Restaurants in South Canterbury
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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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Old Mountaineers Café, Bar & Restaurant
Cosy in winter, with mountain views from outside tables in summer, this place delivers top-notch burgers, pizza, pasta and salad and is a good-value alternative to the eateries at the Hermitage. Linger to study the old black-and-white pics and mountaineering memorabilia. You might still be there for happy hour – actually two hours – when it kicks off at 5pm. Paid wi-fi access is also available.
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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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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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Ginger & Garlic
Timaru’s take on sophisticated food with a subtle Asian spin is showcased at this long-running local favourite. Standouts include calamari and prawn spring rolls, and honey-spice pork on sticky miso rice. The menu also includes dishes with a European and Middle Eastern influence.
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D
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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E
Off the Rail Café
This funky licensed cafe is at the train station. Fire up the jukebox crammed with ’70s tunes, and sample Kiwi baked goodies and more contemporary globally influenced dishes. It’s open late for drinks and occasional live music on Saturday night.
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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.
reviewed
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Panorama Restaurant
The Panorama Restaurant is an excellent à la carte restaurant with local treats including grilled Mt Cook salmon, Canterbury lamb rack and pan-seared venison.
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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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Reload
Self-styled ‘health fuel stop’ with wraps, salads and smoothies. The not-so-virtuous can recharge on coffee as they read the global array of magazines.
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Bay 54
Kiwi craft beers from Monteith’s, classy Kiwi pub tucker, and the choice of Caroline Bay views or big-screen sport. Sorted.
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Bakery
Pick up supplies at the Four Square supermarket and the nearby bakery
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Arthur St Café
Excellent coffee and cruisy Kiwi dub is always a good way to ease into the day. Timaru’s funkiest eatery offers sandwiches, bagels and world-famous (in Timaru) breakfasts.
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