Top Cafes and Restaurants in Lake Tekapo: A Foodies Guide
Last Updated: 29th October, 2023
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Tekapo is a charming town surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the vivid blue glacial lake. As well as incredible scenery, Lake Tekapo also offers a number of amazing restaurants and cafes to visit during your stay! From cosy lakeside cafes perfect for sipping coffee while gazing at the turquoise waters, to upscale dining establishments serving fantastic Kiwi cuisine, there are plenty of places to eat in Lake Tekapo. Read on for the ultimate guide to the best cafes and restaurants in Lake Tekapo, Canterbury!
If you are planning your Lake Tekapo escape and want to read more about what to do while you’re there, then check out my post on the Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo! It is an outdoor lovers dream, with a number of stunning short walks, horse treks, and scenic flights to experience! And of course, a soak in the hot pools to top it all off.
Map of Where to Eat in Lake Tekapo!
Lake Tekapo Restaurants:
- Ramen Tekapo
- Blue Lake Eatery
- Dark Sky Diner
- Dolce Pizza
- TLV Restaurant and Bar
Lake Tekapo Cafes:
- The Greedy Cow Cafe
- Astro Cafe
- Jack Rabbit Cafe
- Altitude 720 Cafe
- Doughboys Cafe
Best Restaurants in Lake Tekapo
1. Ramen Tekapo | Japanese Restaurant
This is the best Thai and Japanese restaurant in Lake Tekapo! (in my opinion, anyway…). Ramen Tekapo is a perfect option for dinner, and serves an incredible mixture of Thai and Japanese dishes (and ramen, of course), and all are delicious! With friendly staff and fast service, it’s one of the most popular places to eat in Lake Tekapo.
Location: Rapuwai Lane, off the main road and next to Aotea Gifts
2. Blue Lake Eatery and Bar | Contemporary Local NZ cuisine
This gorgeous restaurant offers an elegant and memorable fine-dining dinner experience in the heart of Lake Tekapo! Blue Lake Eatery serves up kiwi classics with a focus on fresh local produce – including Mount Cook salmon, Canterbury lamb, and Chatham Islands blue cod for the classic Fish and Chips! There is also a separate bar where you can relax with a local craft beer or a glass of wine in front of the roaring fire – perfect for those chilly winter evenings!
Location: Rapuwai Lane, SH8, Lake Tekapo
3. Dark Sky Diner | South American Inspired
The Dark Sky Diner is probably one of the most scenic restaurants in Lake Tekapo! With floor to ceiling windows, you have incredible views over the lake and the Church of the Good Shepherd, right from your table! The menu is pretty simple and delicious, with a mix of classic pub-food (burgers, fish and chips, and ribs) and South American-inspired main dishes. They are also one of the places to eat during the day, with fantastic lunch options and a banging coffee!
The Dark Sky Diner is located in the Dark Sky Project, and so its a great place to go and check out the telescope and stargazing tours as well!
Location: 1 Neil Anderson Way, near the Four Square
4. Dolce Pizza | Pizza Food Truck – Takeaway Only
If you’re looking for a fantastic wood-fired pizza in Lake Tekapo, then Dolce Pizza is hands-down one of the best places to eat! This cute little food truck is located on the main road, nearby to the Burkes Brewing Co Bar. They have a small menu of super tasty wood-fired pizza, and offer both gluten free and dairy free options. This pizza is takeaway only, and is the best food to carry down to the benches on the lakefront, where you can enjoy it while looking over the incredible view!
Location: 6 Rapuwai Lane, Lake Tekapo
5. TLV | Restaurant and Bar in Lake Tekapo
TLV is one of the newest restaurant and bar in Lake Tekapo, and offers a stylish and cosy restaurant with fine-dining dinner options. My favourite aspect of this restaurant is the outdoor patio, with comfortable seating overlooking the lake and the surrounding mountains. This is one of the most beautiful places to eat in Lake Tekapo in the evening, especially with one of their excellent cocktails in hand!
Location: Behind Outside Sports Shop, 7 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo
The Best Cafes in Lake Tekapo
6. The Greedy Cow | Cafe and Lunch
The Greedy Cow is my favourite cafe in Tekapo! This cafe has a beautiful interior and cozy seating, and is known for its fantastic breakfast options, coffee, and freshly baked goods. It can get quite busy, but the service is fast and friendly, making it a great place to start your day!
Location: 16 Rapuwai Lane, Lake Tekapo
7. Astro Cafe | Mount John Observatory Cafe
Located at the Mount John Observatory, Astro Cafe not only offers great coffee but also stunning panoramic views of Lake Tekapo and over the Mackenzie Basin! The coffee at the Mount John Observatory Cafe is fantastic, and they also have a good selection of cabinet food – perfect for a nibble after walking the Mt John Summit Walkway!
Location: At the end of Mt John Summit Access Road, Lake Tekapo
8. Jack Rabbit | Cafe
This is another awesome lakeside cafe to visit while in Lake Tekapo! Jack Rabbit Cafe has a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, and has heaps of seating available. They do fantastic breakfast and lunch options, as well as coffee and sweet treats, so you can sit and relax overlooking the gorgeous lake! The cafe is located quite close to the Church of the Good Shepherd, and so makes an awesome place to stop after exploring this iconic church!
Location: Neil Anderson Way, Corner Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo
9. Altitude 720 | Bar and Cafe
This cafe is located at the popular Tekapo Springs hot pools, and I highly recommend visiting as they are one of the coolest things to do in Lake Tekapo!
Altitude 720 Cafe is the perfect coffee stop after a morning of soaking in the pools, or where to eat a hearty lunch after hiking around Mount John! The lakeside cafe has incredible views over the mountains and the lake, with balcony seating during the summer months! In the winter, its perfect for parents to sit and relax in front of the open fire, while kids play on the nearby ice skating rink. They have an excellent cooked breakfast menu, as well as a variety of vegetarian and gluten free options.
Location: Tekapo Springs, 6 Lakeside Drive, Lake Tekapo
10. Doughboys | Bakery and Cafe
This is a classic kiwi bakery, smack bang in the middle of the Tekapo high street! It is one of the most reasonably priced and down-to-earth cafes in Lake Tekapo, with an awesome selection of homemade pies, sandwiches, and sweet treats available.
Location: Rapuwai Lane, Lake Tekapo
Thank you for reading my post on the best cafes and restaurants in Lake Tekapo. I hope this helps you find a decent morning cup of coffee to start your day in Lake Tekapo off right! Happy Travels!
