Arrowtown is one of the best small towns in New Zealand, offering a rich mining history and striking architecture. This is one of the best places for a day trip if you’re staying in the nearby town of Queenstown. Before you head out hiking or biking, find the perfect eatery to fuel up!
1. The Chop Shop
If you’re looking for the perfect Arrowtown food venue, look no further than The Chop Shop. This hidden gem is a little off the beaten track, but locating it in the backstreets of Arrowtown is well worth the effort. The Chop Shop offers a relaxed vibe where you can enjoy a range of delicious dishes including beef cheek rendang and corn fritters coated in a chilli caramel. It’s also home to the very best Turkish eggs. Bask in this eatery’s rustic decor and atmospheric surroundings while you sip on a glass of one of Central Otago’s finest wines, or pair a delicious brunch with a warming pot of tea.
2. Provisions
One of the locals favourite cafes in Arrowtown is Provisions, where fresh, seasonal foods await you for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea. Enjoy the enchantment of the surrounding gardens as you enjoy a cosy catch-up under the fruit trees. The venue offers a range of food that’s made on-site, from freshly baked bread and pastries to seasonal mains with locally sourced food. Start your day with a brunch bap with streaky bacon, egg, caramelised onion, chorizo, swiss cheese and beetroot. Delight your taste buds with a bite of Fiordland Blue Cod accompanied by twice-cooked potatoes, slaw, and wasabi mayo. Kids will love the treats on offer, from marmite and cheese toasties to mini banana pancakes served with maple syrup.
3. Postmasters Kitchen and Bar
Combine fantastic food with good times at Postmasters, located on the iconic corner of Arrowtown’s main street. Here, the kitchen offers something for everyone with a menu to suit all dietary requirements. You can enjoy fresh produce (sourced from local suppliers), herbs pulled from the onsite garden and goodies from a coeliac-friendly fryer. If you’re looking for a snack, try an antipasto platter or salt & Szechuan squid, available in the ‘good for grazing’ range. If you’re after something a little more substantial, opt for something from the earth, land, or sea, such as wild mushroom risotto or seafood chowder. While you eat, enjoy a sip of your favourite tipple. Great local craft beers and boutique wines and mocktails are on the menu. Postmasters offer an excellent range of Arrowtown food you can enjoy at any time of the day.
4. The Dishery
All class and good times, The Dishery is the place to be in Arrowtown, particularly on a sunny day. Located near the Arrow River reserve, this Arrowtown cafe is beautifully appointed for brunch under the large umbrellas outside, or wine and a nibble inside in winter. The Dishery is open from 8 am and serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. Enjoy bistro-style wood-fired goodies like lamb and parmesan meatballs and roti with grilled satay chicken. The cocktail menu is tempting and the champagne options are fitting for a long lazy lunch. It’s one of the top cafes in Arrowtown!
5. Goldie Cafe
Named after Arrowtown’s 1862 gold rush, this charming cafe offers an open space to sit back and enjoy the sunshine. Goldie Cafe is the perfect location to stop for a coffee and satisfy your appetite with a range of freshly baked goods. If you’re looking for a snack, try their three-cheese toastie or porridge oats paired with saffron-poached fruit and vanilla mascarpone. To satisfy a larger appetite, try eggs benedict with your choice of bacon or salmon, or combine bacon, eggs, hash browns, cheese, and salsa in the breakfast burrito.
6. Patagonia Chocolates
If you’ve got a sweet tooth (who hasn’t?), you’ll love Patagonia Chocolates, where a range of ice cream, desserts, and coffee is available. The modern setting provides several tables where you can sit and sample one of their delicious handmade chocolate truffles. Sample the many flavours including cherry & pinot noir, raspberry, and caramel & coconut. You’ll love the chocolate so much that you’ll want to take some home! Thankfully the chocolatiers offer purchase boxes to make that possible, so you can wrap up a selection of your favourite treats to enjoy later.
7. Arrowtown Bakery
The queues and reviews of Arrowtown Bakery tell you that it’s an eatery that is not to be missed. Locals and tourists often refer to this beloved venue as “the greatest little pie shop in New Zealand.” Indeed, a range of yummy pies and other counter items such as cakes and fresh bread are on offer. If you don’t fancy a pie, try the combination of bacon, eggs, hash brown, and cheese on the ‘builder’s bap’, or opt for a freshly baked scone with jam and cream.
8. The Hole in One Cafe
Try dining with a difference at this cafe in Millbrook Resort. Whether you’ve just finished a round of golf or you’re wanting a great coffee to start your day, the Hole in One Cafe will be a hit. You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy this luxury resort; the cafe opens its doors to visitors and sightseers; anyone looking for a relaxing place to unwind. Try a light bite of Akaroa salmon or a roasted vegetable salad. For dinner in Arrowtown, try one of the evening meals such as pan-seared market fish or the ultimate veg curry. The Hole in One Cafe is also great for casual catch-ups with good company and some of their delicious pizzas. The beautiful farm stables setting makes this a must-visit Arrowtown cafe.
