7 Best Restaurants in The Southern Alps and Fiordland, New Zealand

Indulge with a modern fine French meal at this trendy bistro with lake and mountain views on the outskirts of Wanaka. The menu changes regularly, but the local Cardrona merino lamb is always there in one form or another, accompanied by heirloom vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden. Help yourself to more oils and balsamic vinegars via the dispensing machines; you can opt to get your wine on tap as well, allowing you to sample several wines by the taste, half, or full glass. If you want to make a real event of it, opt for the seven-course tasting menu.

Dine here and find out why New Zealand is so proud of its beef and lamb: you could take it to the next level with the Wagyu beef, but honestly it's hard to beat the standard Jervois fillet, with onion rings on the side and delicious sauces. Steak is the undisputed hero here, but like the great American steak houses on which Jervois models itself, there's fabulous seafood too, and even a quality vegetarian menu. Warm, interesting decor, and welcoming, knowledgeable staff (they'll bring cuts of meat to your table to show what you're getting) ensure this place delivers a memorable night. If you can't do dinner, try lunch.

Don't let the modest, homey exterior and laid-back attitude of the staff fool you: this restaurant produces the best meals in Te Anau (it was a favorite hangout spot for the cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings during local filming). The menu is strong on wild game and seafood, and if you stay after dinner, you might get to enjoy live music at the bar. It pays to book in advance.

This bright and breezy eatery beside the lake on Steamer Wharf has picture-postcard views. In summer, if you don't mind being on display, sit outside for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner (and they'll make sure you're well looked after, with a hat and/or a blanket). Inside, it's cozy with a lovely atmosphere and friendly waitstaff. The regularly changing menu is fresh with regional tastes such as Pacific tuna nicoise salad, Stewart Island salmon, and Fiordland venison. If you're feeling adventurous, consider the Seafood Platter for two.

Set in an extensive garden, Poppies has for years been a great place to eat, drink, socialize, and bask in the sun. Meat, seafood, pizza, and pasta are complemented by organic produce from the on-site vegetable garden along with fresh-baked bread and pizzas. There's also a good range of craft beer and local wines. 

You could hit this lakeside spot for every meal of the day, starting with the bacon or salmon eggs Benedict or something house-made and delicious like their cinnamon sticky buns. The café focuses on local, seasonal fare (and caters to all dietary needs), and guests can expect good service and great coffee; check the blackboard at lunch and dinner for ever-changing specials like their pan-roasted Te Mana lamb with crispy potato gnocchi and vegetables, pecorino, and lemon gremolata. The wine list is mainly local NZ, with a good selection sold by the glass. It gets busy here so it's advisable to book for dinner during the holidays.

A loungey vibe with log fires, leather armchairs, and an impressive wine list make the Bunker a particularly cozy dining location. Dinner is an all-night affair, especially if you continue with drinks in their upstairs bar; there's even a special Taste of the South degustation menu if you really want to indulge.