Papamoa resident Racheal Duncan took her family to the first Dinner in the Domain to enjoy the pristine setting and was so impressed she was already planning to go back.
"We just saw the billboard and we're local so it's cool to have local stuff," she said. "We'll definitely come back. It's beautiful. I can see the water from here. It's definitely a good spot."
Son Taylor Duncan-Neal, 7, had made the most of the outdoor setting by dancing along to the music being played from the stage before settling down to enjoy a meal of nachos.
"Dancing just burns off my energy. I like it," he said.
Ms Duncan was looking forward to tucking into barbecued ribs and a salad but was making sure to save space for something sweet.
"There's heaps of yum desserts too," she said.
Hundreds came out to the first Dinner in the Domain held at Papamoa Domain last night. Families and friends camped out on the grass and enjoyed the atmosphere while trying out the delicious meals on offer.
Food stalls offered everything from Dutch fries, pork buns, barbecue, tacos and paella to crepes, fudge and ice cream.
Cooking demonstrations and live music, including a set by Tiki Taane, were also scheduled throughout the night.
The weekly event will usually be held on a Thursday night but was this week postponed due to wet weather.
Friends Abbie Gore, Angela Cosgrove and Maria Ponga took their kids down to enjoy the sunny evening and sample the food.
The kids enjoyed giant spiral fries and real fruit ice creams while the mums tried the Hungarian fried bread, which was covered with pesto, tomato and feta.
"It was amazing," Mrs Cosgrove said.
Mrs Gore said she would definitely be back in future.
"The pork belly salad was delicious," she said. "I just want to try something different every time and see people we haven't seen in a while.
"It all smells good."
Organisers Chris and Rochelle Duffy said they was thrilled with the huge number of people who turned out despite the postponement.
"It's a really good turnout. It's good to see Papamoa come out. It's such a nice setting here. It's good to see it being utilised. Everyone's happy so that's a good thing," Mr Duffy said.
"I didn't think it was going to be this busy," Mrs Duffy said.