Restaurants in Mackenzie Country
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Poppies Cafe
The versatile Poppies is a classy addition to the Twizel dining scene. Lunch showcases lighter meals like Thai beef salad, and dinner is a slightly more formal experience with steak frites and venison escalope. Excellent pizzas ($17 to $24) occupy a tasty middle ground. Where possible, organic and locally sourced produce is used. You’ll find Poppies on the outskirts of town near the Mackenzie Country Inn.
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Astro Café
This tiny, glass-walled pavilion atop Mt John has insanely spectacular 360-degree views across the entire Mackenzie Basin. Quite possibly one of the best locations on the planet for a cafe, and the coffee and cake is pretty good, too. On our latest visit they’d branched out into fresh ham-off-the-bone sandwiches. After dark the cafe becomes the location for astrophotography with local photographer Fraser Gunn.
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A
Pepe’s
With large booths and walls decorated with skiing paraphernalia, the rustic Pepe’s is a cosy little place with good pizza and pasta. Some of the names are a bit naff (Vinnie’s Venison or Spag Bol Bada Bing, anyone?), but the dishes are tasty, and later at night it becomes a good spot for a few quiet ones.
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B
Reflections
Grab an outdoor table with views to the lake – try and look past the minigolf course – then select from a decent menu that includes roasted venison or baked Mt Cook salmon. Lunchtime offerings are more casual (burgers and salads) and next door is the town’s pub for more nocturnal action.
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C
Kohan
The decor’s a bit ho-hum, but you should be gazing at the lake and mountains outside anyway. The Japanese food is actually among the South Island’s best, and with a salmon farm just up the road, you just know the sashimi is ultrafresh. Lunch specials are good value.
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Jasmine Thai Café
Thailand comes to Twizel and the zesty and zingy flavours of your favourite South East Asian beach have travelled well to get this far inland. It’s BYO (bring your own), so grab a few cold beers from the Four Square supermarket to ease the authentic heat.
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Shawty’s Café
Cool beats and craft microbrews create a mood that’s surprisingly sophisticated for Twizel. Big breakfasts and gourmet pizzas ($12 to $25) are a good way to start and end an active day amid the surrounding alpine vistas.
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Hunter’s Cafe & Bar
An airy space with generous mains of local produce (salmon from nearby Lake Benmore or rib-eye steak), as well as cheaper bar snacks. Later at night it morphs into a pub.
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D
Bakery
Pick up supplies at the Four Square supermarket and the nearby bakery
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