7 Best Restaurants in Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island, New Zealand

In an iconic art deco building, this is the place to dine in St. Clair, a leafy seaside neighborhood along a spectacular beach. Sate yourself with a shared plate of slow-roasted lamb shoulder; the less carnivorous may wish to try the risotto or salad. The bar's cool aura of chrome finishing and art deco style is warmed by the dining area, which has a brick fireplace. A huge brunch menu caters to all tastes, and many dishes can be made gluten-free. The service is extremely friendly. Brunch is available only on weekends.

There are good views of the harbor from this converted vintage post office "where the high road meets the low road." The interior still feels Edwardian, and classic fish dishes and steaks lead the menu; on a nice day sit outside in the courtyard or, in winter, beside the open fire. 

Located in the first settlement you reach on the peninsula, this well-known café has fine views across the harbor. Scallops, prawns, blue cod, and mussels are popular, as are the tasty pizzas with smoked salmon and prawns. The brunch menu is served between 11 and 3, and the dinner menu kicks in at 5.

A spacious dining room done in wood and brick provides the setting for dining on a large menu of classic, hearty Kiwi fare including hot-smoked salmon and braised lamb shanks; there's something for everyone, including vegetarians. The wine list includes mostly New Zealand vintages, with a few Australian wines as well. The outdoor garden bar is a perfect place to enjoy the Southland sun and a glass of wine; forget driving and make use of a courtesy vehicle for pickup/drop-off within Otatara and Invercargill city.

You can have a relaxed meal in the hotel's seaside restaurant or an even more relaxed meal in the bar at this popular local spot. Local seafood (including oysters), pizza, pasta, and steaks offer good value; seafood chowder is a popular choice, and if you give a 24-hour notice, you can try the crayfish. Reservations are strongly recommended in the busy summer season because there are so few places to eat in these parts. Renowned winter buffets draw the local crowd in on Tuesday night.

Authentic and quirky, the Ale House serves as a lively bar in a brewery–restaurant setting. The menu includes a "drunken" steak (steak marinated in dark, malty porter) and tender Merino lamb shank, along with plenty of Speight's ales you can match with your meal. Heavy wood furniture, old brewing equipment, and a huge schist fireplace makes the place feel welcoming. A couple of seasonal beers are released each year; in the past, these have included Harvest (an apricot beer), Chocolate, Samradh (a ginger-and-pimiento beer), and Spiced Amber Ale. You can order a "tasting try" to sample all the beer offerings which include Triple Hop Pilsner, 5 Malt Old Dark, Distinction Ale, Cider, and Summit Lager.

This enormously popular restaurant on the way to Oreti Beach (past the airport) is a local favorite. Ziff's does steak, blue cod, chicken, and pasta, and customers love the seafood bowl and slow-braised meat pie. The establishment provides a free courtesy shuttle from Invercargill and environs, so you can indulge in their excellent wines and cognacs, too.