Location: Kaikoura
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Best New Zealand food near Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand
Reviews on New Zealand food in Kaikoura, South Island, New Zealand. In the Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish," a nod to the New Zealand township's seafood-rich origins. Remnants of those early days can be found at Fyffe House, the oldest surviving building, and Kaikoura Museum. Today, the South Island settlement provides an ideal base camp for observing the abundant offshore wildlife (sperm whales, dusky dolphins, orcas and fur seals) and dining on fresh local catch. Numerous galleries showcase the knitting, pottery and jewelry of area artisans.
Things to do in Kaikoura
10. Kaikoura Food Company
Overall Ratings
4 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By 903ceesv
Very Nice café with there own fudge preparation.We chose a kind of chocolade one . Very Nice and many calories. But mmmmm.Coffee was surprising good. Good service. Tried to buy 200 ml bottlenecks of wine , but unfortunately , they were nog for take away. The liquorstore was at the opposite .
9. Lobster Inn Motor Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By JocelynC885
The restaurant here is located in the bar area - it's more of a pub bistro.I had the mussels main, my partner had fish pie.Best mussels I've had in New Zealand - delicious spicy, sour, salty in a coconut cream sauce.My partner's fish pie was a generous serve of seafood in a creamy sauce topped with cheese, salad on the side.Staff are friendly and helpful, service quick.Worth the very short drive out of the centre of Kaikoura
8. Why Not Cafe
Overall Ratings
3 based on 337 reviews
Reviewed By RickM638
Simply due to where we parked led to us eating here. Nice enough coffees, the food and service was ok but nothing made it either good or bad. Very vanilla review of a cafe that didnât offer much.
7. SlamClub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
SlamClub is centrally located in the stunningly famous coastal town of Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. We are a family owned and operated artisan sandwich and salad cafe/bar with a uniquely styled, recycled and friendly vibe
Reviewed By Doc J
Thank God for rainy weather today!Otherwise we would not have come here!...when we entered the last café on the left side in Kaikoura (coming from the seaside) it took a few minutes to realise that the man, cooking behind the bar, was a real Austrian!(is he?). The girl, who was taking the orders was kind and friendly.. and than, looking around, we saw nicely arranged cakes and cookies on a little wooden exhibition stage, that were clearly European style, better: âcuisine alpineâ.We had a unexpected Experience of delicious food and fabulous coffee so as hot chocolate! Everything is authentically styled with love, starting with the manâs hat till the little spoon that is coming with the coffee! Go there if you donât believe itâs real!
6. Koura Bay Lodge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 99 reviews
Koura Bay Lodge is just 5 km North of Kaikoura, and set between the Beautiful Kaikoura ranges and the Ocean, on a 9 Hole Golf Course. Our Restaurant is open for Dinner 6 days a week (Tuesday to Sunday) by reservation only , serving Kaikoura's local Cuisin
Reviewed By JuliaC129
Three of us visited this smart hotel/motel in a beautiful, quiet location just north of Kaikoura town. The hosts are very welcoming and efficient, and our room was very clean with modern facilities and comfortable beds. Although quite busy, it was very quiet with no disturbance from other guests. Waking up to so much surrounding natural greenery was a pleasure! We had dinner on the second night, and all craved the sumptuous but limited menu choices, opting for the venison. This was cooked to perfection.It is not cheap, but we did not regret spending here. Our one suggestion for the hosts is they provide outside table and chairs for each room on the little paved area to the front- a shame not to be able to sit comfortably and enjoy the scenery.We would highly recommend this establishment.
5. Nin's Bin
Overall Ratings
4 based on 276 reviews
Nins Bin was first estabilished in November 1977 as a roadside caravan selling fresh local crayfish. Still to this day it offers just that, right next to the beach for an ulitmate New Zealand experience.Only a 20minute drive north of the Kaikoura Township
Reviewed By henrytN6791OI
We were recommended to stop for fresh crayfish by friends who has passed by when driving though Kaikoura 4-5 years ago. The seaside setting is scenic, welcome friendly and the food was fresh, but fell well short of the 90-140NZD charged per crayfish. The seating was a little basic but authentic, with plentiful guano and sandflies at the tables. It seems prices have more than doubled in the last few years which is a shame.
4. The Whaler
Overall Ratings
4 based on 473 reviews
Reviewed By BVMAN
We went for the porterhouse steak special which was very reasonably priced. The orders arrived exactly as required in good time and the helpful server brought an additional plate as one meal was to be split. The steaks were tender and the chips or mash were good. The sauces were tasty. As a value for money meal it would be hard to beat. All the staff we encountered in the pub were friendly.
3. Green Dolphin Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1107 reviews
Fresh regional Kaikoura cuisine in a cheerful relaxed atmosphere at the Green Dolphin Restaurant + Bar Kaikoura, New Zealand.
Reviewed By Roslyn E
We had a wonderful evening at the Green Dolphin. The Green Lip Mussels were an absolute triumph - absolutely delicious, and my companions meals were also delicious. Lamb and Beef were all cooked to perfection. Dee, the front of house, and our waitress for the evening was delightful, friendly and accommodating. We would not hesitate in recommending the Green Dolphin for a meal - in fact it is a MUST visit!
2. The Pier Hotel Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1071 reviews
The site is superb and undoubtedly the best outlook in Kaikoura, with panoramic vistas of the Kaikoura Ranges and sweeping views of Ingals' Bay from the bar and restaurant. Come and see for yourself. We are open for lunch and dinner every day so come on i
Reviewed By Gail M
Breaking my journey for the night in Kaikoura elected to eat at this restaurant right on the beach,as I had had a great meal there before. I chose the second most expensive dish on the menue, half a crayfish. The most expensive was a whole crayfish! It did not disappoint! Even the salad and herbed fries were tasty and I am not even a salad person.
Where to eat Pizza food in Kaikoura: The Best Restaurants and Bars
1. Hislops Wholefood Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By Toddy04
We only found out about this cafe on our last day after chatting to our accommodation hosts. It has a wide menu of whole foods, healthy options and beautiful homemade breads and cakes and slices. We went their for lunch in addition to taking away food.It was the best cafe of our two week journey.
