Location: Marlborough Region
Top Restaurants in Marlborough Region
Top Things to do in Marlborough Region
Where to Eat in Marlborough Region: The Best Restaurants and Bars
The fertile soil and temperate climate of the Wairau River Valley provide the perfect conditions for a wine lover's paradise. Marlborough's thousands of acres of vineyards and dozens of wineries create delectable wines of diverse varietals, from full-bodied Pinot Noir to herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc. The countryside boasts unsurpassed beauty, with its majestic mountains, verdant vineyards and the labyrinth of waterways that make up the Marlborough Sounds.
Things to do in Marlborough Region
1. Boat Shed Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Fabian H
Fresh made food. We've had a fantastic rich haloumi salad and a delicious pancake with banana/bacon/maple syrup/butter. Best bacon I've ever had! Best coffee since weeks. Amazing location above the water in an old restored building with fantastic views. Very polite & helpful young team.
2. Brancott Estate Cellar Door and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Discover the region’s premier wine experience at the home of the original Sauvignon Blanc. The Brancott Estate Cellar Door & Restaurant celebrates the history of Brancott Estate wines, at Brancott Vineyard, the site of the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc plantings.The spectacular Brancott Estate Cellar Door & Restaurant is one of Marlborough’s premier cellar doors with a restaurant offering majestic views over the region. On a typical clear day, visitors can see the North Island from the elevated site.Visitors can enjoy Cellar Door tastings and wine sales, Wine Tours, an informtaive AV presentation telling the story of the original Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and a restaurant menu featuring seasonal, local produce.
Reviewed By Jean O - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Brancott Heritage Centre serves a good choice of dishes, perfect for a light lunch or a complete meal. Excellent selection of wines to try and a gorgeous view, thousands of vines and at this time of year glowing bunches of both green & red grapes.
A must visit at least once on any trip to Blenheim.
3. Highfield TerraVin Cellar door and Vineyard Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
The Highfield TerraVin Vineyard Restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean style food, has breath taking views and with the vibrant Stephanie Armstrong at the helm you will be made to feel so welcome, just like old friends. Stephanie, the owner / operator of Highfield TerraVin Vineyard Restaurant is a host extraordinaire, she has had much experience in the hospitality industry all over the world. For her it’s all about creating memorable experiences for her guests. Many things make up that experience, the welcome, the food, the service, the extraordinary view and the ambiance. It’s important to her that her guests leave feeling special. Stephanie works with David, our chef to serve the freshest, most delicious food. Making good memories for you, that’s what makes Stephanie smile. What are you waiting for? Reserve your table today, we look forward to seeing you.
Reviewed By Walkinggranny - Greetham, United Kingdom
We drove here for lunch with a view across the vineyards. How beautiful it was! And our friendly waitress advised us that three of the "tapas" style dishes would be enough.
It was more than enough; the dishes were huge. One each would have been enough but we wanted to try a few things. Sadly no room for pudding! Delicious wines too, especially the Pinot Noir.
4. The Tides Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 314 reviews
Reviewed By Dunca2015 - Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand
We went to the Tides on a grab a deal on a Friday,the place was busy,We ordered a lemon and lime,and a ginger ale,but got served a ginger beer.We ordered the lamb shank and the roast lamb,these were served very promptly,we did not get offered the complimentary tasting,that everyone else did,also no offer of the water bottle,weather the service is slack because of the grab a deal I don’t know,then we waited and waited and waited ,there must have been 6 waiting people working,they walked up and down the centre,look at you and just leave you with the finished plates still on the table.The dessert which were the cheese cake and sticky date pudding,we had to ask if we were going to get them,they finally showed up after half the people that came in after us had well gone. From the photos I took the time between the mains and the dessert being placed on the table was 63 minuets,I see that the owner replies to some TripAdvisor comments,so I would point out that we are seniors that dined out 280 times last year so we do see a lot of the workings of the cafes and restaurants.
5. Harbour Light Bistro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 510 reviews
Harbour Light Bistro is a locally owned Nelson restaurant based on Wakefield Quay, one of Nelsons beautiful waterfronts. Harbour Light offers a selection of locally and internationally inspired dishes. All dishes are made fresh and our menus change seasonally as we use locally sourced fresh produce when possible for our restaurant. Harbour Light Bistro & Restaurant offers spacious indoor dining with picturesque waterfront views, suitable for large groups or an intimate lunch or dinner for two. Our wines are also locally sourced from Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough regions and are all carefully selected to accompany our many fine dishes. Harbour Light Bistro & Restaurant is open weekdays from 11.30Am to late. On the weekend we open at 9.30 For brunch then through to close with dinner. Please call us on 03 546 6685 for a reservation so as not to be disappointed.
Reviewed By danjonelson - Nelson, New Zealand
This restaurant has it all, stunning location looking straight out the harbour, with the big ships coming in. Food is tasty, fresh and perfectly cooked.
Not a huge menu to choose from, but there is something for everyone, even the fussy eaters.
Service is good, with great attention to detail.
6. Twelve Trees
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Named after the original walnut trees that lined the entrance to the winery, lunch at our Twelve Trees Restaurant is a must for visitors, and locals alike. The great food and relaxing atmosphere, whether in the sheltered courtyard, or inside by the fire, provide a warm welcome. Menus change seasonally to reflect Head Chef, Matt Gibson's simple food philosophy "fresh & local". However a couple of signature dishes, including the Seafood Chowder, which has become a local favourite, remain on the menu year round. Come in and try it with the delicious Wallops Chardonnay!
Reviewed By famadven - Wellington, New Zealand
We had lunch here with friends. Unfortunately the rain meant we couldn't sit in the beautiful Gardens but we were outside in the covered area. This is a lovely area that has ceiling louvres that can open in the sun....unfortunately on the flat roof area...MoreThank you for the review. It's great to hear our staff were accommodating in trying circumstances.... we are not used to rain in sunny in Marlborough ;) I'm pleased you enjoyed your meals. We hope to see you again.
7. The Indian Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 669 reviews
Come and visit us for the most authentic taste of Indian cuisine !! Situated right in the heart of the Nelson CBD, our warm and homely surroundings will add to your whole dining experience.
Reviewed By Georgina C - Melbourne, Australia
Fantastic Indian restaurant in Nelson. The restaurant itself is lovely with outdoor Seating around a garden and lights. We had the banquet which was delicious and far too much food for the reasonable price! We really enjoyed the atmosphere and food and would highly recommend...MoreWe are really delighted that your experience with us was enjoyable and we really appreciate your positive feedback. The Indian Cafe family is thankful to you.
8. Hopgoods
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Good honest local cuisine, served in a casual environment.
Reviewed By Arden O - Eugene, Oregon
We are leaving today after 15 fabulous dinners in New Zealand. This was clearly the best on the South Island, exceeded in our estimation only by Food on Waiheke. The venison was flawlessly prepared and included delightful taste surprises. The scallops similarly were exquisite. The chocolate desserts rounded it out nicely.
There is a reason these guys are atop the ratings in Nelson. They should be regionally and nationally as well.
9. The Mussel Pot
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 553 reviews
Havelock's iconic green lip (green shell) mussel restaurant.Casual and informal.The restaurant specialises in green lip mussels but also has a variety of New Zealand seafood, burgers, pastas, gluten free and vegetarian options all perfectly matched with famous Marlborough wines and New Zealand beer.Great outdoor Seating through summer. Closed for winter June to end of August.
Reviewed By henry_assess - Napier
Unfortunately we are not able to visit often enough ! Everything here is great. The mussels are so delicious we have not tried anything else on the menu yet. Lovely Seating outside in the courtyard. Highly recommended.
10. FORD'S Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 850 reviews
Reviewed By Taxbandit - Nelson, New Zealand
This is a lovely place to sit out for lunch and we were looking forward to our meals. We had a long time to wait for the food to arrive. My steak Sandwich was tiny, overcooked and only lukewarm sitting atop a small piece of bread. My wife had the lamb greek salad which was mainly cucumber and olives with a joghurt type sauce, a far cry from a tzatziki and the lamb was quite fatty. Altogether not a pleasant lunch experience. If you only have one hour for lunch, give this restaurant a miss.
