NOURISHING THE MATAKANA COMMUNITY
Photo KOA Photography
In the heart of Matakana Village, chef Simon Hope has created something truly special – a place where boutique, honest food meets the rhythm of everyday life.
Village Kitchen is more than a food hub; it’s a local favourite for those seeking nourishing meals, small-batch artisan products, and the kind of flavour that only comes from years of experience in the kitchen.
With over 25 years in hospitality, including time abroad as a chef in Montreal and Bordeaux, Simon has built his career on crafting food with integrity. After running a café in Auckland and catering for some of the city’s leading eateries, he developed a simple philosophy: food should be delicious, uncomplicated, and made with care. At Village Kitchen, that ethos comes to life.
The weekly menu features hearty seasonal salads, soups, and ready-to-heat meals, alongside Simon’s famous pies and quiches baked with buttery pastry. Deli shelves are stocked with handpicked artisan products – from nitrate-free Hungarian salamis to small-batch spreads and French cheeses – perfect for picnics, family dinners, or entertaining guests.
Village Kitchen’s charm lies not only in its food but in the ease it brings to busy lives. Visitors can pop in for a comforting lunch, take home a ready-made dinner, or order ahead online and collect at their convenience. Whether hosting friends, planning a staycation, or simply taking a break from cooking, Simon’s meals remove the stress from feeding loved ones.
Simon’s story is deeply intertwined with Matakana itself. Living in the village for over a decade with his wife Amy and their three children, Village Kitchen is very much a family venture. Together, they understand what makes this community so special – the slower pace, the warmth, and the way food and hospitality naturally weave into daily life.
That connection extends to their second business, Matakana Boutique, run by Amy. Just up the road, beautifully styled retreats allow guests to unwind in comfort while soaking up the best of the region. Thanks to the synergy between the two businesses, visitors can enjoy chef-prepared meals from Village Kitchen during their stay – making a visit to Matakana effortless, indulgent, and memorable.
From Simon’s kitchen to the tables of locals and visitors alike, every Village Kitchen meal reflects the care, skill, and passion of a family committed to their community, turning everyday dining into an experience that is both comforting and memorable.
www.VillageKitchen.co.nz | hello@VillageKitchen.co.nz