15 Best Restaurants in Upper South Island and the West Coast, New Zealand

This big, indoor–outdoor café–restaurant overlooking a rolling surf beach on State Highway 1 makes one of the best road stops in the area (maybe even the whole country). You can choose lunch from a selection of prepared dishes or order from the menu. You'll find it halfway between Kaikōura and Blenheim. It's a beautiful, wild spot with the Kaikōura Mountains towering in the background. There's a huge log fire inside and a large outdoor deck with several private garden areas. Just make sure you stop early because it usually closes by 4 pm. 

Named Best Café in New Zealand 2023, enjoy breakfasts of French toast, eggs Benedict bagel, or asparagus bruschetta. This is also a shop and produce market, located in a former church, so stock up for your holiday travels from the food market. Or you can just chill over a wholesome lunch like the excellent slow-roasted lamb burger. There's also an interesting kids' menu, and you can indulge in the cakes and gelato anytime. Beverages include fresh brews from the Townshend Brewery next door. Weekend dinners in summer feature music performances.

The owners spent years restoring this old pub, and now the place hums with activity and tasty food like angus beef burgers and homemade lamb pies. 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.

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.

Located inside the Recreation Hotel (known by locals as “The Rec”) on the main street through Greymouth, Buccleugh’s serves quality food from 5:30 am until late every day. Head there for a big breakfast before setting off on your activities for the day. The lunch and dinner menu features Kiwi fare from the land and sea, like blue cod, whitebait, and venison. Plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options are offered. There's a busy sports bar separate to the restaurant, where you can order a snack or a meal through the bistro window to enjoy with a drink and catch whatever game is on.

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, from 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.

Homey hospitality and a great vibe in this colorful, retro-style spot comes with house-cooked breakfasts (scrambled eggs are as good as you'll find anywhere), lunches, and baked goods. Plus, the outlook over the Grey River is terrific.

Every town needs a darn good café, and this one is Blenheim's. The all-day menu features all the standard Kiwi fare like French toast, eggs Benedict, and muesli. There are even a few keto dishes and plenty of gluten-free.  The menu offers a few fresh, simple dishes for lunch, as well as an impressive tea and coffee menu. Try the smoked chicken Caesar salad. Locals love this place, with its sharp, almost industrial decor.

This popular deli is a great place to stop for lunch and coffee, or grab a take-away sandwich to sustain you during the West Coast activities (try the beef pastrami). The bread is baked fresh every morning, the free-range meat is crafted the old-fashioned way by an artisan butcher, and the cheese is handmade by a variety of South Island cheesemakers. Condiments are made in-house daily and salad is grown and fresh-picked daily. 

The locally sourced, mainly organic food at this funky place includes a raft of home baking, chutneys and dressings, and hearty country fare like chowders and salads. There's cozy indoor seating, and tables dotted throughout the garden and veranda. For the kids there's a small playground, an enchanted forest, and some extremely tame eels that can be hand-fed (September–May). This eclectic establishment makes no apologies for being open only on Friday 10 am–10 pm. Down in the back garden, the Boot B&B has comfy accommodations for couples.

Regional, artisanal produce is showcased at this upbeat, all-day café that’s been around for more than 20 years. Wholesome breakfasts, lots of in-house baking, and a tasty lunch menu are the stars here. Try the Nashville Hot Chicken. You can dine in the spacious indoor areas or on the terrace, and enjoy the changing exhibitions of emerging local artists.

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.

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. They have plenty of classic baking in the cabinet, and standard kiwi fare like nachos and burgers, on the menu. There's plenty of room and free Wi-Fi, with hours extending a touch in summer.

Set in the old Tākaka movie theater, this long-running institution is synonymous with the alternative feel that is Golden Bay. The breakfast and lunch menus are substantial and wholesome, or you can choose from the extensive cabinet range. There's usually a good curry on special, and their famous curly fries are a must. There's plenty of room to find a table, even at the height of summer. Eat indoors or out, and you’ll be joined by all walks of the local community.