Handpicked Dining & Winery Experiences in Marlborough

Whether you're craving fresh seafood, vineyard lunches, or a cozy pub meal, Marlborough offers a rich variety of culinary experiences. Here are some of our favorite spots — all within easy reach of Tirimoana House. Your hosts have tried many of these and where appropriate we make some comments - where there is no comment or emoji, we haven’t eaten there.

🏞️ Local Favorites Near Anakiwa

Queen Charlotte Tavern – Linkwater

A relaxed country pub just a few minutes from Tirimoana House. Known for hearty meals, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Takeaway available — perfect for a quiet night in at the QC Suite. 👍Comment: Good, hearty pub fare, and ideal for a takeaway.👍

🛳️ Picton

  • Oxley’s Bar & Kitchen – Gastropub with fresh seafood, lamb, and harbor views. 👍

  • Escape to Picton – Elegant dining with French and seafood specialties - Comment not eaten here, but in the past guests have said the food was good

  • Jolly Roger - Good pub food at a great location in Waikawa, overlooking the marina. 👍

  • Cortado Restaurant & Bar – Waterfront dining with European flair.

  • Sisu Eatery & Bar – Stylish café with healthy options and great coffee

  • Le Café – Casual spot for coffee, cakes, and light meals by the water

  • Seabreeze Café & Bar – Laid-back café with Sound views and local fare

🦪 Havelock

  • The Mussel Pot – Iconic green-lipped mussels in every style. Comment: Change of ownership since we last eat there.

  • Captain’s Daughter – Cozy pub-style dining with seafood and local charm Comment: Has been closed for some time and unsure when it will re-open.

  • Mills Bay Mussels Eatery – Fresh, flavorful mussels with seasonal toppings. Comment: Outdoor lunch meal. 👍

🍇 Blenheim & Surrounds

  • Arbour – Award-winning fine dining with seasonal tasting menus

  • Gramado’s – Brazilian-inspired barbecue and vibrant hospitality

  • Harvest Restaurant – Garden dining in a historic convent setting Comment: Heard great things about this restaurant but not been.

  • Dodson Street Beer Garden – Craft beer and hearty pub fare. Comment: Pub garden, with German food and beer. 👍

  • Frank’s – Modern, share-plate dining with local ingredients

  • Raupos By the river in the centre of Blenheim. Good food, great for coffees and lunch, though quiet in the evenings. Always good and reliable. 👍

  • Frank’s – Modern, share-plate dining with local ingredients

  • The WineKitchen – Seasonal cuisine paired with curated wines.

🍷 Winery Restaurants

  • Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen – Outdoor dining among the vines 👍

  • Wairau River Restaurant – Fresh Marlborough ingredients in a relaxed setting. Comment: Recently reopened, good food, small portions.

  • Allan Scott – Twelve Trees Restaurant – Courtyard dining with local produce 👍

  • Wither Hills Restaurant – Elegant vineyard views and refined cuisine 👍

  • Brancott Estate Restaurant – Elevated dining with sweeping valley views 👍

  • Hunters 👍