Kitchen & Drinks in Whanganui
Our menu is built around the seasons, shared plates and modern New Zealand-European cooking. Below is a sample of what you can expect. Dishes change regularly with the produce available, so the menu on the night may differ. All prices are in New Zealand dollars and include GST.
Our Kitchen
We cook from scratch with seasonal ingredients. Fish comes in fresh and is cooked simply. Meat dishes are roasted, grilled or braised with care. Vegetables get the same attention as everything else on the plate. Desserts lean on fruit, chocolate and classic technique. Each dish is designed to stand on its own or to be shared.
Starters
- Warm sourdough NZ$12 Baked in-house, served with cultured butter and smoked sea salt.
- Roasted beetroot and pear NZ$19 Whipped goat's cheese, toasted hazelnuts, pear and a sherry vinegar dressing.
Small Plates
- Crispy potato terrine NZ$16 Layered and pressed potato, fried until golden, with smoked aioli and chives.
- Market fish crudo NZ$22 Thinly sliced fresh fish with citrus, cucumber and chilli oil.
- Grilled mushrooms NZ$18 Seasonal mushrooms with miso butter and toasted grains.
Shared Plates
- Slow-roasted lamb shoulder for two NZ$78 Cooked slowly until tender, with salsa verde and roasted carrots.
Fish
- Pan-roasted market fish NZ$42 Today's fresh fish with a mussel and fennel broth and new potatoes.
Meat
- Beef sirloin NZ$44 Grilled sirloin with charred onion, peppercorn jus and watercress.
Vegetarian
- Pumpkin and ricotta dumplings NZ$32 Brown butter, crisp sage and toasted seeds.
Sides
- Roasted potatoes NZ$12 Crisp potatoes with rosemary salt.
Desserts
- Dark chocolate tart NZ$16 Crème fraîche and fresh berries.
- Baked apple and pear crumble NZ$15 Served warm with vanilla custard.
Wine
Our list celebrates New Zealand wine, with a range of styles from around the country’s growing regions. Most wines are available by the glass and by the bottle.
- New Zealand white wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay, from NZ$13 per glass
- New Zealand red wine: Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot blends, from NZ$14 per glass
- Rosé: dry, fresh styles, from NZ$13 per glass
- Sparkling wine: from NZ$15 per glass
- Bottles: from NZ$58
Our team is happy to suggest a glass to match your dish.
Beer
New Zealand lager and pale ale on tap and in bottles, from NZ$11. We also stock alcohol-free beer from NZ$12.
Cocktails
Classic cocktails — from NZ$19
Negroni, Old Fashioned, Margarita, Espresso Martini and other favourites.
House cocktails — from NZ$20
- Victoria Avenue Spritz: sparkling wine, citrus aperitivo and soda
- Orchard Sour: apple brandy, lemon, pear and egg white or a vegan alternative
- Riverbank Gimlet: gin, lime and fresh herbs
Alcohol-Free Drinks
Alcohol-free cocktails — NZ$12
- Garden Spritz: cucumber, elderflower, lime and soda
- Berry Shrub: seasonal berries, apple cider vinegar and sparkling water
Soft drinks — NZ$6
Juices, lemonade, ginger beer and sodas.
Water
Filtered tap water is always free. Bottled still and sparkling water is also available.
Alcohol is always optional at Rakilka. You can enjoy every part of the menu with an alcohol-free drink.
Coffee and Tea
Espresso, flat white, long black, cappuccino and latte — from NZ$5.50
Selection of black, green and herbal teas — NZ$5
Dietary Information
We are happy to help if you have allergies or dietary requirements. Please tell us when you call to reserve, and remind us when you order. You can ask us about:
- allergens in any dish
- vegetarian options
- dietary requirements, including gluten-free and dairy-free choices where possible
- ingredients and how a dish is prepared
Our kitchen handles common allergens, including gluten, dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, fish, shellfish and sesame. We take care to avoid cross-contact, but we cannot guarantee that any dish is completely free from allergens. If you have a severe allergy, please speak with us before you order.
Reserve a table
To reserve a regular restaurant table, call:
If you would like a place at one of our evening events, please use the reservation form on our Events & Evenings page.