Restaurants in Wairarapa

In Masterton, Café Cecille, Queen Elizabeth Park (tel. 06/370-1166; www.cafececille.co.nz), has a great reputation for service and lamb and beef dishes. It's open Monday through Friday 10am until late, and weekends 9am until late. Entice Café, Bruce & Dixon streets (tel. 06/377-3166; www.entice.co.nz), serves delicious Fair Trade coffee and food with a Mediterranean flavor.

In Greytown, Main Street Deli Café, 88 Main St. (tel. 06/304-9022), is open daily for all meals and continues to attract a team of happy regulars. Across the road you'll find a fabulous array of baked goods and good coffee at the French Baker, 81 Main St. (tel. 06/304-9569). Vintage Tea Rooms, 101 Main St. (tel. 06/304-9073), will take you back to the golden era of Devonshire and high teas. It's open daily from 10am to 4pm. Salute, 83 Main St. (tel. 06/304-9825; www.salute.net.nz), is always a reliable stop for a tasty lunch; in summer you can dine outside.

Just out of Featherston village, the Tin Hut, State Highway 2, Tauherenikau (tel. 06/308-9697), gets rave reviews from the locals for its excellent pub-style fare in a revamped interior - traditional Kiwi pub meets French Country - and barnyard animals will be a hit with the kids.

In Martinborough, the Village Café, the Wine Centre, Kitchener Street (tel. 06/306-8814), serves up tasty food and some of the region's best wine and cheeses. Wendy Campbell's French Bistro, 3 Kitchener St. (tel. 06/306-8863), is a small, charming spot with a menu that changes daily. It's open Wednesday through Sunday from 6pm. Est Wine Bar, 8 Memorial Sq. (tel. 06/306-9665; www.est.org.nz), is another culinary gem that shouldn't be missed. It's open Wednesday through Friday 11am until late. Try their rabbit flavored with thyme and juniper. The classy vineyard restaurant Tirohana Estate ★★★, Puruatanga Road, Martinborough (tel. 06/306-9933; www.tirohanaestate.com), is a place to spoil yourself, with its beautiful setting and first-rate service. It's open for lunch and dinner.