The Gables Osteria & Enoteca

Heritage & Setting

The Gables is one of New Zealand’s oldest restaurants, established in a heritage building first built in 1847 by Joseph England. The building stands on whalebone foundations and features pit-sawn kauri, kauri panelling, original maps and early photographs still adorn its walls.

It is situated right on the Russell waterfront at 19 The Strand, Russell (postcode 0202), offering views over the water, especially striking at sunset.

Cuisine & Menu Style

• Food Style: Italian-inspired cuisine with a strong emphasis on house-made pasta, antipasti, seasonal produce and fresh local seafood.
• Local Produce Focus: Ingredients are drawn from Northland suppliers; seafood from the Bay area; organic farmers and small scale producers are part of the supply chain.
• Menu Highlights: Examples include local oysters (6 or 12), rosemary focaccia, trio of Far North dips, pumpkin arancini, house gnocchi, smoked beef short rib ragu, whole market fish, lamb backstrap. Vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan options are clearly labelled.
• Drinks & Wine: The wine list features both Northland and Italian wines. The drink menu includes cocktails (some Italian inspired), local beers, cider, non-alcoholic options.

Atmosphere & Ambience

The Gables combines old-world elegance with a casual, welcoming Osteria feel. Inside, you’ll find crooked beams, sloping floors and open fireplaces; the décor conjures history without feeling museum-like.

Outdoor waterfront seating provides views over the Bay, making for a relaxed but refined place to dine or enjoy drinks, especially around evening.

Opening Hours & Practical Info

• Hours: Lunch from 12pm to 3pm; Dinner from around 5.30pm until late.
• Closed Day: Closed on Wednesdays.
• Reservations: Available. Special requests or larger bookings can be accommodated by contacting the restaurant directly.
• Pricing: Mains and secondi generally sit in the mid-to-up market range (around NZ$30 to NZ$80 for many dishes).
• Dietary Needs: Menu marks gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and vegan option (VGO) items clearly.

Why Visit The Gables?

Whether you’re a local looking for a special evening out or an international visitor wanting to soak in history while dining on high quality food, The Gables offers an experience that merges heritage and flavour. The setting on Russell’s waterfront adds charm; the food is generous and uncomplicated, celebrating local produce and seafood. It’s a chance to enjoy Italian elegance without formality, and to dine in one of the oldest continuous hospitality spaces in New Zealand. For lovers of wine, views and food with a sense of place, it hits a rare sweet spot.

Contact Details

• Phone: (09) 403 7670 :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Email: info@thegablesrestaurant.co.nz :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Address: 19 The Strand, Russell 0202, Bay of Islands, New Zealand :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• City: Russell, Bay of Islands :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Website: thegablesrestaurant.co.nz :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}