The West Coast
Antlers and a fishing and shooting wall of fame establish the hunting-lodge vibe of Haast's best boozer. Mainly meaty main courses (venison nachos,…
Must-see restaurants in New Zealand
Waiheke Island
If you're bored with eggs Benedict, try one of the piquant breakfast tagines at this stylish cafe/mezze bar. Paninis, wraps and salads are served along…
Whanganui
This bright and exotic Thai restaurant is clean and group-friendly, with on-theme silk table runners and keen-to-impress staff. Catch the daily lunch…
Queenstown
Its popularity is its only detraction, but fight your way in and you'll find 24 superb ice-cream flavours, a host of chocolate and the truly Patagonian…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
This excellent industrial-chic cafe offers great coffee and tempting food – try the bacon-wrapped meatloaf with greens or the tasty chicken wraps. The…
Waiheke Island
With a spacious outdoor area and ocean views, Solar is a relaxed choice for the first coffee – or beer or glass of wine – of the day. Lots of local…
Whanganui
Duck into the quiet Victoria Court minimall on the main street and discover this sweet little Japanese restaurant serving great-value sushi, ramen noodle…
Coromandel Peninsula
Classy cafe fare including pizza, counter food (tarts and quiches around $7), superb coffee and tummy-taming breakfasts. Craft beer from Hamilton's Good…
Ponsonby Village International Food Court
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Japanese, Malaysian, Chinese, Turkish, Thai, Lao and Indian flavours are all on offer here, and excellent Vietnamese and Indonesian. Beer and wine are…
New Plymouth
A drool-worthy emporium for picnic-basket essentials: meats, wines, olive oil, relish, fruit and veg, cheeses, jams and prepackaged meals (try the fish…
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…
Dunedin
This sleek little cafe is a good spot for coffee and cake or fresh salads. If you’re still waking up, kickstart the day with imaginative brunch options…
City Centre & Britomart
Fresh and bright, this little cafe is a popular coffee-and-pastry stop for harried office workers. Look forward also to a concise menu of French classics…
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…
Napier
If you’re the type who needs cutlery, you'll appreciate the sit-down meals served in the dining room here. Otherwise, grab some takeaway fish and chips…
Rotorua
A coffee and a stonking sausage roll could be just the thing when you've been walking or mountain biking in the nearby Redwoods. It also sells muffins,…
Nelson Region
Between the waterside location, sunny patio and inspired East–West menu you've got an A-grade all-day cafe. Local fish and other produce feature heavily,…
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…
Blenheim
Opposite the railway station, this sherbet-yellow, candy-striped cafe serves up good espresso and some of the most calorific pastries you'll ever eat. Try…
Christchurch
Asian fusion is the name of the game at Bamboozle, where talented chefs conjure up innovative spins on traditional dishes. Their stylish new premises is…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
Gourmet pies, healthy salads and wraps, and drool-inducing cakes. Arrayed across several levels in an old house, there's plenty of room to stretch out and…
The Far North
Waterfront has water views and old-world charm, although the service can be hit and miss. A pizza menu kicks in at lunch and extends into dinner, when it…
Taranaki & Whanganui
For a fine lunch or dinner, try this spicy-smelling, black-and-white diner, serving decent curries in upbeat surrounds. Love the lurid murals and the …
Napier
Fine dining on Marine Pde: a concise and tightly edited menu features the likes of confit duck leg with duck and blue cheese risotto. Sensuously shaped…
Coromandel Peninsula
Smoked fish and seafood for cooking and snacking. Also available is excellent Coromandel artisan cheese and the fiery Uncle Dunkle's chilli sauce made…
Taranaki & Whanganui
In need of a refurb, funky Funkfish is still one of the better options in Inglewood, serving fish and chips and burgers. Doubles as a bar at night. Swap…
Dunedin
Serving up fish and chips since 1932, this local stalwart has its winning formula down pat, complete with vinyl tablecloths, hand-cut chips and curls of…
Gisborne
If you're into sushi, Yoko will surely lure you in (even if your name's not John). Commendable sushi, along with the usual miso-llany of extras including…
Queenstown
Head up the semi-hidden set of stairs for pad Thai and hor-mok seafood curry worth writing home about. Takeaways and delivery (free between 6pm and 7pm)…
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…
Bay of Islands & Northland
As gaudy as every good Thai restaurant should be, Pimarn features all of Thailand’s blockbuster dishes, including an excellent yum talay (spicy seafood…
Hawke's Bay
A photogenic red-roofed cafe near Cape Kidnappers, good for a feed or a coffee before or after visiting the nearby gannet colony.
Marlborough Region
The historic house at the centre of the resort has a pub-like quality and serves the likes of sandwiches, burgers, schnitzels and shellfish (oysters,…
Bay of Islands
After 20 years, Fishbone is no longer the coolest kid in town but they're still a reliable coffee and brunch spot. Grab a shady table out the front for a…
Bay of Islands
Stock up on local fruit, vegetables, pickles, preserves, honey, fish, smallgoods (small meat products), eggs, cheese, bread, wine and oil, straight from…
Kaikoura
This combo fish shop and fast-food joint serves fish and chips, fish burgers and half crays grilled to order. Scoff them on the outdoor tables or at the…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Eclectically furnished in mismatched retro furniture – much of it for sale – this side-street cafe is a nice spot for a relaxed coffee and a cheeky slice…
Coromandel Peninsula
Serving audacious burgers with names like Soul Blues Brother and Vegan Vibe, this hip corner joint is also licensed so you can have an ice-cold beer with…
The Far North
A friendly local pub with good honest tucker served from the attached cafe. Inside there are a few impressive wall-mounted game fish that definitely didn…
Coromandel Peninsula
Order everything from L&P-battered onion rings and fish and chips through to L&P-braised pork belly. Leave room for dessert of L&P ice cream. Of course.
