Palate Restaurant

Palate was founded in 2005 by Mat McLean and Naomi Lee. The 45-seater restaurant was originally on a corner site in the main street in Hamilton, and after seven years, and three children later, Palate relocated to a larger, more purpose built location overlooking the Waikato river. Our ethos has always been to provide consistently excellent food pa... ired with stunning New Zealand wine. Over the past ten years, our business has evolved, become multi dimensional in what we can offer. Adding to this, it has become easier for us to find like-minded producers who share the same passion for top of the range products and providing guests with the best not only the Waikato region can offer, but all over New Zealand. From Clevedon buffalo products, to Canterbury lamb and Raglan mushrooms we are constantly excited by emerging products. Supporting local, often specialised producers creates a thriving food industry and inspiration for us when we change our seasonally inspired menus. Mat and the team strive to keep the restaurant's carbon footprint down with thought and action going into sustainable fishing in particular, recycling and awareness of what we need to do ethically to keep our planet green and clean. We are one of the few privately owned and operated restaurants in Hamilton, and have been very proud to represent our region in numerous national competitions and events. The service at Palate is both knowledgeable and experienced, whilst retaining a relaxed approach to what we do. Snob value has no place here. We want people to dine with us, to be relaxed, wipe their finger on the plate to get the last bit of sauce, laugh out loud, and enjoy what we work to create.Read More