado and wasabi was fresh and beautifully balanced, adding a modern twist to the dish. The mussels were big, succulent, and perfectly cooked, while the charred vegetables — especially the broccolini — were full of flavour. The fish of the day was cooked just right and paired well with the pilaf, making for a satisfying main. Great food, friendly service, and a location that truly captures the spirit of Tutukaka.

Superlative experience tonight at Schnappa Rock. We chose the 6 course degustation menu with wine match as a special meal and boy, did it exceed expectations and then some. A great table overlooking the wharf, then course after course of memorable dishes , from oysters with McLeod's Longboard and another with GnT granite matched with Dog Point Section 94 Sav, yellow fin tuna w avocado emulsion and wasabi peas (Alabarino match), goat's cheese and potato pave w pumpkin puree and Dog Point Chardonnay, lamb rib lollipops, Scotch fillet w broccoli and roasted potatoes ( w Peregrine Pinot Noir), finished by a lemon parfait with berry coulis, meringue and freeze dried raspberries accompanied by a Limoncello. Service by Kate was wonderful but non intrusive and it was such a pleasure to chat with both the chef and the owner afterwards. Nick has an incredible team here and Schnappa Rock is on our list to return. Go here and experience what they have to offer and enjoy.

Loved the food! The beef cheeks were incredibly tender, pumpkin purée was amazing, and the local market fish was super fresh and delicious. A bit of a wait, but totally worth it.

What a gem! Had dinner and was really impressed with the service. Best beef cheek I have ever had and the tomato salad and the paua wontons were just so flavourful. Very thoughtful wine list and very reasonably priced. Will definitely be back! Thanks guys and keep up the good work.

I’ve visited Schnappa Rock five times now, and every single experience has left me more impressed than the last. During my recent stay in Tutukaka, returning to this gem was an absolute priority. On my first night back, I ordered the ceviche to start and the steak for my main. The steak was cooked perfectly—exactly as you hope it will be. But the ceviche… that was something extraordinary. Nearly twenty years ago, I had a tuna tartare in Sicily that I considered the most unforgettable dish of my life—until last Sunday. Schnappa Rock’s ceviche, with its fresh tuna, silky wasabi avocado, sweet corn kernels, microgreens, and a touch of chili, was nothing short of mind-blowing. It’s simple in concept but explosive in flavour. I loved it so much that I returned two nights later just to order it again. The cocktails, the relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, and the warm, attentive staff all deserve special mention as well. Schnappa Rock has become my favourite restaurant in New Zealand—and I’ve dined at many fine establishments across the country. This place is something truly special.

Exquisite Our 'Trust the chef's' menu was mouth wateringly delicious. Six courses of bursting flavour

Best Sashimi and ceviche ever ❤️ fantastic selection of wine and beers. Love this place

Locavor dream!! Incredible food, service, and wine! Located on the waterfront across the road is the harbor... Even if you sit inside, there are wide open windows and plenty of outdoor seating as well. The lamb is melt in your mouth delicious... And all of the sauces that go with it. The whipped goat cheese is so yummy! And the potato... Incredible! Every bite was a fantastic combination of flavor. Eat here!! You will not regret it!

Excellent sea side restaurant. Highly recommend. Say hi to the host and owner Nick, who also does an exceptional job skippering a dive boat one day a week at the Dive Tutukaka operation next door.

Superb good, fresh ingredients and unique combination flavors. Excellent service, and beautiful view of the wharf along one side. Exquisite meal we enjoyed immensely!

This place has consistently good food. The staff is lovely as well. I've been three times now and it's definitely the go to for a meal in this area.

Terrible cocktails but good cheesecake but not much going on for the price other than it's the only place in town. Skip it get take away at the place down the road or cook at home. I'm glad I only spent 50 on 2 drinks and cheesecake, if I got food who knows.... maybe ok but if I were a gambling man the odds are against themu

Great location, cool vibe, lovely food and top service. Definitely recommend popping in.

Snapper special was outstanding. Unlike any snapper I've ever tasted in other parts of the world. Nice wines as well. Central Otago Pinot went down too easy. Super friendly & attentive staff. Proprietor was real laid back & cool. Easily nicest restaurant in area.

Great food and staff, the atmosphere has a great relaxed vibe. Enjoyed our lunch after a long walk around the beautiful bays.

Great service with a fabulous atmosphere. The food was incredible and the desserts were absolutely to die for! Well worth it!!!

Everything on the menu sounds irresistible, but actually disappoints. Lamb with artichokes had only 1 or 2 artichokes. Seasonal vegetables were not in season. Tomatoes were barely red and melee. Everything was rather bland and lacked flavor. Too bad, such a good menu could taste good. Oyster special was the one thing that was excellent!

Their mussels are freaking amazing! Great atmosphere and view of the harbour. You must visit if you're in the area!

Restaurant right next to the diving club. We ate there one time for lunch and one time for dinner, with friends. The food was really nice. It is a bit expensive but everything is in NZ. Staff is nice, and restaurant is well located.

A great spot with a lovely setting, ambience, candles. Staff were welcoming, very hospitable and went the extra mile. Food wise, myself and friend decided we could not go past the fish catch of the day being at Tatukaka by the sea. This was Hapuka (Groper) served on a Niçoise salad. Tasty but sadly the fish was over cooked in both dishes and lacked a bit of presentation. I can only make the call on that one dish, which fortunately is easily fixed. The menu read well and there was a nice selection of variety. Without hesitation I would recommend Schnapper Rock. I hope the chef takes my comments on board, then it would be very hard to go past this restaurant.