Queenstown
From the skulls on the walls to the leather banquettes, Coalfire is all about animals – Cardrona lamb rack, wild venison and the 'Pit Master Platter' for…
Must-see restaurants in South Island
Fiordland & Southland
Epic wraparound windows offer spectacular sea views from this swish restaurant by Stirling Point's signpost. Renowned Bluff oysters (or Pacific oysters…
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…
Nelson Region
An old Austin truck serves as the coffee station inside this hip, greenery-filled barbecue joint, where lamb and pork shoulders are grilled for 12 hours…
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…
Buller Region
Also known as the Broadway Tearooms, this wooden-floored bakery cafe gets by far the most daytime traffic in Reefton, whether for a freshly baked loaf,…
Christchurch
Can't decide whether you want sushi, pizza or Thai for dinner? At Little High, you won't have to choose – this stylish and energetic food hall is home to…
Wanaka
Far removed from the madding crowd, Gentil ticks plenty of boxes for a memorable night out. Expect a short, focused menu of delicious modern French…
Takaka
Within the cavernous, brightly painted interior of this old theatre is a cabinet groaning under the weight of tempting savoury and sweet options. They…
Wanaka
This little organics store offers a healthy range of id-affirming soups, pizzas, muffins and juices. Not everything’s strictly vegetarian, with spiced…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Blink and you'll miss this stellar roadside bakery, a purveyor of more than 20 varieties of pies, from traditional beef to more experimental flavour…
Takaka
Trust Takaka to have a kooky takeaway joint in a shipping container, painted with a giant squid mural. The menu isn't run-of-the-mill either. Sure, they…
Fiordland & Southland
Welcome to 1984, and we mean that in a completely affectionate way. Where else can you still get a shrimp cocktail? Elegance is the sort of old-fashioned,…
Christchurch & Canterbury
The Topp Twins are NZ entertainment legends and this cafe owned by Dame Lynda Topp and her wife Donna is a fine addition to Methven's dining scene. Check…
The West Coast
It's one of the only shows in town, but luckily the Stationhouse (built 1901) is a winner. The cafe serves fruit smoothies, good coffee, excellent eggs…
Dunedin
Part of the growing restaurant scene at St Clair Beach, Starfish is a popular all-day eatery offering decadent brunch dishes, good coffee and a great buzz…
Wanaka
When it's this hidden away and still this popular, you know to expect good things. This cosmopolitan cafe delivers robust breakfasts, excellent coffee,…
Nelson
Most of DeVille's tables lie in its sweet walled courtyard, a hidden boho oasis in the inner city and the perfect place for a meal or morning tea. The…
Takaka
This cafe serves good-value fare such as falafel salads, pizza, burritos, pasta and baked goods, as well as juices and local wines and craft beer. It's…
Queenstown
Occupying a historic NZ Railways shipping office right by the lake, this great little cafe serves excellent, artfully arranged breakfasts and the likes of…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This glass-walled pavilion atop Mt John has spectacular 360-degree views across the entire Mackenzie Basin – just maybe one of the planet's best locations…
Christchurch
Sidle into Fiddlesticks for sophisticated, hearty meals from breakfast to supper. The cosy formal dining room is perfect for intimate dinners, but we like…
Christchurch
Black Betty's industrial-chic warehouse is a popular destination for students from the nearby college. Friendly service, great food and a laid-back…
Fiordland & Southland
Whether you like your oysters battered or freshly shucked, stop at Fowlers during oyster season for the best bivalves on the South Island. It's on the…
The West Coast
Tucked away near the Clock Tower, this cafe is a stylish spot to linger while hobnobbing with friendly staff and punters. There's no menu, just a counter…
Timaru
Timaru's hippest coffee house follows the recipe for success: namely great coffee, contemporary cafe fare, good tunes and a mix of arty inside and sunny…
Queenstown
The name might sound like a silly something you'd come up with during a drunken night on the said vino, but this restaurant will reward the short trek out…
Dunedin
French bistro dishes flirt with Asian and North African flavours on the plate, while high ceilings and dark wood conjure up a romantic ambience. Serves…
Queenstown & Wanaka
Opened in 2016, Terra Mia pairs traditional Italian cooking (and good espresso) with wines from Gibbston Valley in a large open space that feels like a…
Queenstown
Queenstown’s more than a few miles inland, but that doesn’t prevent Fishbone from sourcing the best seafood from South Island fishing fleets. Try the…
Dunedin
Occupying a cosy heritage townhouse, Scotia toasts all things Scottish with a wall full of single-malt whisky and hearty gourmet fare like sous vide duck…
Fiordland & Southland
Set in a restored 1906 building, modish Thomas Green is a cut above the average gastropub. It's named after the 'father of Gore', a jack-of-all-trades…
Timaru
Asian and Mediterranean flavours underpin the concise menu of shared plates at Street Food Kitchen. Highlights include the steamed bao buns with crispy…
Bazaar Interactive Marketplace
Queenstown
From one of the loftiest perches along the lakeshore, this new restaurant features a series of 'stations' where chefs turn out the likes of Asian noodles,…
Christchurch
Amid a cluster of food trucks in the Container Mall, Dimitris rules the roost with souvlaki full of tasty chicken, lamb or falafel, wrapped up with heaps…
Dunedin
Hanging plants, flower-filled vases and large art-deco windows give this central cafe a creative, artsy vibe. The well-executed brunch options, fresh…
Wanaka
Both the retro green 1975 caravan and its owners hail from France, so you can be sure that the sweet crêpes and savoury galettes whisked up within are…
Nelson
Shared tables, colourful local art and a side-street terrace all combine to make Morri Street a top place for a leisurely breakfast or lunch. You may have…
Te Anau
As popular with locals as travellers, Sandfly serves the town's best espresso alongside breakfasts, light meals of pasta or club sandwiches, and an…
Fiordland & Southland
Tucked away in a shopping arcade, this reliable bistro with chirpy service plates up popcorn squid, slow-roasted pork with fennel, and a smattering of…
