Te Anau Dining Scene
Despite its small size, Te Anau offers a surprisingly diverse dining scene. From fine dining restaurants showcasing local ingredients to casual cafes and takeaway options, you'll find something to suit every taste and budget. The town's restaurants emphasize fresh, local produce including Fiordland venison, Bluff oysters, Stewart Island salmon, and Southland lamb. Many establishments offer stunning lake views to complement your meal.
Dining Tips: Reservations are essential for dinner during peak season (December-February), especially for popular restaurants. Many restaurants close or operate reduced hours in winter (June-August). Most kitchens close by 9pm. BYO (bring your own alcohol) is common - check individual restaurant policies.
Fine Dining
Redcliff Cafe & Bar
Cuisine: Contemporary New Zealand | Price: $$$
Te Anau's premier fine dining establishment offers an exceptional menu featuring local ingredients prepared with skill and creativity. The restaurant specializes in Fiordland venison, fresh seafood, and Southland lamb. The wine list showcases excellent New Zealand wines with knowledgeable staff to guide selections. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service make it perfect for special occasions. Located on the main street with a cozy interior featuring local artwork.
Signature Dishes: Fiordland venison, fresh fish of the day, lamb rack
Hours: Dinner from 5:30pm (closed Mondays in winter)
The Moose
Cuisine: International/New Zealand | Price: $$-$$$
Popular restaurant and bar offering a diverse menu in a relaxed atmosphere. The Moose is known for quality steaks, fresh seafood, and creative vegetarian options. The extensive menu caters to various dietary requirements. The bar area features a good selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Often busy - reservations recommended for dinner.
Signature Dishes: Steaks, seafood chowder, venison burger
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am
Kepler Restaurant (Distinction Hotel)
Cuisine: Contemporary New Zealand | Price: $$$
Hotel restaurant offering fine dining with spectacular lake views. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the best local produce. Breakfast buffet is popular with both guests and visitors. Dinner service offers à la carte menu with focus on regional specialties. The lakefront location provides beautiful sunset views during dinner.
Signature Dishes: Local fish, Southland lamb, seasonal game
Hours: Breakfast 7-10am, Dinner from 6pm
Casual Dining & Pubs
The Ranch Bar & Grill
Cuisine: American/Steakhouse | Price: $$
Lively restaurant and bar with American-style menu. Known for generous portions, quality steaks, burgers, and ribs. The casual atmosphere makes it popular with families and groups. Full bar with good beer selection. Sports screens and pool table in the bar area. Can get noisy during busy periods.
Signature Dishes: Burgers, ribs, steaks, loaded fries
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily from 11:30am
The Fat Duck
Cuisine: Pub Food/New Zealand | Price: $$
Traditional pub offering hearty meals in a friendly atmosphere. The menu features classic pub fare including fish and chips, pies, burgers, and steaks. Good selection of beers on tap. Popular with locals and visitors alike. The outdoor seating area is pleasant in summer. Live music occasionally.
Signature Dishes: Fish and chips, steak and ale pie, burgers
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily from 11am
Sandfly Cafe
Cuisine: Cafe/Light Meals | Price: $-$$
Casual cafe offering breakfast, lunch, and light dinners. Known for excellent coffee, fresh baking, and healthy options. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, burgers, and daily specials. Vegetarian and vegan options available. Friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. Good spot for a quick, quality meal.
Signature Dishes: All-day breakfast, fresh sandwiches, homemade cakes
Hours: 7:30am-8pm daily (reduced winter hours)
Cafes & Bakeries
Miles Better Pies
Cuisine: Bakery/Pies | Price: $
Award-winning bakery famous for their gourmet pies. Offers a huge variety of sweet and savory pies, from traditional mince to creative combinations like venison and cranberry. Also serves excellent coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods. Perfect for a quick, affordable meal or snack. Popular with locals and tour groups. Can have queues during busy times.
Signature Items: Gourmet pies (20+ varieties), sausage rolls, pastries
Hours: 6:30am-5pm daily
Olive Tree Cafe
Cuisine: Cafe/Mediterranean | Price: $-$$
Charming cafe with Mediterranean-inspired menu. Offers excellent coffee, fresh salads, paninis, and cabinet food. The outdoor courtyard is a sun trap in good weather. Known for friendly service and quality ingredients. Good vegetarian options. Popular for breakfast and lunch.
Signature Items: Mediterranean salads, paninis, fresh baking, specialty coffee
Hours: 8am-4pm daily (extended summer hours)
The Moose Cafe
Cuisine: Cafe | Price: $-$$
Separate cafe operation from The Moose restaurant, offering all-day breakfast and lunch. Known for hearty breakfast options, good coffee, and fresh cabinet food. Casual atmosphere suitable for families. Free WiFi makes it popular with travelers catching up on emails.
Signature Items: Big breakfast, eggs benedict, fresh muffins
Hours: 7am-3pm daily
Naturally Fiordland
Cuisine: Cafe/Health Food | Price: $-$$
Health-focused cafe offering organic coffee, smoothies, fresh juices, and wholesome food. Menu emphasizes fresh, natural ingredients with good vegetarian and vegan options. Also sells health products, local honey, and gifts. Knowledgeable staff can advise on local walks and attractions.
Signature Items: Smoothie bowls, fresh juices, organic coffee, healthy snacks
Hours: 8am-5pm daily
Takeaway & Quick Eats
Subway
Cuisine: Sandwiches | Price: $
Familiar international chain offering customizable sandwiches and salads. Reliable option for quick, affordable meals. Good for grabbing lunch before heading out on activities. Located centrally on the main street.
Hours: 8am-9pm daily
Te Anau Takeaways
Cuisine: Fish & Chips/Burgers | Price: $
Traditional Kiwi takeaway shop offering fish and chips, burgers, and fried chicken. Generous portions at reasonable prices. Popular with locals. Good option for a casual dinner or late-night meal. Outdoor seating available.
Hours: 11am-8:30pm daily
Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso
Cuisine: Italian/Pizza | Price: $-$$
Authentic Italian restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. Dine-in or takeaway available. Pizzas are made to order with quality ingredients. Good option for families or casual dining. BYO wine welcome.
Signature Items: Wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, Italian desserts
Hours: 5pm-9pm daily (closed Tuesdays in winter)
Bars & Nightlife
The Black Dog Bar
Popular bar with good selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits. Relaxed atmosphere with occasional live music. Outdoor seating area. Bar snacks available. Popular with locals and visitors. Can get busy on weekend evenings.
Hours: 4pm-late daily
The Ranch Bar
Lively bar attached to The Ranch restaurant. Sports screens, pool table, and good beer selection. Popular spot for after-dinner drinks. Can get noisy during busy periods. Outdoor deck area.
Hours: 11:30am-late daily
The Moose Bar
Attached to The Moose restaurant, this bar offers extensive drink selection including craft beers, wines, and cocktails. Comfortable seating areas. Popular meeting spot. Bar menu available.
Hours: 11:30am-late daily
Groceries & Self-Catering
Fresh Choice Supermarket
Te Anau's main supermarket offers full range of groceries, fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bakery items. Good selection for self-catering. Also stocks camping supplies, basic outdoor gear, and toiletries. ATM available. Can get busy late afternoon when tour buses arrive.
Location: Milford Crescent (main street)
Hours: 7am-9pm daily
Four Square
Smaller convenience store offering basic groceries, snacks, drinks, and essentials. More limited selection than Fresh Choice but convenient for quick shops. Slightly higher prices.
Hours: 7am-8pm daily
Fiordland Meats
Butcher shop offering quality local meats including venison, lamb, beef, and sausages. Good option for BBQ supplies or self-catering. Knowledgeable staff can provide cooking advice.
Hours: 8am-5:30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat
Dining Tips
Reservations
Essential for dinner at popular restaurants during peak season (December-February). Book at least a day ahead, or several days for weekend dining. Many restaurants accept walk-ins for lunch. Some smaller establishments don't take reservations - arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Pricing Guide
- $ (Budget): Under $15 per person - takeaways, bakeries, casual cafes
- $$ (Moderate): $15-35 per person - casual dining, pub meals, cafe lunches
- $$$ (Expensive): $35-60+ per person - fine dining, quality restaurants
Local Specialties to Try
- Fiordland Venison: Wild venison from the Fiordland region, lean and flavorful
- Bluff Oysters: Famous oysters from Bluff (seasonal, March-August)
- Stewart Island Salmon: Fresh salmon from nearby Stewart Island
- Southland Lamb: Premium lamb from local farms
- Whitebait: Tiny native fish, seasonal delicacy (August-November)
- Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Classic Kiwi ice cream flavor
Dietary Requirements
Most restaurants can accommodate dietary requirements with advance notice. Vegetarian options are widely available. Vegan and gluten-free options are increasingly common but more limited. Always inform staff of allergies or dietary restrictions when ordering.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in New Zealand but is appreciated for exceptional service. 10% is generous. Many restaurants have tip jars at the counter. Service charges are not added to bills.
Alcohol
Many restaurants are BYO (bring your own) - check individual policies. Corkage fees typically $5-10 per bottle. Licensed restaurants have wine lists featuring New Zealand wines. Craft beer selection is growing. Legal drinking age is 18.