Must-see restaurants in South Island

  • Wakatipu Grill

    Queenstown

    The Hilton sprawls along the lakeside by the Kawarau River outlet, and part of the fun of visiting its signature restaurant is the ferry ride. As the name…

  • Caffeine Laboratory

    Christchurch

    The small-scale, corner C-lab is hooked on coffee, but also cooks up delicious brunches like brioche French toast, house-smoked salmon or chipotle pulled…

  • Lakeview Cafe & Bar

    Fiordland & Southland

    The motor inn's cafe serves substantial meals (pizzas, schnitzels, venison stew and a token vegie dish) with a generous side order of lake views from the…

  • King of Snake

    Christchurch

    Dark wood, gold tiles and purple skull-patterned wallpaper fill this hip restaurant and cocktail bar with just the right amount of sinister opulence. The…

  • Vogel St Kitchen

    Dunedin

    In the heart of Dunedin's warehouse precinct, Vogel St Kitchen offers smashing breakfasts and wood-fired pizzas in a cavernous two-storey red-brick…

  • Pukeko Junction

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    A deservedly popular roadside stop, this bright, friendly cafe in Leithfield (south of Amberley) serves delicious bakery fare, like gourmet sausage rolls…

  • Kinji

    Christchurch

    Despite being hidden away in suburbia, this acclaimed Japanese restaurant has a loyal following, so it's wise to book. Tuck into the likes of sashimi,…

  • Paasha

    Dunedin

    Authentic kebabs, dips and salads are on the menu at this long-running Dunedin favourite. It's a top place for takeaways, and most nights the spacious and…

  • Waipara Springs

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Slightly north of Waipara township, one of the valley's oldest vineyards has a fine line in righteous rieslings. The casual cafe serves platters and…

  • Modaks Espresso

    Dunedin

    This funky little place with mismatched formica tables, plastic animal heads, and lounge chairs for slouching in is popular with students and those who…

  • Halo Forbidden Bite

    Queenstown

    Pitching itself as both heavenly and devilish, Halo is a stylish, sunny place that effortlessly blurs the line between breakfast, lunch and dinner. The…

  • Cafe 131

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Polished timber and leadlight windows lend atmosphere to this conservative but reliable local favourite. Highlights include good coffee, hearty all-day…

  • Tees St

    Dunedin & Otago

    An ornate Victorian draper's shop provides a suitably gracious ambience for this hip little cafe. A concise brunch menu offers the usual suspects, from…

  • The Church

    Fiordland & Southland

    No need to head up to Te Anau for a satisfying feed and a few beers, hurrah! Plates heavy with steaks, burgers and butter chicken are hauled to tables in…

  • Running Duck

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This hip burger joint is the perfect setting to feast on tasty gourmet burgers and crispy fries, topped with chef Al's special spicy sauce. There's a…

  • Nova Cafe

    Dunedin

    Not surprisingly, this extension of the art gallery has a stylish look about it. Start the day with the interesting breakfast selections, dabble in some…

  • Old Mountaineers' Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Encouraging lingering with books, memorabilia and mountain views through picture windows, the village's best eatery also supports local and organic…

  • Talbot Forest Cheese

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    This little shop not only showcases the plethora of cheeses made on-site (including delicious Parmesan- and Gruyère-style ones), it doubles as a deli with…

  • Francesca’s Italian Kitchen

    Wanaka

    Pretty much the matriarch of Wānaka eateries, perennially busy Francesca's has the big flavours and easy conviviality of an authentic Italian family…

  • Lyttelton Coffee Company

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Local institution Lyttelton Coffee Company has risen from the rubble and continues its role as a stalwart of the London St foodie scene, serving…

  • Burgers & Beers Inc

    Christchurch

    Quirky gourmet burgers – try the Woolly Sahara Sand Hopper (Moroccan-spiced lamb with lemon yoghurt) or the Shagged Stag (venison with plum chutney) – and…

  • Rehab

    Queenstown

    If the hard living of Queenstown is wearing you out, pop into Rehab for a Buddha bowl, miso and edamame broth bowl, kale and cashew wrap, or something…

  • Christchurch Farmers Market

    Christchurch

    Held in the pretty grounds of Riccarton House, this excellent farmers market offers a tasty array of organic fruit and veg, South Island cheeses and…

  • Taco Medic

    Queenstown

    Taco Medic began life as a food truck, but has put on the handbrake to become a stylishly simple bolthole eatery. Cosy up to the bar and choose from eight…

  • Empanada Kitchen

    Queenstown

    Yes, this little hole-in-the-wall kiosk is built into a public toilet, but that's far from a statement about its food. The empanadas are absolutely…

  • Bella Cucina

    Queenstown

    Settle into one of Queenstown's cosiest dining rooms and tuck into simple food done just right. Fresh pasta and risotto are highlights, while the rustic…

  • Verde

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Down the lane beside the old post office and set in beautiful gardens, this excellent cafe is one of Geraldine's best eateries. Drop in for coffee and…

  • Kohan

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Despite its basic decor, this is one of Tekapo's best dining options, both for its distracting lake views and its authentic Japanese food, including fresh…

  • Staveley Store & Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Call into this cute little country store for the best coffee for miles around, as well as tasty lunch rolls, delectable cakes, gourmet ice cream and…

  • Under the Red Verandah

    Christchurch

    This lucky suburban backstreet boasts a lovely sunny cafe, beloved by locals and travellers alike. Take a seat under the namesake veranda and tuck into…

  • Civil & Naval

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Steadfast staff at this compact, bijou bar serve a quality selection of cocktails, fine wines and craft beers, while the kitchen keeps patrons civil with…

  • Freemans

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Freemans consistently pleases with fresh pasta, top-notch pizzas, local wines and craft beers from Christchurch's Three Boys Brewery. Grab a spot on the…

  • Postmaster Bakery

    Fiordland & Southland

    Inside the charming 1911-built post office, find great pies, frittatas and the best custard squares for miles. The soups change daily, full breakfasts (…

  • Madam Woo

    Queenstown

    Wooing customers with a playful take on Chinese and Malay street food, from hawker rolls through to softshell crab, fried noodles, and roti doughnuts or…

  • Buster Greens

    Dunedin

    Bright and bustling cafe with top-notch brunches, healthy raw sweet treats and colourful salads. Great vegan selection. There's more seating downstairs…

  • Ritual

    Wanaka

    A classic 21st-century Kiwi cafe, Ritual is smart but not too trendy, and filled to the gills with delicious food. The counter positively groans under the…

  • Red Star

    Wanaka

    The burger menu is exhaustive and inventive – beef, chicken, venison, fish and vegie burgers on crunchy toasted buns. Grab a seat on the terrace and sip…

  • Yohei

    Wanaka

    Tucked away in a shopping arcade, this relaxed eatery does interesting local spins on sushi (feta and sun-dried tomato, anyone?), Japanese curries,…

  • Bohemian Bakery

    Christchurch

    The kitchen at this petite bakery is entirely open, so you can see the bakers at work crafting delicious yeasty treats all day long. Grab one of the famed…

  • The Taj

    Queenstown

    For a tiny place (only seven tables) this upmarket Indian restaurant sure has a long menu. Try the maacher jhol, a delicious Bengali-style fish curry…

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