Nelson Region
Relocated from its original location after a 2016 fire at the Waimea winery, Cellar Door is a very popular eatery near the rural town of Richmond. The all…
Must-see restaurants in South Island
The Great Coast Road
In summer, a food and craft market unfolds in a jaw-dropping location beneath overhanging cliffs 12km north of Punakaiki (follow signs to Fox River car…
Wanaka
An unexpectedly good caffeine oasis in a new residential development at the foot of Mt Iron. The coffee is good and the quinoa kumara fritters with…
Wanaka
Wood, corrugated iron and jute-cladding create a rustic feel – part barn, part farmhouse kitchen – for this edge-of-town gourmet provedore. Call in for…
Queenstown
Forget seasonal menus and daily specials; this tried-and-trusted Queenstown stalwart has been dishing up an unchanged menu of pizza and spaghetti for four…
Queenstown & Wanaka
An open kitchen occupies an entire wall of this relaxed Japanese restaurant in the heart of Millbrook Resort. Alongside the greatest hits of Japanese…
Nelson Region
Formerly called Shoreline, this cafe-restaurant near the beach has re-emerged as Kai, a modern and stylish bistro. Breakfast and lunch options include…
Queenstown
Despite being located at the heart of a faux-Tudor resort, this restaurant and bar is an unexpected oasis of cool that's well worth the 3km schlep from…
Franz Josef Glacier
Piling on the charm with its faux-Tudor decor, Alice May is the classiest restaurant in town. Sure, the menu includes meaty NZ favourites, but they…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Craft beers from the Mackenzie Country's Burkes Brewing Co partner a seasonal menu including platters and pizza at this cosmopolitan spot in Lake Tekapo's…
The West Coast
Purists might balk at flavour combos like smoked chicken and apricot, but Fat Pipi bakes Hokitika's best pizza. There are versions for veggies and gluten…
Queenstown
Gantley's French-influenced menu and highly regarded wine list justify the 7km journey from Queenstown. The atmospheric dining experience is showcased in…
Nelson Region
The art-bedecked interior of this popular place opens on to an outdoor terrace with distracting views. Seafood is showcased on the menu, including kokoda…
Queenstown
Elegant without being stuffy, the small bar attached to Eichardt's Private Hotel is a wonderful refuge from the buzz of the streets. The breakfast menu is…
Dunedin
A prime position overlooking St Clair Beach is only the beginning at this relaxed Italian cafe-restaurant from the same team as No 7 Balmac. Drop in…
Christchurch
This health-and-wellbeing complex – occupying the repurposed industrial warehouses of the Welder – combines a yoga studio and plenty of opportunities for…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Relocated in late 2019 to include an excellent cafe and boutique accommodation, Barker's is a long-standing producer of favourite fruity preserves,…
Nelson
Addictive burgers with international flavours partner with craft beer, wine and cocktails at this recent opening on Nelson's Trafalgar St eating and…
Christchurch & Canterbury
The town centre's best cafe serves up big breakfasts including waffles with bacon and maple syrup, and Middle Eastern-inspired shakshuka baked eggs. For…
Fiordland & Southland
Pretty ceramics, a warm terracotta colour scheme and a European soundtrack establish Suzie's Iberian tone. The wine list is Kiwi-dominated with a few…
Buller Region
Check out this retro yellow-and-white caravan for tasty burgers made with sourdough ciabatta buns and crammed with vegan ingredients including spiced soy…
Christchurch
Expanding into the central city from its farmers market and Sumner Beach roots, Utopia's thoroughly modern take on icy treats includes interesting…
Marlborough Region
Pleasant corner cafe and bar with views of the harbour through the foreshore’s pohutukawa and palms. This consistent performer turns out fish dishes,…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Pan-Asian flavours with a strong Japanese influence are the focus at Super, with the fun ambience further enhanced by bright and colourful anime…
Queenstown
This swish lakefront restaurant is one of the flag-bearers of Queenstown high-end dining. Despite that, it doesn't come across as sniffy, especially at…
Timaru
Despite its unassuming exterior, this split-level restaurant does a jolly good job of creating a Japanese vibe. Sit in the downstairs dining room or at…
Blenheim
Dining at Herzog's cellar door offers two options. Select a three-, five- or seven-course degustation menu in the more formal restaurant – wine matches…
Blenheim
A shopfront for a local fair-trade and organic coffee roaster, this cool little cafe is all leadlights and lampshades. Cooked breakfasts include the usual…
Nelson Region
Long-standing Jester House is reason alone to take this coastal detour, as much for its tame eels (friendly critters that like to be hand fed) as for the…
Christchurch & Canterbury
This motel complex offers comfortable chalets overlooking bird-filled gardens (doubles $140 to $160), but it's the up-and-coming culinary hub that's the…
Marlborough Region
A spot perennially popular for its quayside location, dependable food and Havana coffee. The likes of salami sandwiches and sweets are in the cabinet,…
Banks Peninsula
A decent bet for refined food, this place serves a classic bistro-style menu featuring local seafood, South Island wines and New Zealand craft beers. The…
Takaka
Aside from being Takaka's best bar, this hip joint also turns out its most interesting food. Wild game meat finds its way into venison burgers, goat…
Christchurch & Canterbury
The glacial waters of this floating fish farm, 3km from Twizel, produce mighty delicious fish, available to buy as fresh whole fillets and smoked portions…
Christchurch
Rangoon Ruby is the latest iteration of longtime Christchurch fave Bodhi Tree, which has been wowing locals with the nuanced flavours of Burmese cuisine…
Queenstown
It's a Tardis-like journey leaving the mall and finding Winnie's – part pizza joint and part bar, looking a little like a '50s diner with a drinking habit…
Nelson Region
With oddball art on the walls and a barista that looks like he's been beamed in from Woodstock, this is the ultimate Golden Bay hippy cafe. The name…
Dunedin
This boisterous pizza-and-pasta joint resides in the elegant Edwardian dining room of the Savoy, with its moulded ceilings, stained-glass crests and green…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Substantial servings of good-quality, albeit conservative, cuisine are on offer in this pretty wooden cottage. The upmarket ambience befits the prices,…
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…
