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Chef–owner Kevin Hopgood focuses on using regional produce and regularly wins national restaurant awards for this small, eponymously named bistro-restaurant. Along with the à la carte menu, Hopgoods offers a five-course degustation tasting spectacle, plus an ever-changing two- or three-course bistro-style menu on Monday and Tuesday. This dinner spot is likely to be busy, though the service is always attentive and discreet.
284 Trafalgar St., Nelson, Nelson, 7010, New Zealand
Known For
- Angus beef fillet
- Duck confit
- Big crowds so reservations are a good idea
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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The food at this all-day café is great (a huge breakfast menu, burgers at lunch, beef rib eye, and lamb cutlets for dinner) but the scenery steals the show. If the weather plays ball you'll be able to enjoy a memorably stunning view: an amphitheater of mountains (Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman) and, in the foreground, tall kahikatea forest. Lunches include salads, curries, risottos, burgers, and bagels while evening has the classics: pork belly, rib-eye steak, salmon, Merino (lamb) leg, and pastas are served.
1 Lake Matheson Rd., Fox Glacier, West Coast, 7859, New Zealand
Known For
- Incredible view (weather permitting)
- Classy evening menu worthy of special-occasion dining
- Outside seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Apr.–Oct.
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They started brewing beer on the West Coast right here in 1868, and now the modern version of the brewery offers a full restaurant, a brewing museum, brewery tours and, of course, lots of fresh brews. The restaurant serves standard Kiwi fare, along with tapas and platters to match the beers. The brewery tours (NZ$35 includes tastings) will be in the hands of an expert brewer. You can also get your own, personally labeled bottle (NZ$10).
60 Herbert St., Greymouth, West Coast, 7805, New Zealand
Known For
- Historic brewery tours
- Antipasto platters
- Great local brews
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Swing by the Mussel Inn for a quintessential slice of Golden Bay life: music, craft beer, and darn good pub food. Locals come for the live music (most evenings in summer), mussel chowder, steamed mussels, or goat curry, washed down with house-brewed beer and ciders. A favorite is the Captain Cooker—brewed first from native manuka leaves by Captain Cook to combat scurvy on his ships. With rough sawn timber, handmade furniture, outdoor fire pit, and a big rambling garden, it’s very much a "Kiwi woolshed meets Aussie farmhouse" feel here.
1259 Tākaka-Collingwood Hwy., Onekaka, Tasman, 7182, New Zealand
Known For
- Craft beers and ciders
- Rustic, country ambience
- Live music
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Aug., Reservations not accepted
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At this café, shop, and produce market in a former church, enjoy breakfasts of French toast, free-range eggs Benedict, or free-range eggs cooked any way you like. Then stock up for your holiday travels from the food market. Or you can just chill over a wholesome lunch like the excellent slow-roast lamb burger. There's also an interesting kids' menu, and you can indulge in the cakes and berry ice creams anytime. Beverages include fresh brews from the Townshend Brewery next door. Weekend dinners in summer feature music performances.
502 High St., Motueka, Tasman, 7120, New Zealand
Known For
- Fresh, wholesome local foods
- Wooden toys and furniture for sale made by the owners
- Townshend Brewery beers
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner except in summer on Fri. and Sat.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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One of those cozy, buzzing places so prevalent on the West Coast, The Alice May serves country fare that is good and plentiful, with a welcome range of light meals (fish-and-chips, curries, venison burgers) and more substantial main courses (slow roasted pork belly, beef cheeks, and good vegetarian options). The wine and beer lists are stacked with mainstream NZ favorites. The Alice can get very busy over summer. Courtesy car available on request.
30 Cron St., Franz Josef, West Coast, 7886, New Zealand
Known For
- Full of character and ambience
- Great service even when packed
- Interesting à la carte menu
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The owners spent years restoring this old pub, and now the place hums with activity and tasty food. Locally cured bacon, venison patties, wild (bush) pork sliders, house-made pies, and salads all vie for attention on the breakfast/brunch/lunch menus. Bar snacks and baked goods are offered all-day, and dinner steps up with a stylish à la carte menu. Riders from the local cycle trail will be staying here; there's also a great local scene with live music and community events.
81 Seddon St., Kumara, Hokitika, West Coast, 7832, New Zealand
Known For
- The community's local pub
- History (ambience) meets modernity (food)
- Classic miner's breakfast
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A friendly and very stylish eatery, Arbour is innovative and critically acclaimed yet so laid-back and hospitable. The quality produce is matched with quality local wine. Owners Bradley and Liz have brought their international, five-star hospitality experience to Arbour, just out of town on the way to the airport. The decor is simple yet sophisticated, and the garden comes into its own in summer. Various menu options vary from small plates to three, four, and "many" degustation-style courses.
36 Godfrey Rd., Renwick, Marlborough, 7272, New Zealand
Known For
- Degustation-style option for chef to create entire menu for you
- Dining in the kitchen alongside the chef
- Great desserts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. and Jul. No lunch
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Lots of wholesome breakfast and lunch options, hot snacks, and sweet treats are offered here. Some popular choices include the snapper (fish) sandwich, Beechwood burgers, and real fruit ice cream. This is a great place to stock up for your rafting or hiking efforts, and they manage the passing crowds well.
32 Waller St., Murchison, Tasman, 7007, New Zealand
Known For
- Popular stop for bus passengers so gets crowded
- Classic highway café
- Nice selection of to-go foods
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Head here for quality New Zealand dishes and a bar that can carry you to the wee small hours of the morning. This place can become a late-night party spot during the tourist season. Franz Josef is small enough to walk from most accommodations to dinner, but if you do want a courtesy car, these people bring out their very own stretch hummer (for dinner only).
5 Main Rd., Franz Josef, West Coast, 7886, New Zealand
Known For
- Lamb shanks
- Huge salads
- Party hotspot
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch May–Oct.
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South American and Mediterranean influences are paired with top Marlborough wines and craft range beers at this prime waterfront spot with a laid-back atmosphere. The fresh breakfasts will sufficiently fuel you up for a day out on the Sounds. Cortado, a family-run restaurant, prides itself on its sustainable practices.
Corner of High St. and London Quay, Picton, Marlborough, 7220, New Zealand
Known For
- Good selection of tapas
- Pizzas and breakfast burritos
- Sustainable sourcing
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This standout along Fox Glacier's main street sparks up no-nonsense options with fresh local flavors, such as the Neve pizza topped with mozzarella, ham, bacon, pepperoni, tomatoes, and pineapple. From breakfast and on to lunch and dinner, the menu is big and varied, taking you through eggs Benedict, BLT sandwiches, soups and chowders, burgers, chicken, pizzas, and rib-eye steak—just what you need after a day exploring or driving. Everything is prepared on-site (muffins recommended). The wine list has only New Zealand vintages, and the beers are boutique.
37 Main Rd., Fox Glacier, West Coast, 7886, New Zealand
Known For
- New Zealand--focused wine list
- Veranda dining to watch the tourists
- Varied menu of NZ classics
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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This old bank building is loaded with local character in its current guise as a cheerful pub and gathering spot. If the coal-mining heritage of this town interests you, you will enjoy the memorabilia and photos on display. They serve good Kiwi food here, anything from breakfast and brunch to light meals to kids' meals to stone-grill steaks and seafood. The meals are hearty, and it's a very kid-friendly spot. There's a big covered courtyard for summer dining.
18 Wakefield St., Westport, West Coast, 7825, New Zealand
Known For
- Traditional New Zealand food
- Big breakfasts
- Stone-grilled meats and seafood
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In this cheery beer garden–restaurant, hearty ales and craft brews are matched with traditional German cuisine, pizzas, gourmet burgers, and Kiwi fare. If beer is your focus, you can also get a beer-tasting tray. It's not all about wine in Marlborough, but yes, there is also a good range of wines. There's also a good kids' menu. This can be a busy venue, especially when the locals are here for a big rugby game or music gig, so think about booking your table ahead of time.
1 Dodson St., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7201, New Zealand
Known For
- Pork knuckles, goulash soup, strudels, and other German classics
- Huge tap beer selection
- Busy crowds
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Sitting outside Le Café on the waterfront you can look right down Queen Charlotte Sound and watch the local boats and the big Cook Strait ferries coming and going. Staffers source organic, local, and free-range foods wherever possible—your fish was probably landed on the wharf at the end of the street and, if it's beef, they reckon they know the farmer. Casual meals, coffee, and baking are available all day before dinner kicks in; that's when the tempo at the bar picks up and live acts perform regularly.
London Quay, Picton, Marlborough, 7220, New Zealand
Known For
- Great coffee
- Edgy vibe
- Continental European classics at dinner
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A little café open daily, Pancake Rocks serves a full breakfast, lunch, and (in summer) dinner menu. This place is famous for it all-day pancake stacks and gourmet stone-oven pizzas, the cabinet food is delicious too. There's also a small gallery/gift shop here, selling quality New Zealand souvenirs, including jewelry. The staff copes well given the hordes that can arrive here.
Coast Rd., Punakaiki, West Coast, 4300, New Zealand
Known For
- Pancake stack with maple syrup and bacon
- Quirky decor
- Stone-oven pizzas
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There’s a huge range of fare on the menu here, be it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Breakfasts are served until 3 pm, and coffee and cake are always ready on the go. Light lunch choices include salads, burgers, and lots of seafood, and the dinner menu showcases salmon, venison, and rib-eye beef. They're especially proud of their signature fish-and-chips on Friday. You’ll be dining with the locals here.
13 Cobden St., Westport, West Coast, 7825, New Zealand
Known For
- Fresh market fish, delivered directly from the boats
- Bistro burgers
- Local atmosphere
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
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Be it coffee and French pastries for breakfast, mussels and clams with a glass of wine for lunch, or a full à la carte dinner, the European chef and owners at Raupo will indulge you. Meals are light, healthy, organic, and locally sourced when possible. The restaurant is of a striking glass, wood, and stone design, and it sits on a small bend in the Taylor River. You can sit on the terrace in summer or cozy up to the fireplace in winter. The mezzanine floor offers a more private dining experience.
6 Symons St., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7201, New Zealand
Known For
- Riverside dining
- Patisserie on site
- French influence on top local produce
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Good food and good coffee is served every day in a welcoming, rustic setting. It's hard to find, tucked around a corner, so it's mostly frequented by locals and those in the know. There's plenty of room and free Wi-Fi, with hours extending a touch in summer.
51 Fairfax St., Murchison, Tasman, 7007, New Zealand
Known For
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Big helpings
- Lamb shank
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This contemporary-style wine bar and restaurant (with a wine shop next door) offers evening dining with tapas plates and some larger main courses. The menu changes weekly to encompass the freshest and most seasonal produce. The wine list is one of the largest you'll find in any Marlborough eatery, while cocktails and craft beers are also in good supply. On summer nights the tables spill onto the public square outside—grab a beanbag for comfort.
24-26 Maxwell Rd., Blenheim, Marlborough, 7240, New Zealand
Known For
- Cool black booths and brick decor
- Shared plates
- 500-plus wines offered from temperature-controlled cellar
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sat. and Sun. No lunch