Nelson Region
Everyone's heard about this bird, based in a caravan that isn't going anywhere. Thank goodness. It serves superlative burgers, such as the Cowpat (beef),…
Must-see restaurants in Marlborough & Nelson
Nelson Region
Operating out of a pair of brightly painted shipping containers, one of them set up to resemble a 1970s Kiwi bach (holiday house), this quirky coffee cart…
Nelson Region
On Sunday mornings the car park behind the i-SITE fills up with trestle tables laden with produce, jewellery, clothing, secondhand books, art and crafts…
Kaikoura
Focusing on a concise and seasonal menu, Zephyr's modern dining room is a good place to enjoy seafood chowder, mushroom-crusted venison or local fish with…
Marlborough Region
With only a handful of tables and a bench by the window, this friendly joint does beaut cooked breakfasts including a warming porridge in winter. Lunch…
Kaikoura
Conveniently located on the way to the Point Kean Seal Colony, this long-standing roadside barbecue is a great spot to sample local seafood, including…
Marlborough Region
Dutch owners bake trays of European and Kiwi goodies here, including interesting breads, filled rolls, cakes, tarts and savoury pies. It's an excellent…
Nelson Region
Visit this Māpua institution to order fish and chips and eat them on the wharf while the gulls eye off your crispy bits. Get some wood-smoked fish and…
Nelson
This humble joint dishes out healthy pitta pockets, platters and the best kebabs for miles around. Choose between chicken, lamb or tasty falafels.
Nelson Region
At the Coast Track trailhead, this breezy cafe is perfect for fuelling up or replenishing reserves. High-calorie options include the big breakfast,…
Kaikoura
This simple caravan 23km north of town sells fresh cooked and uncooked crays (and is an Instagram favourite). Fishing quotas are in place here to protect…
Nelson
Sunny pavement tables at the top of Trafalgar St make this a popular lunchtime spot, as do modern classics such as excellent seafood risotto, the steak…
Nelson
Indulge yourself with superb gelato and sorbet, from traditional vanilla and boysenberry to macchiato and chilli-chocolate. Next day, visit for a shake,…
Kaikoura
Situated in a primo seaside spot, with panoramic views over the water to the Inland Kaikōura Range, this venerable pub (built in 1885) is a friendly place…
Nelson Region
Partner business to the Kaiteri Lodge, the Beached Whale is a sociable affair serving wood-fired pizza, burgers, fish dinners and the like. Drink and dine…
Kaikoura
This cafe in the Encounter Kaikōura complex is more than just somewhere to wait for your tour. The cabinet houses respectable sandwiches, pastries and…
Nelson Region
As the name suggests: no-nonsense curry in a no-frills setting. The food, however, is consistently good and relatively cheap. Expect the usual suspects…
Pohara
A popular locals' hang-out, this well-run spot sports a large garden suited to sundowners and thirst-quenchers on sunny days. There's an open fire inside…
Kaikoura
You can usually buy fresh cooked or uncooked crays from Cay's Crays, a surf-side caravan around 20km north of town. Upwards of $50 should get you a decent…
Kaikoura
Under new ownership, this upmarket place continues to deliver French-style fare using top-quality local produce including crayfish, paua, beef, lamb and…
Nelson Region
These folks get an A for effort by providing honest food to an unpredictable flow of passing trade. What it lacks in imagination (steak, pizza and even a…
St Arnaud Alpine Village Store
Nelson Region
The settlement’s only general store sells groceries, petrol, beer and possum-wool socks. It has tramping food, sandwiches and pies, with fish and chips…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
Nelson
Community-owned and operated, feel-good business stocking produce, organic tipples and natural body care. Food to go, plus good coffee and cafe fare on…
Nelson Region
The best of several Mot bakeries and worth every delectable calorie. Lots of French fancies, delicious pies and bread with bite.
Nelson
Five-minutes' walk from the cathedral steps, this cracker chippy wraps up tasty fried treats with a smile. Small eat-in area.
Nelson Region
The attractive dining room of the Alpine Lodge serves burgers, fish of the day, Thai beer salad and pizza.
Marlborough Region
Pretty much the only supermarket choice, and fortunately a good one.
