A foodie’s guide to Te Anau

25 Mar 2020

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Fiordland may be known as the walking capital of the world but it’s also home to fantastic cafes, restaurants and food trucks to fuel your adventures. Active travellers are in for a treat (before and after exploring our great outdoors) with a fine selection of food outlets available here.

Often there is great discussion on what to eat when you return and Te Anau won’t disappoint.  We are fortunate to have some great local offerings. Here’s our favourite places to experience the incredible flavours of Fiordland.

The Sandfly Café

An easy and relaxed atmosphere with the best coffee in town. The Sandfly Café is popular meeting place for locals grabbing a quick bite or a long cuppa catch up with friends. Classic Southland cheese rolls, as well as delicious bacon and parmesan scones – are both popular go-to items on the menu alongside classic breakfast favourites. This is a great place to enjoy a ‘flat white’, New Zealand’s most well-known coffee!

The Fat Duck

If you’re looking for a gastropub in Fiordland, then the Fat Duck is the place to be. This popular spot in the middle of the town centre in Te Anau is perfect for casual drinks, happy hour or a family meal. Saturday nights often bring in live music, so the atmosphere is relaxed and vibrant at the same time. With great indoor and outdoor dining options available, the Fat Duck is a popular place to hang with the locals and enjoy a fantastic meal out- particularly to watch the sun go down. Favourites menu items include the crispy duck salad, venison, green lipped mussels – all full of flavour and fresh as, with some lighter, healthier meals also available.

Enjoy some fantastic food at The Fat Duck. Photo Credit: The Fate Duck

Bao Now Te Anau

Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner for dine-out or takeaways, Bao Now Te Anau is a legendary food truck that introduces you to the wonderful and delicious world of baos. These steamed buns or bread-like dumplings have come along way from their humble beginnings. A fun and flavoursome fusion of east meets west, you can enjoy an appetising array of baos (with gluten-free options) as well as mouth-watering fries on the side. Bao Now Te Anau is Fiordland’s first food trailer located across the road from FreshChoice Supermarket, open daily. It’s time to tuck in!

Bao's from Habit food truck hit the spot after a day exploring in Fiordland.

Red Cliff Café

The Red Cliff Café is a stand-out gathering place you won’t want to miss. Open for lunch and dinner, this hidden gem is full of character with good vibes and plenty of wild game on the menu. A welcoming spot with plenty of atmosphere, the Red Cliffe Café is located just across the street from Lions Park so it’s an easy walk from town with plenty of parking also available. This historic red cottage is a local landmark and has a garden bar out back with plenty of room for giant jenga, petanque, a glass of wine and excellent food that showcases the delicious flavours of Fiordland’s bounty.

 La Toscana Pizzeria-spaghetteria 

La Toscana Pizzeria or as known by locals La Tos, is Italian cuisine at its best. Featuring slow simmered pasta sauces, freshly made pizza bases and creative homemade desserts, it’s all your favourite comfort foods at one of the Te Anau’s favourite restaurants. Since 1990, this popular restaurant has been serving up the most delicious meals and mouth-watering desserts. From tiramisu that melts in your mouth, an ever-changing cheesecake of the day to suit the season, and a tantalising torta di cioccolata, the desserts here are a bit of thing! So, come enjoy some of the renowned culinary creations for yourself.

All of your favourite comfort foods can be found at La Toscana Pizzeria-spaghetteria. Photo credit: La Toscana Pizzeria-spaghetteria 

Black Dog Bar

In need of a beverage after your day in Fiordland? Either way you’re in for a treat at the boutique Black Dog Bar located next to Fiordland Cinema. With an incredible range of beers, including the locally brewed Fiordland larger, as well as outstanding local wines such as the full-bodied Fiordland Pinot Noir or decadent Sauvignon Blanc, the Black Dog Bar is must-do to unwind and reminisce about your adventures.

Whatever your desire, there are some great local eateries, all owed by passionate locals, ready to serve you.