Located in the heart of Mackenzie Country, Tekapo offers the perfect blend of recreation and relaxation in a breathtaking setting. Whether you’re looking for a restaurant to satisfy a large appetite after a long day of adventuring, or you want a light bite with lovely views on a lazy day – Tekapo has it all. Here are some of the best places to eat in Tekapo.
1. Kohan Japanese Restaurant
The Kohan Japanese Restaurant is considered one of the best sushi and sashimi restaurants in the country, and it’s not difficult to see why when you consider there’s a salmon farm practically on the doorstep. Combine that freshness with passionate and experienced chefs, and you’ll find yourself dining on some of the best food Tekapo has to offer. Kohan offers lunch, dinner, and takeaway options with an extensive menu to cover all tastes. Enjoy a taste of teriyaki chicken or delight in your very own bento box filled with a range of delicious goodies. Try some JFC (Japanese fried chicken) or tempura blue cod. There are so many edible delights available that you’ll want to keep coming back until you’ve tried everything on the menu. And you’ll love spending time at the restaurant with its friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and epic lake views.
2. The Greedy Cow
The Greedy Cow is the perfect place to enjoy brunch in Tekapo. The staff here know how easy it is to get “hangry,” so they are on hand to provide you with some of the yummiest cabinet food and pastries to satisfy your inner beast and feed the “greedy cow.” Their everyday menu offers a greedy breakfast or vegan alternative, avocado mushroom toast, and pulled jackfruit taco, among a range of other delicious (and vegetarian/vegan/GF friendly) options. The in-house pastry chef bakes up a variety of flaky delights to whet your appetite. Even if you’re just looking for a coffee fix, The Greedy Cow offers some of the best blends in the area that you can sit back and enjoy while admiring the surrounding landscapes filled with lakes and mountains.
For more great food spots while you’re travelling in the area, check out The 14 Best Cafes in Christchurch.
3. Blue Lake Eatery and Bar
Enjoy the flavours of contemporary New Zealand cuisine served in the cosy environment of the Blue Lake Eatery & Bar. This small, locally-owned business aims to support other independent businesses in the area by partnering with them to bring fresh and unique ingredients to your plate. This is one of the best restaurants in Tekapo to enjoy an evening drink alongside a platter or dessert. Combine smoked chicken wings with kumara wedges or share a cheese plate complete with a range of the eatery’s homemade chutneys. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try the “Summer Cherry”, a cherry filled black forest dessert with chocolate mousse.
4. Ramen Tekapo
Thai Tekapo or Ramen Tekapo specialises in Thai and Japanese food flavours. The noodle menu offers a variety of Ramen dishes such as Salmon Ramen or Spicy Miso Ramen with extra toppings of fried chicken, corn, mungbean, egg, and seaweed available. Meanwhile, the Thai menu lets you spice things up with a massaman, green, or red curry, among other favourites such as Pad Thai and fried rice. Walk-ins are welcome, but the restaurant gets busy during peak hours so booking a table is a good idea. Alternatively, the Ramen Tekapo takeaway option allows you to enjoy the flavours of Asia from the comfort of your own home or holiday rental.
5. Astro Cafe
If you’re looking for food with a view, try the Astro Cafe located at the Summit of Mount John. Lonely Planet called it “quite possibly one of the best locations for a cafe,” and the views over Aoraki / Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and the Mackenzie Basin are unparalleled. Sip on a barista-made coffee or enjoy a tasty treat from the cabinet food of the day. The Astro Cafe isn’t the place for fine dining, but it’s an excellent refreshment stop with a breathtaking view. While you’re here, you can make the most of the sights by looking out from the observation deck or enjoying the 45-minute stroll around the summit. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy dinner, the Dark Sky Diner serves various exotic dishes that combine the flavours of South America with local kiwi ingredients.
6. Jack Rabbit
Jack Rabbit is the perfect place for an organic coffee in front of the vibrant hues of Lake Tekapo and its rugged mountainous backdrop. Their menu has something for everyone, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. From “simple eggs on toast” to the “fantastic big breakfast” complete with sausages, bacon, tomato, hash browns, baked beans, egg, and toast, the cafe can quench any appetite. Even if you’re looking for a simple afternoon snack, the range of fresh cabinet food is on hand to provide you with a light bite of something yummy.
