Location: Kaikoura
Top Restaurants in Kaikoura
Where to Eat in Kaikoura: The Best Restaurants and Bars
In the Maori language, Kaikoura means "meal of crayfish," a nod to the New Zealand township's seafood-rich origins. Remnants of those early days can be found at Fyffe House, the oldest surviving building, and Kaikoura Museum. Today, the South Island settlement provides an ideal base camp for observing the abundant offshore wildlife (sperm whales, dusky dolphins, orcas and fur seals) and dining on fresh local catch. Numerous galleries showcase the knitting, pottery and jewelry of area artisans.
Things to do in Kaikoura
1. Green Dolphin Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By WhereU2 - SW, UK
Having had dinner here on a previous visit to Kaikoura we were anxious to return (we even booked accomodation within walking distance). Service was friendly and attentive and our starters of Brushetta and Mussels were delicious. Our mains were equally delicious and I particularly enjoyed that the lamp was cooked two ways. The portions were generous and on this occasion we didn't have dessert. A very enjoyable evening meal with quality food and great service.
2. Why Not Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By Edward V - Brentwood, California
Stopped by for a late lunch before heading up to Christchurch. We had the vegetable soup, not so good, the potatoes had cooked down to corn starch tasting. However the meat pies were very good and the ice coffee was good too. Nice local cafe
3. Hislops Wholefood Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By JackieCary_NC - Cary, NC
Visiting New Zealand & driving from Christchurch to Blenheim. We stopped at Kaikoura for lunch. Hislops was the perfect place for us! Had the open face fish Sandwich & it was delicious. The Kaikoura blowhole steam beer was great! Highly recommend this restaurant.
4. The Pier Hotel Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 738 reviews
The site is superb and undoubtedly the best outlook in Kaikoura, with panoramic vistas of the Kaikoura Ranges and sweeping views of Ingals' Bay from the bar, balcony and restaurant. Come and see for yourself.The Pier Hotel has been under new management as of 1st October 2013, so come on in and have a beer, try our menu (with fabulous desserts) made fresh each day for lunch and dinner, we would love to see you! Reservations advised for evening dining.
Reviewed By PostcardSwansea - Swansea, Wales
Wonderful atmosphere - busy but very friendly and attentive. The crayfish 'signature' dish was delicious, although the pricing structure was a bit confusing. Plenty of other menu choices as well. We enjoyed our first visit so much, we booked for the next night as well, without even looking for anywhere else!
5. Black Rabbit Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
The Black Rabbit Pizza Co is a small, family owned artisan pizza restaurant located in Kaikoura, NZ. We have recently completed renovations and are now fully licensed, serving some of NZ's finest craft beer and wines.
Reviewed By Paul M - Kaikoura, New Zealand
Had the best Pizza i have ever-had in such a long time , It was warm and friendly , and we spoke to both the manager and the chef , lovely people
6. Cafe Encounter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 356 reviews
Ocean view cafe with a varied breakfast and lunch offerring, with GF and vegetarian options available. Great coffee and a varied selection of teas. Wide selection of cold drinks, juices and delicious smoothies! Fresh produce and daily fresh baking.
Reviewed By Kapanter - Stockholm, Sweden
The coffee place is in a souvenirs shop and quite ok. Just don’t go there if you wanna use their wi fi. They give you one voucher for 20mb!!! And if you ask for more than they refuse it. Wi fi offers in New Zealand is among the worst if ever experienced, this one was the worst so far.
7. Nin's Bin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Nins Bin was first estabilished in November 1977 as a roadside caravan selling fresh local crayfish. Still to this day it offers just that, right next to the beach for an ulitmate New Zealand experience.Only a 20minute drive north of the Kaikoura Township, it is a perfect stop off point to either dine in or take a crayfish away for your enjoyment later on!
Reviewed By Andyjam2110 - Newcastle, Australia
After passing Nin's Bin I thought the only right thing to do would be to try a local cray. The lobster was nicely cooked and tasted pretty good. Also a Nice, informal location to sit at the picnic table overlooking the water.
It's a bit lost on me though - give me a kilo of tiger prawns any day - a quarter of the price and twice as nice. But hey, that's personal preference.
Hot tip: just suck it up and do it. You know you want to.
8. Kaikoura Seafood BBQ
Overall Ratings
4 based on 554 reviews
Recommended by Lonely Planet. Freshly cooks seafood to order on BBQ outdoors. Very good and cheaper than the local restaurants. Everything served in a Sandwich or with rice and salad. Open daily weather permitting from 11am
Reviewed By twogotravelling_22 - United Kingdom
The fish here was wonderfully fresh it sadly just wasn't brilliantly cooked. I enjoyed the experience all the same, it was great to eat al fresco and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery but unfortunately whilst the food looked fantastic the taste just didn't live up to expectations. Everything was served with bread and overcooked rice, perhaps some fresh salad or vegetables would have made for a more exciting accompaniment given the price.
9. Thai Siam Kaikoura
Overall Ratings
4 based on 270 reviews
We are focused on serving Fresh and Delicious Thai Cuisine offering a range of dishes from all regions of Thailand. We offer an Extensive menu along with Great service and in comfortable and modern surroundings.
Reviewed By theonlyananas - Cambridge, New Zealand
Yum food that delivered as promised. Portions are quite large especially if ordering a side of rice. Good range of choice... fish tasted beautiful - even the second time around!
10. The Whaler
Overall Ratings
4 based on 373 reviews
Reviewed By Nicola B - Edinburgh
Arriving late after 7 hour detour drive this was very welcome. Excellent really fresh and crispy fish and chips, and local cider. Quite a long wait as they were busy but worth it.
