Location: Timaru
Top Restaurants in Timaru
Top 10 restaurants in Timaru, New Zealand
Timaru (English: /ˈtɪməˌruː/; Māori: Te Tihi-o-Maru) is a port city in the southern Canterbury region of New Zealand, located 157 kilometres southwest of Christchurch and about 196 kilometres northeast of Dunedin on the eastern Pacific coast of the South Island. The Timaru urban area is home to 29,000 people, and is the largest urban area in South Canterbury, and the second largest in the Canterbury Region overall, after Christchurch. The city is the seat of the Timaru District, which includes the surrounding rural area and the towns of Geraldine, Pleasant Point and Temuka, which combined has a total population of 47,100.
Things to do in Timaru
1. Old Bank Cafe & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth M
Old bank always has had the same menu which I love. It's a great place for lunch or tea and has great value for money. Definitely the best pub food in Timaru. Would recommend this to anyone.
2. Speights Ale House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 326 reviews
Enjoy the award winning Speight's Ale House in Timaru. We have an the immense outdoor courtyard, great southern food and hospitality. Try some of local cuisine, from small/shared plates to larger meals. Private dining rooms available. Come and experience the best in Timaru!
Reviewed By Pocock1
Pleasant location and building in the town centre. Really good selection if beers. I followed the barmans recommendation and they all hit the spot.
Plenty of Seating outside.
The menu looked good with huge portions though not particularly pubby, more full on dinner. Also you would struggle as a vegetarian unless you like fish.
I liked it.
3. Bennys Again
Overall Ratings
4 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Ezra710 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This looked interesting from the outside, but I was disappointed by the food, which lacked in taste. A reasonable range of options but somehow lacking the x factor. Service was friendly but not energetic. Not crossed off my list but will likely explore others before returning.
4. Custom Steak House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By chrisanddon2016 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Yum Yum Yum. We all enjoyed our steaks and we also had a selection of side dishes. I highly recommend the duck fat chips. Pretty good value - the most expensive thing on the menu was about $35 and was a huge steak with a side plus veges. Really cute old house with an open fire and high ceilings. Lots of character. The waiter was extremely friendly and efficient. Would definitely eat here again.
5. Fusion Restaurant Cafe & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 354 reviews
We are a casual dining restaurant producing seasonal menus of New Zealand produce with international flavours.
Reviewed By harvard1078 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
What a wonderful meal and absolutely great staff. We ordered the Duck leg, well I enjoy duck but the way they prepared and served this meal deserves a mention. From other friends that visited the restaurant who didn't have the duck also enjoyed the meals (they got there too late as the duck had sold out). The staff were friendly and helpful, so well done to the Fusion restaurant.
6. Zest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Reviewed By Renee K
Zest has been a regular hotspot and dinner destination for my family and friends over the years! Fantastic service, great food and friendly atmosphere. You can never go wrong with the pizza options and there is plenty of variety throughout the rest of the menu. Cannot recommend Zest more!
7. TGB Bar & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
TGB (Gastropub) is located in historical building with dramatic high ceilings, nostalgic exposed brick and modern touches. It's been operating since 1875 for obvious reasons: southern hospitality with exceptional food and drinks. Our food grub is no-nonsense yummy and generous. Come on down, and chow down with the food. You'd be so glad you did!!
Reviewed By YVONNE L - Christchurch, New Zealand
We had dinner and ordered the basic roast followed by ice cream sundaes. Would have to say they were very average. Service was just okay staff seemed to spend time chatting to each other rather than serving customers so I don't think it is a place I would reccommend
8. Punjab Indian Tandoori Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 59 reviews
Authentic Indian Food. There is another branch at 159 Victoria Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
Reviewed By NZMidds - Wellington, New Zealand
Arriving late in Timaru meant little in the way of choice. So Punjab was chosen because it was open. The entree we had was the platter, it was great. The onion relish was especially good. The mains were less impressive. The butter chicken was decidedly average and the Tikka was equally mediocre. The garlic naan was good. Service was okay, not very enthusiastic, which is odd given we were the only people in the place. So it was okay, would I go again- no probably not....unless it was the only place open.
9. Purple Lizard Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By SUEMARK2017 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Early morning on our way to Christchurch from Moeraki, we took advice from TA and stopped at Purple Lizard for breakfast. The menu looked like pretty standard fare but on ordering and tasting, we were delighted that the 'standard fare' well exceeded our expectations. The coffee was Excellent ! We like to always thank our hosts; it was our pleasure to pass on our praise for a hearty breakfast from beginning to end.
Running a cafe can be a thankless task; hard work and even harder when you seldom receive thanks. We will definitely be recommending your cafe to other travellers should they pass your way. Best advertisement there is when you leave a cafe feeling well fed.
Ka kite ano !
10. Bay Hill Brewery Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By Katharine E - Vienna, Austria
Top marks for service here, which couldn't have been nicer. On a sunny day, the view over Caroline's Bay from the Terrace is stunning and was a lovely place to sit over breakfast.
Tasty coffee and a decent choice of breakfast dishes (we had the pancakes and an omelette) and extras (hashbrowns etc.). Portions are good, as is the value for money.
Definitely a top pick for Timaru, whether you are staying there or just passing through!
