Eating Out

From lakeside bistros to cozy cafés and rustic pubs, Te Anau offers a surprising variety of dining options to satisfy every craving. Whether you're after seafood, gourmet pizza, or a perfectly brewed coffee, there's something here to tempt every palate. Dive into our list of must-try spots and make your time in Te Anau as delicious as it is memorable.

Assorted Asian dishes including a sushi roll, a bowl of ramen, a noodle salad, a fried chicken salad, and an Asian soup on a black table.

Small blue building with a sign that reads "Merchant" and a flag that says "Coastal Craft." There are flower boxes in front, a white ramp, and a parking lot in the foreground, with trees in the background.

Milford Road Merchant

225 Milford Road, Te Anau 9600

A charming café and deli, Milford Road Merchant is the ideal stop for artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and gourmet sandwiches. Whether you’re fuelling up for a day of adventure or enjoying a laid-back bite, this café delivers quality and convenience with a touch of style.

People dining outdoors at a restaurant with mountains in the background.

The Fat Duck

124 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600

Stylish and relaxed, The Fat Duck offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine in a vibrant setting. From fresh, locally sourced ingredients to an extensive drinks list and regular live music, this gastropub is a top choice for both locals and visitors looking for a quality dining experience.

The Ranch

111 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600

A long-standing local favourite, The Ranch Bar & Grill is known for its warm hospitality and classic Kiwi fare. With generous portions, hearty meals like lamb shanks and Sunday roasts, and live sports on the big screen, it's the perfect spot for casual dining in the heart of Te Anau.

Exterior view of an Italian restaurant with outdoor seating, a menu stand, and scooters parked outside.

Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso

1 Milford Crescent, Te Anau 9600

An authentic Italian restaurant known for its wood-fired pizzas and traditional dishes. The genuine Italian wood-fired pizza oven is a highlight, and the menu includes options like pork and venison lasagna. Dairy-free mozzarella and gluten-free bases are available.

Outdoor patio with wooden tables and benches, black umbrellas, potted plants, and a mountain view in the background.

The Moose Bar & Restaurant

84 Lakefront Drive, Te Anau 9600

Situated right on the lake, The Moose offers classic Kiwi pub fare in a relaxed setting. It's a family-owned establishment where locals gather to enjoy a drink after a busy day.

People sitting and socializing outside of a restaurant called Sandfly, with some standing in line, surrounded by trees and parked cars under a clear blue sky.

Sandfly Café

9 The Lane, Te Anau 9600

A popular spot for breakfast and lunch, Sandfly Café is renowned for its superb coffee, all-day menu, and delicious cabinet food. It's a favorite among locals and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

The front of La Toscana Pizzeria and Spaghetteria with illuminated Italian flag colors, a sign that states 'Since 1990,' and an outdoor dining area visible through glass doors.

La Toscana Pizzeria & Spaghetteria

108 Town Centre, Te Anau 9600

Established in 1990, La Toscana is Te Anau’s original Italian restaurant, beloved by locals and visitors alike. This cozy eatery offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere and specializes in authentic Italian comfort food.

Assorted Asian dishes on a black table, including a salad with lettuce and sliced boiled eggs, a bowl of noodle salad with vegetables, a plate of sushi rolls with cucumber and pickled ginger, a bowl of ramen with sliced pork, and a bowl of spicy miso soup with vegetables.

Ditto

Town Centre, Te Anau 9600

Formerly known as Bao Now, Ditto specializes in bao buns with unique fillings like buttermilk fried chicken, pork belly, and salt and pepper squid. They also offer Vietnamese loaded fries, sushi boxes, and dumplings, catering to various dietary requirements.