Location: Hanmer Springs
Top Restaurants in Hanmer Springs
Top Things to do in Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Hanmer Springs
Both a weekend destination for locals and a magnet for tourists craving other-worldly relaxation, Hanmer Springs is the perfect spot for pampering. The tiny spa town is built around a hot spring that was discovered in the 19th century, and the crisp mountain air has restorative properties of its own.
Things to do in Hanmer Springs
1. Malabar Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 911 reviews
Malabar Restaurant in Hanmer Springs has won accolades for its food and great passion for detail. Cuisine Magazine, Zest in The Press, North & South magazine, Lonely Planet and Rough Guide have all lauded Malabar. You too can dine out on its great reputation.We serve a fusion of cuisine in contemporary style with special emphasis on flavours that incorporate the best of local produce complemented by local and international beers and fine New Zealand wines including award-winning vintages from the nearby Waipara Valley Wine region.
Reviewed By Samantha M - Christchurch
Had dinner here. Very tasty food. Duck dish was lovely along with the citrus creme brulee. Good service, very friendly
2. Isobel's Hanmer Springs Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 148 reviews
Isobel's Restaurant is located in the Heritage Hanmer Springs hotel and is open every day of the year for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We also have a fantastic outdoor Terrace overlooking our Gardens for amazing al fresco dining. We offer a variety of meals to suit most tastes and meet most dietary requirements and we are proud to offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.
Reviewed By ChristchurchQuality - Christchurch
The facility is at the Heritage Hotel and as expected it is quite old. It is true to character and no physical updating so expect to climb steps and open the doors yourself. It is a rabbit warren to find the restaurant but well sign posted. Starched tablecloths, great food and great service. Not pleased to have to pay credit card surcharge on meal. Ambience is dull.
3. Powerhouse Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 664 reviews
Reviewed By DELTAK - England
Thursday I reserved at table for Friday night for two people.When we arrived Friday there were 4 small tables [30 inches square] against the wall and two of these were already occupied. We walked past 5 vacant tables for 4 people - and were allocated one of the empty smaller tables. We assumed it was going to be a busy night and the larger tables were reserve
We ordered a starter of scallops & prawns, which were delicious As this was our wedding anniversary, we bottle of wine but because the table was so small, the ice bucket was placed on the empty double table across the aisle.
Meanwhile another couple walked in, had not reserved, and were shown to another of the larger tables!
I was leaning across the aisle to get at the wine bottle and I knocked over my glass of wine into my lap. The waiter came over with paper towels and got me dried out.
The main course of chicken in a Martini jus & vegetables - the chicken was chewy and the veg bland. My partner had lamb which came on the bone and was also not impressed - especially as now she realised that the spilt wine had found its way into her lap as well. By this time we'd had enough and decided to miss out the dessert and leave.
It was now nearly 9pm and no other diners had arrived and I would like to know if it is the restaurant policy to give the worst tables to those of us that take the trouble to reserve a table and save the larger tables for those who can't be bothered to reserve.
4. Springs Deli Cafe
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By Lavarcham - Poulton Le Fylde, United Kingdom
There was an appetising aroma from coffee grinder in the window and the taste of our Cappuccinos lived up to anticipation and went well with the apricot and walnut biscuits. There was the added advantage of finding a parking place right outside with an awning giving shelter from pouring rain.
5. Coriander's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 432 reviews
Reviewed By Julie D - Lake Country, Canada
After the great reviews, we had higher expectations. Service was slow throughout the night, with lack of communication regarding when delayed food could be expected. The vegetable pakoras were rock hard and tasteless, but good thing we ordered them. Our main courses did not arrive until 45 minutes later. We asked for medium heat, and we couldn’t eat the vegetable korma or lamb vindaloo. Lamb was tough, and couldn’t tell if it even was lamb due to the overpowering chili. Raita was subsequently ordered to counter the heat. The cheese naan was tasty though! If you are from Canada and normally order medium heat, go with mild ;-)
6. Robbies Bar & Bistro
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 456 reviews
Reviewed By AllanMargaret
Searched for a place for dinner and the staff were so welcoming and obliging that I couldn’t help but book a table at what was an old post office. The service, when we arrived, was efficient and more importantly cheerful and friendly. They have a good selection of beers and wines and a few cocktails, not that I’m into cocktails at all. The food, lamb shanks for her and roast for me, was delicious and the steamed veggies done beautifully but could have been enhanced with some green beans.
7. WhatEver!
Overall Ratings
4 based on 461 reviews
Reviewed By Arna K
My husband and I visited hear while we stayed hear as had a voucher we turned up and they had a full house and as we didn't book a table thought we wouldn't get to dine hear. But the manager was verry warm and friendly and got us a table. The service was amazing even though they were flat out there was no table unattended and all the staff were efficient and cheerful. As for the food it melted in our mouths I had steak and my husband had pork it was delicious will definitely be coming back
8. Saints Cafe, Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 379 reviews
This Restaurant of ours is always buzzing with tourists, locals, families and groups of friends. We've got big comfy booths, spread out tables and long outside wooden benches for those warm evenings. Relax with a drink or famous cocktail, shoot some pool, or enjoy our restaurant where you may choose from our celebrated gourmet pizzas, unique stonegrill, and classic a-la-carte menu. For those of you with children, please bring them with you as we are absolutely child friendly. Kids can choose from their own menu and colour to their hearts content. We also offer the great taste of Saints through our takeaway service offering not only our gourmet pizzas but our full a-la-carte menu. Come and join us as our team would love to look after you.
Reviewed By Mike L - Aberdeen, United Kingdom
My wife and I along with my sons family recently visited this restaurant on a Friday night, the very night they had an extended Happy Hour. The place was obviously buzzing with young and old, taking the opportunity to experience this restaurants varied menu and in our case their very tasty ribs along with some fine real ales and NZ wines. The service and atmosphere was first rate and we all enjoyed our evenings dinner. One needs to book especially on weekends
9. Rustic Cafe and Tapa's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Reviewed By madamshalet - Christchurch, New Zealand
We had come in for lunch and were pleasantly surprised at the menu range. A little bit of something for everyone. I got a pasta dish which was very generous and a friend got the fish tapas, again, a very generous serving. Definitely somewhere I will go back to.
10. No.31 Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 849 reviews
The former "Laurels" Restaurant re-opened its doors in May 2012, as "No.31 Restaurant & Bar", an A la Carte Restaurant specializing in modern European/New Zealand Cuisine. The restaurant is set in a quaint character cottage on the main street of Hanmer Springs. French doors open out to a lovely courtyard for alfresco dining and an outside bar leaner for pre-dinner drinks/cocktails in the warmer months. Inside the restaurant it is very homely, with an open fire, wooden floors and candle-lit tables. Award winning chef/owner, Michael van de Wiel ( previous chef/owner at "The Old Post Office Restaurant", Hanmer Springs, for 12 years). Fully Licensed and NOT BYO. Reservations Recommended.
Reviewed By Richard F - Hanmer Springs, New Zealand
As motel operators we often get asked for recommendations for dining out in Hanmer Springs. "No 31" is only 50meters away but that's not why we recommend them, they have great food and a wine selection to match, and their service is spot on. We've never had a guest come back and say anything negative about their meal, on the contrary, they always comment that the food was great. Good modern NZ menu, whether its beef, lamb or fish.
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