In Picton
Picton eateries come and go, but one enduring favorite is Le Café, London Quay (tel. 03/573-5588)—casual, friendly, reliable, and open daily. If you’d like a special dining experience, get a water taxi and head for Portage Resort’s Te Weka Restaurant (tel. 03/573-4309), which serves divine New Zealand food—salmon, mussels, tuna, lamb, venison—and wine in a gorgeous bush-clad setting adjacent to their funky Retro Lounge Bar.
In Havelock
The highlight in Havelock is the delightful Slip Inn Café Restaurant & Wine Bar, Havelock Marina (tel. 03/574-2345; www.slipinn.co.nz), which is open daily from 8am until late. It offers unimpeded views over the marina and Pelorus Sound, as well as great value with seafood dishes and pizza priced around NZ$18 to NZ$22.
In Blenheim
Hotel d’Urville Restaurant & Bar, 52 Queen St. (tel. 03/577-9945), established itself early as a place for top, innovative cuisine and after a couple of jaded years, seems to have made a comeback. It offers an impressive local wine list (more than 60 selections) and is a good place for cocktails. Open daily for dinner 6:30 to 10pm; bookings are essential. Bacchus, 3 Main St. (tel. 03/578-8099), is a small, country Italian spot with warm, friendly service; it is widely considered to be the most reliable restaurant in town. They are open daily from 6pm. Raupo Café, 6 Symons St. (tel. 03/577-8822; www.raupocafe.co.nz), is another very good spot, especially for an alfresco breakfast or lunch overlooking the river. They’re open daily from 7:30am until late. For a coffee to jump-start your day, try CPR @HQ, 18-20 Wynen St. (tel. 03/579-5030; www.cprcoffee.com), where they roast their own beans. Also check out Figaro’s, 8 Scott St. (tel. 03/577-7277), to find more excellent coffee along with great snacks, salads, and a menu that changes daily. It’s open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm. Remember that some of the area’s best restaurants are actually in the wineries (see above, especially the starred entries), although many are only open for lunch.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
