Top Restaurants in Blenheim
- 1. Brancott Estate Cellar Door and Restaurant
- 2. Highfield TerraVin Cellar door and Vineyard Restaurant
- 3. Twelve Trees
- 4. Scotch Wine Bar & Wine Shop
- 5. Wairau River Wines Restaurant
- 6. Watery Mouth Cafe
- 7. Rock Ferry Cellar Door & Cafe
- 8. Dodson Street Beer Garden
- 9. Gramado's
- 10. Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen
Countries
Where to Eat in Blenheim: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Sample the beloved vintages of the Marlborough Wine Region in Blenheim, an agricultural town in the heart of New Zealand’s renowned wine hub. More than 20 wineries are just a hop, skip and a corkscrew away from Blenheim, where a stream of cafes and restaurants serve up tasty, artisan fare. One of the sunniest towns in New Zealand, Blenheim is the perfect destination for foodies and wine lovers who love to soak up the sun while sipping the fruits of a vineyard’s labor.
Things to do in Blenheim
1. Brancott Estate Cellar Door and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Discover the region’s premier wine experience at the home of the original Sauvignon Blanc. The Brancott Estate Cellar Door & Restaurant celebrates the history of Brancott Estate wines, at Brancott Vineyard, the site of the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc plantings.The spectacular Brancott Estate Cellar Door & Restaurant is one of Marlborough’s premier cellar doors with a restaurant offering majestic views over the region. On a typical clear day, visitors can see the North Island from the elevated site.Visitors can enjoy Cellar Door tastings and wine sales, Wine Tours, an informtaive AV presentation telling the story of the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a restaurant menu featuring seasonal, local produce.
Reviewed By Jean O - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Brancott Heritage Centre serves a good choice of dishes, perfect for a light lunch or a complete meal. Excellent selection of wines to try and a gorgeous view, thousands of vines and at this time of year glowing bunches of both green & red grapes.
A must visit at least once on any trip to Blenheim.
2. Highfield TerraVin Cellar door and Vineyard Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
The Highfield TerraVin Vineyard Restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean style food, has breath taking views and with the vibrant Stephanie Armstrong at the helm you will be made to feel so welcome, just like old friends. Stephanie, the owner / operator of Highfield TerraVin Vineyard Restaurant is a host extraordinaire, she has had much experience in the hospitality industry all over the world. For her it’s all about creating memorable experiences for her guests. Many things make up that experience, the welcome, the food, the service, the extraordinary view and the ambiance. It’s important to her that her guests leave feeling special. Stephanie works with David, our chef to serve the freshest, most delicious food. Making good memories for you, that’s what makes Stephanie smile. What are you waiting for? Reserve your table today, we look forward to seeing you.
Reviewed By Walkinggranny - Greetham, United Kingdom
We drove here for lunch with a view across the vineyards. How beautiful it was! And our friendly waitress advised us that three of the "tapas" style dishes would be enough.
It was more than enough; the dishes were huge. One each would have been enough but we wanted to try a few things. Sadly no room for pudding! Delicious wines too, especially the Pinot Noir.
3. Twelve Trees
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Named after the original walnut trees that lined the entrance to the winery, lunch at our Twelve Trees Restaurant is a must for visitors, and locals alike. The great food and relaxing atmosphere, whether in the sheltered courtyard, or inside by the fire, provide a warm welcome. Menus change seasonally to reflect Head Chef, Matt Gibson's simple food philosophy "fresh & local". However a couple of signature dishes, including the Seafood Chowder, which has become a local favourite, remain on the menu year round. Come in and try it with the delicious Wallops Chardonnay!
Reviewed By famadven - Wellington, New Zealand
We had lunch here with friends. Unfortunately the rain meant we couldn't sit in the beautiful Gardens but we were outside in the covered area. This is a lovely area that has ceiling louvres that can open in the sun....unfortunately on the flat roof area...MoreThank you for the review. It's great to hear our staff were accommodating in trying circumstances.... we are not used to rain in sunny in Marlborough ;) I'm pleased you enjoyed your meals. We hope to see you again.
4. Scotch Wine Bar & Wine Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
We are an independent, owner-operated wine bar, restaurant and wine shop located in the middle of Blenheim, Marlborough.
Reviewed By Penelope P - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I'd heard gr at things about this tapas bar and restaurant and it certainly lived up to my expectations. A great choice both food and drink option ons
5. Wairau River Wines Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 473 reviews
The menu at Wairau River Wines is built around the fresh produce that is readily available in the Marlborough district.Enjoy matching our superb wines at cellar door prices with lunch in a relaxed informal environment either outside on the sun drenched lawns and verandahs or inside beside the large open fire in winter.The Rose family are pioneer grape growers in Marlborough, today their five children all take an active role in the business.
Reviewed By Albywon - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Great spot near the main highway linking Nelson and Blenheim. Nice to get friendly and low pressure service from the manager on duty. The wines were of good quality and reasonably priced too. Lovely to visit to the Savignon Blanc capital of New Zealand! 2253
6. Watery Mouth Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
A big city cafe in a "little" town. Great coffee, fantastic local craft beers and lovely local wines. Our menu features local and seasonal fare, with options ranging from hot breakfasts to afternoon indulgences, a wide variety of cooked and pre-prepared lunches from our cabinet, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian treats. We can even make you up anything from our cabinets or menu as a picnic to go! We're open seven days a week from 7.00am until 4.00pm. We serve the bustling breakfast, lunch and coffee trade, and the cafe is a well-utilised space for meetings. We are fully-licensed and also love hosting private functions. Come upstairs for relaxed dining or enjoy the famous Marlborough sun outside.
Reviewed By maryannd103
Coffee here is the best but the personal touches are what sets this cafe a notch above the rest.
Ïd ordered my coffee when l realised l'd left my wallet in the car. ..the girl behind the counter smiled and said no problem... pay next time.
And l did!
Thank you WMC!
7. Rock Ferry Cellar Door & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 614 reviews
Rockferry Wines is owned by husband and wife team Tom and Fiona, proud producers of world-class certified organic wines, made right here in New Zealand. Our philosophy is to make real wines which speak of their home; to express the pure distinct flavours from our organic estate vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago. It's the way we live. We welcome you to visit our team and taste our wines at our cellar door and restaurant in Marlborough. Based around seasonally inspired cooking and our range of organically grown wines, the cellar door and restaurant is a great showcase for the honest, down-to-earth produce that New Zealand's South Island is justifiably famous for. We look forward to seeing you soon
Reviewed By Virginia M - Auckland, New Zealand
We sat outside on the verandah, with a slightly chill wind blowing, the hostess kindly bought us 3 fleece blankets to wrap around ourselves - two of us had the fish - beautifully fish and cooked to perfection - a very generous helping we agreed. The third had the steak Sandwich which he polished off without any effort. Accompanied our lunches with a bottle of Trig Hill Organic Pinot Gris which was delicious... unfortunately, none of us could fit dessert in. Definitely recommend for a long, leisurely lunch. Wait staff very friendly and helpful.
8. Dodson Street Beer Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 338 reviews
“Best Restaurant“ - Beer & Brewer People’s Choice Awards New Zealand 2013<br>“3rd Best Bar“ - Beer & Brewer People’s Choice Awards New Zealand 2013<br>“Best Marlborough Restaurant“ - SOBA Awards 2013<br>“Best Marlborough Bar“ - SOBA Awards 2013 + 2014 + 2015 + 2016<br>Experience OZ + NZ : One of Marlborough's 10 best Restaurants<br>TripAdviser : One of Marlborough's 10 best Restaurants
Reviewed By scottng15 - Nottingham
I had the fish chowder; my wife had fish and chips. They were both delicious, ample portions. My wife complimented how grease-free her dish was considering it was fish and chips. The place was very busy for a Tuesday afternoon at around 2pm and they had a few tables reserved as well. I believe that level of popularity speaks for itself.
9. Gramado's
Overall Ratings
5 based on 670 reviews
Inspired by a small town in southern Brazil, part of the state Rio Grande do Sul, Gramado city is renowned for its fine wine, international cuisine and chocolate. Come in to a cosy, warm place for dinner or drinks. Enjoy the homestyle atmosphere, the little bar and separate dining areas. Please not we do not offer B.Y.O or Corkage.
Reviewed By outriggerkay - Noosa Heads, Australia
We rolled into town late getting the last (yes the VERY last) room in town. On looking up the best place to eat on trip advisor we called Gramado's only to be told they were fully booked. After begging and pleading we were advised to come at 9:15pm. Well it was worth it. The staff are fabulous in a friendly chatty way. They are very good at talking about the food and wine. The premises are comfortable, cosy and unpretentious. The food is different - which is GREAT when you are eating out every day and want something surprising. The sweet little mouthful offered at the end of the meal (gratis) as we were not allowed to go home without something sweet, was delightful and just right.
10. Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Come and visit Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen to relax, sit back and enjoy the Saint Clair experience. The newly renovated establishment is situated within a unique vineyard setting with views extending past the vines towards the ever changing and dramatic Richmond Range. The sunny courtyard offers outdoor dining with some dining options amongst the vines. On a cooler day an extended veranda section can ensure customers continue to have the vineyard feel while being sheltered from the elements through extensive floor to ceiling glass sliding doors. A cosy fire provides ambience and warmth during the New Zealand winter, an ideal settling to relax and enjoy Saint Clair's award winning wines.
Reviewed By Megan P
Good wine, we found one we liked. Came at end of day but still alright service. Wine tasting is free if you purchase otherwise $5 for 6 tastings. It is just tastings didn't get a talk about the history etc which you sometimes get.
