Queenstown
At this Grille – the newest arrival on the dining scene from Eichardt's Private Hotel – steak unsurprisingly gets star billing, but you can also order…
Must-see restaurants in South Island
Queenstown
See if you can grab a spot on the tiny balcony so you can watch the passing parade on the mall as you down a sake or Japanese vodka and graze your way…
Kaikoura
Organic ingredients shine at this long-established Kaikōura eatery. Come for breakfast on the shaded deck and enjoy blueberry hotcakes with blueberries, a…
Dunedin
Fully vegan and fully delicious, you can dig into the likes of loaded jackfruit with nasturtium and delectable cakes such as raw salted caramel snickers…
Christchurch
An elegant Italo-French restaurant that's up there with Christchurch's best. Expect delicious, modern takes on classics like duck a l'orange or fillet of…
Seriously Good Chocolate Company
Fiordland & Southland
The fantastic smell hits you as soon as you walk in the door: house-made chocolates. This is a great place to pick up tasty Kiwi gifts, like chocolate…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Spice up your life at this brightly painted North Indian restaurant complete with bhangra-beats soundtrack. There are plenty of tasty lamb, chicken and…
Christchurch
Polished concrete, reclaimed timber tables, hanging plants and floor-to-ceiling windows give this cafe in the upcoming St Asaph/Welles St precinct an…
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…
Blenheim
The humble pie rises to stratospheric heights at this fabulous bakery-deli on Blenheim's rural fringes; try the pork-belly or steak and blue cheese, or…
Dunedin & Otago
Midori, housed in a heritage stone building, serves sashimi and sushi that make the most of fresh local seafood. Other carefully prepared dishes include…
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…
Queenstown
Who knew a burger joint could ever be a destination restaurant? Such are the queues at Fergburger that it often looks like an All Blacks scrum out the…
Takaka
Sweet-toothed travellers should start their days with a chocolate-and-almond croissant at this cute little shop, where all the chocolate truffles,…
The West Coast
Kids will love peering through the glass at the beehive in this large deli-style cafe, while their parents occupy themselves in the separate cheese room…
Queenstown
If gluttony is a sin, this Devil is doing its job, with 18 burgers coming in sizes regular and large. Wraps include the hangover-busting 'Walk of Shame',…
Nelson
Located upstairs in the State Cinemas complex, this Italian-run joint turns out the town's best pizza. Thin, crispy, authentic and delicious, with some…
Banks Peninsula
On SH75 between Christchurch and Akaroa, the flourishing settlement of Little River is home to this fantastic combo of contemporary art gallery, shop and…
Christchurch
Spread across two rooms of a restored old post office building, this popular cafe is a great spot for all-day brunches, spectacular salads and excellent…
Queenstown & Wanaka
Tucked behind the post office, this little gem does a brilliant job of bringing the bold flavours and late-dining habits of Spain to sleepy little…
Central Otago
International dishes are whipped up here, including in the traditional wood-fire oven, but Paulina particularly showcases her South American heritage with…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Delicious cakes and good-quality coffee are on the menu at this local favourite, tucked away off the main street. Power up with a huge High Country…
Queenstown
The Hilton sprawls along the lakeside by the Kawarau River outlet, and part of the fun of visiting its signature restaurant is the ferry ride. As the name…
Christchurch
The small-scale, corner C-lab is hooked on coffee, but also cooks up delicious brunches like brioche French toast, house-smoked salmon or chipotle pulled…
Christchurch
Dark wood, gold tiles and purple skull-patterned wallpaper fill this hip restaurant and cocktail bar with just the right amount of sinister opulence. The…
Fiordland & Southland
The motor inn's cafe serves substantial meals (pizzas, schnitzels, venison stew and a token vegie dish) with a generous side order of lake views from the…
Dunedin
In the heart of Dunedin's warehouse precinct, Vogel St Kitchen offers smashing breakfasts and wood-fired pizzas in a cavernous two-storey red-brick…
Nelson Region
This relaxed cafe-bistro is a versatile slice of cosmopolitan cool. Kick off with eggs Benedict for brunch, before returning at dinner for fish and chips,…
Buller Region
Way up at the northern end of the main Palmerston St strip, this smart bistro serves cooked breakfasts on the weekends, along with the usual pubby bistro…
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…
Blenheim
Located in the thick of Renwick wine country, Marlborough's most lauded restaurant focuses on local produce fashioned into top-notch contemporary dishes…
Christchurch & Canterbury
A deservedly popular roadside stop, this bright, friendly cafe in Leithfield (south of Amberley) serves delicious bakery fare, like gourmet sausage rolls…
Nelson
This saffron-coloured Edwardian bungalow houses a convivial Indian restaurant serving impressive interpretations of standards such as tandoori chicken,…
Nelson
Nelson's resident Scandinavian baker serves up delicious breads, pastries, cakes and small chocolate treats in this bijou bakery cafe. The freshly filled…
Blenheim
Injecting a little Latin passion into the Blenheim dining scene, Gramado's is a fun place to tuck into unashamedly hearty meals such as lamb assado,…
Christchurch
Despite being hidden away in suburbia, this acclaimed Japanese restaurant has a loyal following, so it's wise to book. Tuck into the likes of sashimi,…
Dunedin
Authentic kebabs, dips and salads are on the menu at this long-running Dunedin favourite. It's a top place for takeaways, and most nights the spacious and…
Kaikoura
Beachy artwork fills the walls of this cosy cottage cafe but, despite the name, it's on the highway with no water in sight. Choose between tasty muffins…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Slightly north of Waipara township, one of the valley's oldest vineyards has a fine line in righteous rieslings. The casual cafe serves platters and…
Dunedin
This funky little place with mismatched formica tables, plastic animal heads, and lounge chairs for slouching in is popular with students and those who…
