NZ Restauranteat well, Aotearoa
Kaikōura
2026 guide

Best Restaurants in Kaikōura

Top 20 picks from 36 places to eat.

Looking for the best places to eat in Kaikōura? These are the 20 restaurants people search for most, from our list of 36 venues in Kaikōura.

How we rank: public search interest for each venue, then how complete its listing is (photos and published opening hours). We are independent and do not accept payment for placement. Read our editorial policy.
The Whaler Bar and Restaurant
#1

The Whaler Bar and Restaurant

Restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$$

Found at 49 West End in South Bay, The Whaler Bar and Restaurant is a restaurant that has become part of the South Bay dining scene. It sits right in the heart of Kaikōura, within walking distance of the centre.

Zephyr
#2

Zephyr

Restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$$

Found at 40 West End in South Bay, Zephyr is a restaurant that has become part of the South Bay dining scene.

Karaka Lobster
#3

Karaka Lobster

Cafe · Kaikōura · $$

Karaka Lobster brings cafe food, coffee and brunch to central Kaikōura, making it a handy stop for anyone eating out in Kaikōura. It is about 25 km from central Kaikōura.

Green Dolphin Restaurant and Bar
#4

Green Dolphin Restaurant and Bar

Restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$$

Green Dolphin Restaurant and Bar brings modern, international-style food to 12 Avoca Street in South Bay, South Bay, making it a handy stop for anyone eating out in Kaikōura. From the Kaikōura city centre it is roughly…

Groper Garage
#5

Groper Garage

Restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$$

Found at 50 West End in South Bay, Groper Garage is a restaurant that has become part of the South Bay dining scene. Its central position makes it easy to reach on foot from most inner-city accommodation.

Indian Restaurant & Bar
#6

Indian Restaurant & Bar

Indian restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$

Indian Restaurant & Bar brings Indian food to 17 Beach Road in South Bay, South Bay, making it a handy stop for anyone eating out in Kaikōura. It sits right in the heart of Kaikōura, within walking distance of the…

Te Ana – The Caves Kaikōura Cafe
#7

Te Ana – The Caves Kaikōura Cafe

Restaurant · Ocean Ridge, Kaikōura · $$

If you are looking for a restaurant in Ocean Ridge, Kaikōura, Te Ana – The Caves Kaikōura Cafe at the Ocean Ridge area is one of the places worth knowing about. It is about 2.1 km from central Kaikōura.

The Craypot
#8

The Craypot

Seafood restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$$

If you are looking for a seafood restaurant in South Bay, Kaikōura, The Craypot at 70 West End in South Bay is one of the places worth knowing about. It sits right in the heart of Kaikōura, within walking distance of…

The Pier Hotel
#9

The Pier Hotel

Restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$$

If you are looking for a restaurant in South Bay, Kaikōura, The Pier Hotel at 1 Avoca Street in South Bay is one of the places worth knowing about. It is about 2.2 km from central Kaikōura.

Strawberry Tree
#10

Strawberry Tree

Bar · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$

Tucked into 31 West End in South Bay, Strawberry Tree serves pub food and drinks to locals and visitors in South Bay, Kaikōura.

The White Morph Restaurant
#11

The White Morph Restaurant

Restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$$

Found at 94 Esplanade in South Bay, The White Morph Restaurant is a restaurant that has become part of the South Bay dining scene. Its central position makes it easy to reach on foot from most inner-city accommodation.

Nins Bin Crayfish
#12

Nins Bin Crayfish

Seafood restaurant · Kaikōura · $$$

Found at central Kaikōura, Nins Bin Crayfish is a seafood restaurant that has become part of the Kaikōura dining scene. From the Kaikōura city centre it is roughly 18 km away – worth planning your route before you set…

Dolphin Encounter
#13

Dolphin Encounter

Cafe · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$

Dolphin Encounter is a cafe located at 96 Esplanade in South Bay, in the city of Kaikōura, in New Zealand's Canterbury region. Its central position makes it easy to reach on foot from most inner-city accommodation.

Bernie's Diner
#14

Bernie's Diner

American restaurant · Kaikōura · $$

Bernie's Diner is an American restaurant located at central Kaikōura, in Kaikōura, in New Zealand's Canterbury region. It is about 1.2 km from central Kaikōura.

Kaikoura Seafood BBQ
#15

Kaikoura Seafood BBQ

Seafood restaurant · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$$

Kaikoura Seafood BBQ is a seafood restaurant located at 85 Fyffe Quay in South Bay, in the city of Kaikōura, in New Zealand's Canterbury region. It is about 2.9 km from central Kaikōura.

Lobster Inn Tavern
#16

Lobster Inn Tavern

Restaurant · Kaikōura · $$

If you are looking for a restaurant in Kaikōura, Lobster Inn Tavern at central Kaikōura is one of the places worth knowing about. From the Kaikōura city centre it is roughly 1.3 km away – a short drive, bus or bike ride.

Flo & Co
#17

Flo & Co

Cafe · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$

If you are looking for a cafe in South Bay, Kaikōura, Flo & Co at the South Bay area is one of the places worth knowing about. It sits right in the heart of Kaikōura, within walking distance of the centre.

Poppy’s Parlour
#18

Poppy’s Parlour

Cafe · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$

If you are looking for a cafe in South Bay, Kaikōura, Poppy’s Parlour at 18 West End in South Bay is one of the places worth knowing about. It sits right in the heart of Kaikōura, within walking distance of the centre.

The Why Note Cafe
#19

The Why Note Cafe

Cafe · South Bay, Kaikōura · $$

Found at 66 West End in South Bay, The Why Note Cafe is a cafe that has become part of the South Bay dining scene. Its central position makes it easy to reach on foot from most inner-city accommodation.

Donegal Restaurant & Pub
#20

Donegal Restaurant & Pub

Restaurant · Kaikōura · $$$

If you are looking for a restaurant in Kaikōura, Donegal Restaurant & Pub at central Kaikōura is one of the places worth knowing about. It is about 4.5 km from central Kaikōura.