Must-see restaurants in Central Otago

  • Armando's Kitchen

    Central Otago

    Cromwell's heritage precinct is best enjoyed from the veranda of Armando's Kitchen, with an espresso or gourmet ice cream in hand. The homemade pasta,…

  • Courthouse Cafe & Larder

    Central Otago

    Bounteous botanical displays dispel any lingering austerity in this stone courthouse building, dating from 1878. The counter groans under the weight of an…

  • Oliver's

    Central Otago

    Housed in a gold-rush-era general store, this stylish complex incorporates a bar, cafe-deli and restaurant showcasing the best local produce with dishes…

  • Mt Difficulty

    Central Otago

    As well as making the region's most prestigious pinot noir, Mt Difficulty is a lovely spot for a leisurely lunch looking down over the valley. There are…

  • Amigos

    Central Otago

    A local favourite with a creative menu of Mexican-inspired fare from rattlesnake wings to tacos with sweet potato, beetroot and mint puree. Don't miss the…

  • Black Rabbit Kitchen & Bar

    Central Otago

    It's much cheaper to get a takeaway from this hip cafe in Bannockburn, like a spinach and feta roll with homemade chutney ($8). But you can also sit down…

  • Jimmy’s Pies

    Central Otago

    Renowned throughout the lower South Island since 1959, Jimmy’s pastry delights are best just out of the oven. If you're at a loss about which of the 20…

  • Stoaker Room

    Central Otago

    Round the back of a fruit-and-veg shed, this outdoor kitchen will smoke your meal in an old French-oak pinot-noir wine barrel and serve it with a tasty…

  • Carrick

    Central Otago

    Carrick's stylish restaurant opens out on to a terrace and lush lawns. The seasonal menu features excellent share platters and is a pleasurable complement…

  • Paulina's Restaurant & Bar

    Central Otago

    International dishes are whipped up here, including in the traditional wood-fire oven, but Paulina particularly showcases her South American heritage with…

  • Pitches Store

    Central Otago

    Formerly a general store and butcher, this heritage building has been sensitively transformed into a humdinger of a cafe-restaurant. Exposed stone walls…

  • Stationside Cafe

    Central Otago

    Country hospitality is on show at this great little trailside place with wonderfully charming hosts. Options include tasty breakfasts, healthy salads and…

  • Bannockburn Hotel

    Central Otago

    This historic Bannockburn watering hole into a stylish modern pub with a tapas-inspired sharing menu and a wine list longer than your arm. It's 5km out of…

  • Kissing Gate Cafe

    Central Otago

    Sit out under the fruit trees in the pretty garden of this lovely little wooden cottage and tuck into a cooked breakfast, a meat pie, a zingy salad or…

  • Black Forest Cafe

    Central Otago

    Inside this cute old building with a skylight, a sunny deck and an undulating wooden floor, you'll find hearty soups, cakes and toasties. Plus great…

  • Muddy Creek Cafe

    Central Otago

    Take a break from the Rail Trail at this friendly spot festooned with old radios. Cafe treats include all-day breakfasts, toasted sandwiches, pies and ice…

  • Maniototo Cafe

    Central Otago

    Attached to the Four Square supermarket, this sunny cafe is a good lunch option, with a tempting array of sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes, like spiced…

  • Tin Goose Cafe

    Central Otago

    On a sunny day the shady outside tables at this friendly cafe make a perfect pit-stop for passing cyclists. Stop by for good coffee, simple but tasty…

  • Grain & Seed Café

    Central Otago

    Set in a beautiful stone building that was once Jolly’s Grain Store, this cafe serves up tasty muffins and big, inexpensive meals. Grab an outside table…

  • Post Office Cafe & Bar

    Central Otago

    Clyde’s 1899 post office houses a popular restaurant famous for its garden tables and hearty food. There are loads of nooks and crannies conducive to…

  • Bank Cafe

    Central Otago

    Grab a table inside or out and tuck into cakes, slices, waffles and delicious burgers. The robust takeaway sandwiches are perfect for lunch on two wheels.

  • Quench

    Central Otago

    Opposite the railway station, Quench lives up to its name with cooked breakfasts, pies and burgers, as well as ice-cold Speight’s on tap.

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