From coastal seafood delights to award-winning fine dining, New Zealand’s food scene is a journey in itself. Renowned for the quality of its fresh produce and unique flavours, you’ll find wine regions, oyster festivals and lakeside cafes and unforgettable foodie experiences. Take a trip with us from the top rated Auckland restaurants to Nelson wineries - as well as some insider tips on where to eat bluff oysters in Invercargill.
Auckland
Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar
Nothing beats freshly shucked oysters. Image from Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar.
If you're looking to enjoy some memorable share plates in a relaxed but vibrant setting, Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar is your next stop. With most of the offerings cooked over charcoal or hardwood, the depot's charcuterie delights in serving up dishes such as 'Waikanae’ wild pork salami and ‘Salash’ chorizo. The Raw Bar is the place to siddle for some plump, creamy and slavacious seasonal NZ oysters (we had to make up a word to capture those unique flavours!).
The French Café
Helmed by Sid and Chand Sahrawat, the French Café brings together à la carte and tasting menu options with a modern twist. Set within a Scandinavian styled ambience, the kitchen serves up a host of surprises ranging from dry-aged duck to ruakaka kingfish with apple and cashew creme. Book your place for the Gaggenau Tuesday Test Kitchen, a weekly series that delivers innovative off menu dishes.
Where to stay
Base yourself in the heart of foodie paradise at Quality Hotel Lincoln Green. This hotel is also home to The Good Home Gastro Pub with beautiful west coast beaches only 30 minutes away.
Nelson
Boat Shed Café
Have brunch at the Boat Shed cafe. Image from www.nelsontasman.nz.
Perched over the water on Nelson’s Lake Wakatipu, and with stunning views of the majestic Remarkables mountains, the Boat Shed Café is a spectacular spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch or a drink. Set in the historic and refurbished New Zealand Railways Shipping Office, this venue will sate your appetite from the Boatshed Benedict to the sesame crusted seared tuna tataki. Or indulge in a Lewis Road Creamery treat and find out why this is one of the best cafes Nelson has in store.
Arden Bar & Kitchen
Sporting a wine and cocktail bar within its heritage frontage, Arden is a central Nelson restaurant that prides itself on showcasing some of the best from local growers. The seasonal menu changes frequently, from rare wild venison to Mills Bay mussels. And you'll also find a great selection of local beers and wines from the best wineries in Nelson and beyond. Take a cosy seat in the bar, courtyard garden or dining room and discover why this is one of the best restaurants in Nelson.
Neudorf Vineyards
Stunning views at the Neudorf Vinyard. Image from www.nelsontasman.nz.
Just outside Nelson, in the rolling Moutere Hills, Neudorf Vineyards is a boutique vineyard that is up there with the best wineries in New Zealand. Surrounded by the valley’s orchards and hop gardens, this winery is home to award-winning Chardonnays, elegant Pinot Noirs and signature aromatics. Take a guided tasting of the organic Moutere wines and learn about Neudorf’s innovative winemaking practices.
Where to stay
With English-style character and an onsite restaurant The Honest Lawyer, Ascend Hotel Collection is the perfect base for discovering where to eat in Nelson. You’ll also enjoy sweeping views of the Tasman Bay and mountain ranges.
Napier
Mister D
Enjoy a delicious meal at Mister D Dining. Image from Mister D Dining.
Located in Napier’s Art Deco precinct, Mister D is known for its relaxed ambience and charm and slightly decadent creations. From the ‘Big Rock N Roll Breakfast’ to a dinner of beef tenderloin or bone marrow ravioli, this diner doesn’t skimp - you’ll also find freshly baked bread, house-made pasta and pastries. If you’re wondering where to eat in Napier, this one’s on the must-do list.
Mission Estate Winery
Attend the F.A.W.C! Kiwi as Long Lunch. Image from Kirsten Simcox.
Established in 1851, and the 'birthplace of New Zealand wine', Mission Estate was started by French missionaries and is today a premier destination for wine connoisseurs. Sample some of the award-winning Syrah in the Grand Maison Cellar Door, or enjoy with a meal in the intimate Mission Estate Restaurant. Nestled in the Taradale hills, you'll also be rewarded with sweeping views of Napier and beyond.
Pacifica
Savour some fine cuisine at Pacifica Restaurant, where Māori and international influences come together. Pacifica prides itself on using only the freshest local produce and seafood, with daily set tasting menus that champion the flavours that are in season. The five course seafood menu is a must-try, and great value for a dining experience of this level.
Westshore Beach Inn BrewPub
The Westshore Beach Inn gastro pub is one of Napier’s oldest pubs, with a license dating back to 1851. Today it is keeping the legend alive with an onsite brewery and 30 different beers from around New Zealand. Enjoy a rib or steak at the bistro - the PAK Philippine Asian Kitchen is also on site and open for lunch and dinner.
Where to stay
Stay where the action is. With the Westshore Beach Inn gastro pub onsite, Comfort Inn Westshore Beach is a great option near Westshore Beach. You also won’t be wondering where to eat in Napier when you stay at the centrally located Quality Inn Napier.
Invercargill
Bluff oysters
Invercargill is known for their incredible oysters. Image from Great South.
No foodie adventure to New Zealand is complete without savouring a Bluff oyster. Regarded as the best oyster in the world, these national delicacies are harvested from the clean, cool Southland waters between March to August. Whether raw with lemon or battered and fried, they’re a must-try. Enjoy a treat during the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival in May, when locals bring together some exquisite oyster experiences.
The Batch Café
Enjoy some yummy treats at the Batch Cafe. Image from Great South.
A local favourite, The Batch Cafe has been regarded as one of the best cafes in Invercargill since it opened in 2011. Enjoy a hearty fry stack and egg breakfast with a kickstarter Hummingbird coffee, or treat yourself to one of the cafe’s popular chocolate berry brownies or caramel slices. This cafe is also home to the famous orange and date scone, all baked on site.
Buster Crabb
Situated in a Dee Street heritage building, and varnished with smokey, old world decor, Buster Crabb is an award-winning diner with a focus on fresh local products and top-end pub fare across lunch and dinner. Pair up some lip green mussels - a uniquely Kiwi delicacy - with a local wine. You'll also find a great collection of local imported beers, including imported German Hofbrau Lager, Haufbrau and Wheatbeer.
Where to stay
The Comfort Inn Tayesta is a great base for exploring the spectacular Southland region and all the culinary delights it has to offer. Only a three-minute drive to the CBD just 20 minutes from the ferry terminal - ideal for exploring nearby Stewart Island coastline.