Location: Motueka
Top Restaurants in Motueka
Where to Eat in Motueka: The Best Restaurants and Bars
The town of Motueka in the South Island of New Zealand lies close to the mouth of the Motueka River, on the western shore of Tasman Bay. It is, after Richmond, the second largest centre in the Tasman Region, with a population of 7125 (2006 census). The Motueka Ward had an estimated population of 10,900 at 30 June 2009.
Things to do in Motueka
1. Chokdee Thai Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By Tracey650 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Chokdee is a Thai restaurant on the Main Street of Motueka. It’s simply an excellent Thai restaurant. The food is fresh, tasty, and very flavoursome. Everyone enjoyed what they ate. We sadly did not try the fresh Thai rolls that looked incredible when delivered to other tables.
The staff are friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable and not overly pretentious. It was also busy for mid week night which is usually a recommendation in itself.
2. Riverside Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Winner of Wild Tomato magazine's best regional rural restaurant 2010 and recommended by both North and South and Cuisine magazines, Riverside Cafe is an integral part of the historic Riverside Community (est.1941). We serve fantastic fair-trade coffee, and a delicious selection of home made cakes, slices and our amazing brioche, with gluten free options always on offer. Our seasonal menu includes local produce,free range meats and eggs, plus superb wines from the plethora of vineyards in the Moutere area. You can dine al fresco in our lovely garden or on our sheltered deck area, or grab a table inside the historic cafe (built 1860) and be inspired by the local art which adorns the walls! A unique and wonderful cafe, offering a very warm welcome. We are open 7 days a week from 8.30 To 4pm, plus open for dinner on Friday evenings. Bookings are recommended!
Reviewed By ohiowanderer - Columbus OH
We drove out to the Riverside Cafe for lunch. The parking lot was full but after a short wait, we got a parking spot. The cafe is in an old house with lawns and Gardens. The staff were pleasant, but not overly friendly. We chose food from the cabinet, salads and quiche. The salads were very tasty. I'd definitely go back.
3. Elevation Cafe Restaurant Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 203 reviews
Onsite prepared food using local ingredients.Steak and Locally caught fresh seafood a specialty All baking done onsite including pizza bases cakes and Deserts.Casual and friendly serving good value Wholesome food. Food made with love not manufactured by machine!
Reviewed By dmrxox - stonington ct
Don't be put off by the ambience.....the food and service was terrific and the prices very reasonable. We had fabulous braised lamb shanks with cauliflower mash and pan sautéed snapper...very fresh and cooked perfectly; with roasted fresh vegetables..
We had wine and an espresso. The server was very sweet and took good care of us.. We highly recommended this restaurant if you enjoy well prepared good fresh food, nothing fancy just a simple carefully prepared meal
4. Patisserie Royale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Reviewed By Herbie15
Have had good experiences in the past and this was recommended. On the whole very good, coffee and cheese roll were great as were the friendly staff. The croissant was sought and bland on the inside and stopped them getting a perfect score. Only bad thing out of many visits. Thanks
5. T.O.A.D Hall Store & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 496 reviews
Welcome to T.O.A.D Hall Store and Cafe in Motueka! Our large Store and Cafe is Motueka's best kept secret. With emphasis on quality fruit, produce and caring service we are your essential stockist for fresh and organic supplies. Step into the store to find local produce, preserves, breads, fruit and vegetables. Enjoy delicious home-made pies, salads, cakes, a range of amazing menu dishes and coffee from our cafe and relax either in our enclosed (heated) cafe area or enjoy the sun in our expansive outdoor area, complete with children's playground and tree-house!
Reviewed By graeme54-11 - Stockport, United Kingdom
This is a superbly run store, cafe and attached brew house alongside the main road into town from Richmond. Staff are extremely friendly, efficient and appropriately quick with service. Breakfasts were great and, as an extra, the toilets are brilliant. Well done folks.
6. Simply Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By John B - Uk
First time trying here and don’t regret it at all !!! Lovely flavours, soft tender meat cooked perfectly and well spiced and that’s not to mention the garlic n cheese nann bread ??
7. Sprig & Fern Motueka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
The Sprig & Fern Tavern in Motueka is somewhat of a hidden gem set behind the busy main street. We are a traditional, friendly kiwi tavern with a bright, fresh interior. There are no TVs or pokies to distract you from enjoying the excellent craft beer and cider, delicious food and entertaining conversation.
Reviewed By Colin_Kirk - Nottingham, United Kingdom
If you like beer then don't miss this place. It's only slightly off the main drag but easily missable if you don't know it's there. Plenty of good quality tap beers served well by knowledgable and engaging staff. One was happy to give us a potted history of the brewery, the current brewer being a lady from England. Service was great and whilst the place was busy with drinkers and eaters it maintained a nice ambience never being too noisy. Set in quite a quirky building.
8. Riwaka Hotel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Gavin W
Five minutes from Motueka, or ten minutes from Abel Tasman and Kaiteriteri, on the Riwaka main road there is an old country pub named the Historic Riwaka Hotel. It's not much to look at, you could easily drive past without a glance, but if you didn't stop you would miss out on one of the best meals you will ever eat. I'm not talking about country tucker of lamb roast and roast vegetables, I'm talking about food fit for a 5 star fine dining restaurant.
When you walk in you really think you're in the wrong place, but through a door off the main entry a simple and understated restaurant will blow your tastebuds out of the water.
Entree's like; Spicy calamari salad of apple, chorizo, coriander and mint with a lemon and chilli dressing, or my favourite, a wild hare terrine with beetroot relish, toasted walnuts and a roquette and pear salad.
Mushroom capelletti with sautéed courgette, roasted almonds parmesan cheese, herb and olive salsa, or braised pork belly with sweet and sour vegetables, crispy shallots and a sage sauce, or salmon tartar with avocado mousse, cucumber coulis, asparagus and herb salad.
And then there;s a selection of mains that need considerable time to choose from:
Mediterranean lamb cutlets with smoked paprika polenta, gazpacho sauce, summer vegetables and feta cream
Fillet of beef with ox tail ravioli, macaire potato, asparagus and a green peppercorn sauce
Duck breast with an pea puree, dauphine potato, seasonal vegetables and a light lemon thyme sauce
Pan fried fish with crispy prawn and rice cake, wilted spinach, fennel and a saffron and mango salsa
Roasted pork fillet with sage and mustard gnocchi, sautéed cabbage and a roasted bell pepper sauce
Salmon with marinated mussels, cherry tomatoes, French beans, olives and a dill butter sauce
and if you've got room, dessert!
Millefeuille of rose scented mascarpone, macerated strawberries and pistachio anglaise
Selection of ice creams and sorbets with vanilla tuile, berry coulis and walnut biscotti
Chilled apple and cinnamon soup with hazelnut meringue, fresh fruit salad and kiwifruit sorbet
Taste of chocolate: moist chocolate cake, white chocolate panna cotta, dark chocolate parfait and chocolate truffles.
Brilliant beers and wines, great coffee, friendly country service.
Enjoy,... and tell your friends.
9. Samaritas By The Sea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Samaritas By The Sea is set the Motueka Mariana, we offer fresh home baking including toasted sandwiches, cakes, scones; and great coffee. Hours Tuesday to Sunday 8am – 3pm however this can be weather depended! The cafe is set in a beautiful secluded area with a view of the marina and Tasman Mountains. Walk or cycle down for great brew, fantastic views and even better chat! Dogs are welcome too!
Reviewed By travelbug1330 - Greymouth, New Zealand
Relaxed atmosphere, great coffee, friendly service and the best toasted sandwiches that I have ever had. A great place to sit, enjoy the food and watch the goings on in and around the harbour.
10. Kai Waka Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By CEWatat79 - Taupo, New Zealand
We thought this was a fantastic cafe. Great food, excellent coffee, home made almond milk. Excellent salads with vegan choices. And cool surroundings with excellent friendly service. If you're in Motueka we'd say this is the best cafe to go to.
