Sort & Filter

We scoured the region to find South Canterbury's best restaurants.

Read more

Discover them with our Neat Places guide.

Show less

Saikou

Red leather bench seating at Saikou, Timaru.
Place South Canterbury Timaru
Restaurants key icon.

If you find yourself craving a night of teppanyaki and whisky while in Timaru, point your nose to Saikou.

Hector Black's

Four people sitting on couches around in a circle inside the bar at Hector Black's in Timaru.
Place South Canterbury Timaru Editor's Pick
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

If a unique, cosy atmosphere, regular live music and a great selection of beverages sound like your kind of bar, then Hector Black’s is a must-visit.

The Oxford

A close up of the halloumi salad at The Oxford restaurant in Timaru.
Place South Canterbury Timaru Editor's Pick
Restaurants key icon.

Ask a Timaru local where to eat in town and chances are they will point you in the direction of The Oxford.

Blue Lake Eatery & Bar

Restaurant dining room at Blue Lake Eatery and Bar, Tekapo.
Place South Canterbury Lake Tekapo
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Blue Lake Eatery & Bar boasts a menu that’s heavily influenced by the seasons and local produce - and with a French twist on Kiwi classics - think beef cheeks marinated in red wine or hot goat cheese salad with local Mackenzie honey.

Carnegie's Restaurant & Bar

Waitress serving a table at Carnegie's Restaurant and Bar, Fairlie.
Place South Canterbury Fairlie
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Set in a stunning, historical building that was originally built as a Carnegie library in the early 1900s, Carnegie's Restaurant & Bar is a true Mackenzie destination in...

Dark Sky Diner

Waitress serving a table at Dark Sky Diner, Tekapo.
Place South Canterbury Lake Tekapo
Restaurants key icon.

Lakefront location, intimate interiors and compelling cuisine make Dark Sky Diner the ultimate Lake Tekapo dining destination.

The Greedy Cow Café

A close up of loaded toast on a table in the sunshine at the Greedy Cow in Tekapo.
Place South Canterbury Lake Tekapo
Restaurants key icon.

This sunny corner store café in the heart of Lake Tekapo is a must stop whether you are just passing through or in town for longer.

Ministry of Works

Interior view of table at Ministry of Works, Twizel.
Place South Canterbury Twizel
Restaurants key icon.

Ministry of Works is the social go-to for both Twizel residents and visitors alike.

Silverstream Hotel

Dining area at Silverstream Hotel, Kimbell.
Place South Canterbury Kimbell
Accommodation key icon. Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

The Silverstream Hotel, a historical country pub in Kimbell, is an iconic Mackenzie region destination.