Where to Eat in Twizel: The Best Restaurants and Bars

February 10, 2018 Rosalyn Ihle

Twizel /ˈtwaɪzəl/ (Māori: Ruataniwha) is the largest town in the Mackenzie District, in the Canterbury Region of New Zealand's South Island. The town was founded in 1968 to house construction workers on the Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric Scheme. Twizel has a resident population of 1,250 (June 2017); during the summer, holidaymakers nearly triple the town's population.
Things to do in Twizel

1. Shawty's Cafe

4 Market Place, Twizel 7901, New Zealand Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Pizza, Cafe, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +64 3-435 3155
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 599 reviews

Shawty's Cafe

Since its beginnings in 2005, Shawtys has built up a strong reputation, synonymous for fine food and great espresso. A destination in the Mackenzie Country. Open 7 days from 8.30am till late over the summer months with reduced hours during the winter season. Shawtys has a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, and cabinet food available, and our chef's are committed to providing you with great qualiy food at an affordable price. With a comprehensive gourmet pizza menu and great range of gluten free and vegetarian options there is something to suit everyones taste.Step into warm surroundings and take in the "New York" inspired decor. Shawtys recently underwent an amazing facelift and would not be out of place in a bustling city scene. A new look has led to a renewed focus on excellent quality wines and an array of craft beers. Shawtys offers a dining experience of high standard in a relaxed setting, perfect for an intimate dinner with friends or larger gathering. We aim to leave a lasting impression on our customers with great service and we invite you to check us out.

Reviewed By GeraldO64 - Christchurch, New Zealand

Called in to Shawty's Cafe on our way home from Wanaka. The staff were so accommodating with my allergies adapting the menu to suit my requirements.
Great coffee. Thoroughly enjoyed the meal and will certainly be back.
Also great to see they clean with ENJO products. Very environmentally aware:)

2. Poppies Cafe

1 Benmore Place, Twizel 7944, New Zealand Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe, European, New Zealand, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$24 - HK$212 +64 3-435 0848
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 787 reviews

Poppies Cafe

At Poppies Cafe & Restaurant we pride ourselves on giving you a great memorable experience. We have a large vegetable garden & glasshouse where we grow a wide range of organic herbs & vegetables. Our chefs use only the finest local ingredients, Mt Cook Salmon, Lamb rack, Appletree Pork, local Beef fillet ( free range & grass fed). We offer a fantastic range of locally produced wine & craft beer. With alfresco dining and some of the most picturesque scenery in the world, come and enjoy the best service, food, wine, beer & coffee Twizel has to offer.

Reviewed By Peter A - Auckland, New Zealand

Based on strong TA reviews, we sought out Poppies for most meals during our two day stay in Twizel. We found the food standard to be consistently high and the service to be engaging. Our second dinner selection was the lamb rack dish for us both which has received numerous excellence awards from Lamb & Beef NZ, and we certainly appreciated the quality meal. Reasonable pricing and overall recommended.

3. The Musterer's Hut Cafe

20 Ruataniwha Road, Twizel 7901, New Zealand Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, New Zealand, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +64 3-435 0241
Excellent
46%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 99 reviews

The Musterer's Hut Cafe

At The Musterer's Hut Cafe we specialize in homemade food, made fresh on the premises. Our retro themed cafe is open daily from 9am - 4pm. Relax in the sun while the kids play on our outdoor playground, or play a round of mini golf. Browse in the boutique giftshop for that unique gift. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, unquie decor and friendly staff - it's the place to stop in Twizel!

Reviewed By Barbara S - Exeter, Devon, UK.

We stopped here for lunch on our way from Mount Cook to Dunedin. There is a nice choice on the menu and lots of delicious homemade cakes. The staff were lovely and there were some very nice things in their shop. It was a very pleasant place to sit outside in the Sunshine.

4. Power Station Bristro

13 Tasman Street, 7901, Twizel, New Zealand Reservations, Highchairs Available, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Bar, Pub, New Zealand, British, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner HK$86 - HK$228 +64 3-435 0832
Excellent
38%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 31 reviews

Power Station Bristro

The Top Hut Bar and Bistro is a real Kiwi pub with great food great drinks and friendly staff. We have an excellent choice of meals for all ages and can cater for parties large and small. Be sure to check us out

Reviewed By Smoltman - Courtenay, Canada

Our friends and us went here for dinner and the place was very busy which should have been a good sign. The ladies ordered the blue cod and us fellas had the bone in rib eye. The service was good and the plates were served in an attractive manner. The cod was cooked okay and the veggies etc were okay as well. My steak tasted okay but being a ribeye I thought it would have been more tender?

5. Jasmine Thai

1 Market Place, Twizel 7901, New Zealand Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner +64 3-435 3232
Excellent
32%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
7%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 65 reviews

Jasmine Thai

Reviewed By Steve W - Nelson, New Zealand

We enjoyed our meals here, a ginger chicken curry, red curry, samosas and satay chicken. Prompt freindly sevice. Be aware though they only have a limited selection of soft drinks and nothing alcoholic. They weren't taking credit cards when we visited. Tasy and fresh food.

6. Razza Bar

28 Tasman Road, Twizel, New Zealand Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Bar, Thai, Pub Lunch, Dinner +64 3-435 0492
Excellent
44%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
5%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 59 reviews

Razza Bar

Reviewed By Tiara2 - Melaka, Malaysia

If you’re staying in Twizel, Razza’s Bar is a must. Locals mix with tourists and it’s a great atmosphere. Good choice of beer and good decent sized meals with prices to match. It’s also small and cosy - loved it.

7. Hydro Cafe

25 Market Place, Twizel 7901, New Zealand Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +64 3-435 0406
Excellent
59%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

Hydro Cafe

Reviewed By Geejae99

We visited here around 1200 and managed to get a table for the family considering it was fairly busy.
A pretty good range of cabinet food, kids options and burgers to choose from. The wife and I went for the Twizel and Deep Cove burgers and a bowl of fries to share; these were awesome. The kids had the fish and chips and chicken nuggets and chips, heaps of chips for them and dad too.
The service was pretty good with quite a few staff on who were flat out doing what they do best.
Overall a very good experience at the Hydro and would recommend.

8. Ministry of Works Bar and Eatery

2 Market Place, Twizel 7901, New Zealand Television, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Brew Pub, Bar, Street Food, Pub, New Zealand, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$47 - HK$157 +64 3-435 3257
Excellent
53%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 96 reviews

Ministry of Works Bar and Eatery

Twizel's latest social meeting place, combining great food, craft beers and fabulous wines! This contemporary space also plays homage in its design to the Ministry of Works era, the reason that the Twizel township was created. A welcoming vibe and space to enjoy, open every evening till late.

Reviewed By Ash P - New York City, New York

While the beer was good and the food was tasty, the friendly staff made the place stand out. Not only did the bartender offer us solid recommendations on the beer, she perfectly balanced being talkative and informative with giving us our space. We also highly enjoyed the music selection.

9. Twizel Bakery Cafe

5 Market Place, Twizel 7901, New Zealand Takeout, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, New Zealand Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Excellent
28%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 60 reviews

Twizel Bakery Cafe

Reviewed By Steve W - Nelson, New Zealand

The bakery has a variety of food and we bought three different types of Sandwich all of which were fresh and tasty. We didn't buy pies as we weren't impressed by the selection.

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