Restaurant Feature - Little Savanna: South African Flavours Meet Kiwi Hospitality in Palmerston North
5 days ago
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On the corner of Princess Street and Broadway Avenue in Palmerston North sits Little Savanna, a restaurant that has quickly become a must-visit for locals and travellers alike. Known for its flame-grilled meats, bold South African flavours, and warm Kiwi hospitality, Little Savanna is more than just a place to eat - it’s an experience.
Since opening its doors in September 2017, the restaurant has earned a reputation as one of the best places to eat in Palmerston North, serving dishes that showcase the finest New Zealand produce cooked in true South African style. Behind it all is a dedicated team led by owners Andy and Margie and Head Chef Carissa. Their shared passion - together with the creativity, hard work, and inclusiveness of the entire crew -has shaped a restaurant that truly blends community, culture, and cuisine.
A Local Story with Global Roots
Q: How did Little Savanna begin?
Andy and Margie had owned their Palmerston North building for nearly 20 years before transforming it into a restaurant. Andy, a Kiwi, and Margie, a South African, always dreamed of bringing together New Zealand ingredients with South African cooking traditions.
“In 2015 we had the chance to renovate, and that’s when the dream became reality,” Margie says. “We wanted a name that reflected our heritage, and Little Savanna just fit perfectly.”
Q: Why Palmerston North?
Palmerston North’s central location and thriving business hub made it the ideal spot. “It’s a great base, supported by education, research, and sporting communities,” Andy explains. “We love that we don’t rely solely on tourism - the local support has been incredible, especially during and after Covid.”
The People Behind the Plate
Q: Carissa, what inspired your journey as a chef?
“Cooking was something I naturally fell into after studying at UCOL. I worked in hospitality for years before joining Little Savanna three months after it opened. The family-friendly culture here and Margie’s support gave me the space to grow.”
Q: How would you describe your cooking style?
“Our kitchen is diverse, with chefs from different cultural backgrounds. That mix inspires us to combine South African boldness with New Zealand produce. South Africans love big flavours, so every dish is about richness, passion, and depth.”
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Q: Any favourite dishes?
“The beef burger is a standout - it’s a two-day process of preparing the mince and spices, creating a burger with authentic South African flair. I also love our meat platter with slow-cooked short rib. Guests really appreciate the work that goes into it.”
From Owners’ Dream to Dining Destination
Q: Neither of you had hospitality experience - how did you manage?
Margie laughs: “I literally googled ‘how to open a restaurant’ and built a massive to-do list. Andy’s construction background brought the venue to life, and together we figured out the rest.”
Q: What’s been the biggest lesson?
“That every guest is different,” Margie says. “Meeting people with consistency, kindness, and professionalism is everything. It’s not always easy, but when you get it right - it’s the best feeling.”
Q: For first-time visitors, what should they try?
“Our espetadas - beef or chicken - or one of our steaks. They’re some of the best steaks in Palmerston North and really capture what Little Savanna is all about.”
Community, Resilience & Partnerships
Q: How do you connect with the community?
“By listening,” Margie says. “Guest feedback shapes our menu, and we proudly support local initiatives. The Palmerston North community has been vital to our success.”
Q: What’s helped you stay resilient through challenges?
“Hospitality has faced huge challenges - Covid, rising costs, and economic downturns. We stick to our values: Work hard, stay humble. We focus on what we can control - our staff, our suppliers, and always improving our systems.”
Q: How does Bidfood support you?
“From day one, Bidfood has been a lifeline. Their reliable service, six-day delivery, and great product range mean we can keep focusing on delivering quality food for our guests.”
A Restaurant Worth Discovering
With its flame-grilled meats, signature basting, and welcoming service, Little Savanna has carved out a reputation as one of the top Palmerston North restaurants. It’s where Kiwi hospitality meets South African flavour, and where every dish tells a story.
Whether you’re craving a hearty steak, an espetada, or simply a warm and inviting atmosphere, Little Savanna is a restaurant that locals love and visitors remember.
So next time you’re looking for the best dining experience in Palmerston North, make your way to Little Savanna - because here, food is more than a meal, it’s a celebration.
