10 Best Restaurants in Twizel New Zealand

Twizel is a great place to stay when exploring Mount Cook National Park or a perfect stop when driving from Wanaka to Lake Tekapo. Twizel has plenty of accommodation options and is only a 50-minute scenic drive along Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook. But with limited restaurant options in Mount Cook Village, Twizel is the first town where you can find restaurants and cafes. It’s a perfect stop on your way to or from Mount Cook. But also when you stay in Twizel, there are luckily enough varied options to eat. After spending more than a week in Twizel to explore the beautiful surroundings, we are happy to share with you our list of the best restaurants in Twizel New Zealand. From delicious New Zealand cuisine to Thai food or Indian curries, the Twizel restaurants offer a huge variety of places to eat!

Best cafes in Twizel for breakfast and lunch

Twizel Bakery Cafe 

The Twizel Bakery was our go-to cafe in Twizel to score some freshly baked goodies and a coffee before heading out to explore. The cafe is open from AM until 5 PM and serves an all-day breakfast menu and fresh baked goods. There is also a large selection of fresh cabinet food including sandwiches, quiches, cakes, slices, massive muffins and scones. The perfect takeaway for lunch in a beautiful setting like Mount Cook National Park! 

Location: 5 Market Place, Twizel

Opening times: Daily from 7 AM – 5 PM

Mint Folk & Co

A fantastic choice for either breakfast, lunch or dinner in Twizel. Their healthy menu provides you with all the nutrition after, or before, a day of exploring. Think about cold-pressed juices, avocado on toast, beef brisket, smoked salmon and much more! Their menu changed regularly, so these are just examples. But you can be assured of a delicious, healthy meal at Mint Folk & Co any time of the year. 

Location: 4 Market Place, Twizel

Opening times: Wednesday – Friday from 7:30 AM–10 PM. Saturday & Tuesday from 8 AM–3 PM. Closed on Sunday and Monday

The Musterer’s Hut Cafe & Gift Shop

The Musterer’s Hut Cafe is the perfect place for a delicious breakfast and lunch. They serve some of the best coffee in Twizel and offer fresh homemade baked goodies with takeaway options including a wide range of fresh cabinet food. 

Location: 20 Ruataniwha Road, Twizel

Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday 8 AM – 3 PM

The Vier Project

The Vier Project serves Western & Asian Fusion food including amazing steaks, burgers and Codfish. The coffee is outstanding and if you fancy an English breakfast then the Vier Project is your place to go. 

Location: Ohau Road, Twizel 

Opening times: Daily from 8 AM–2 PM, 5–8:30 PM, closed on Monday and Tuesday 

Best Twizel restaurants for dinner 

Poppies Cafe

Poppies is another fabulous Twizel restaurant with a wide variety of choices. The beautifully presented food, outdoor seating area and friendly service make this one of the most popular restaurants in Twizel. They use the finest local ingredients and even grow their own veggies in their organic garden. You can’t go wrong with Poppies Cafe for brunch or dinner. 

Location: 1 Benmore Place, Twizel

Opening times: Daily from 10 AM – 8.30 PM. Closed on Wednesday & Thursday 

Jasmine Thai 

Craving Thai Food? Luckily there is a great Thai restaurant in Twizel. We noticed that literally in every small town in New Zealand you can find a Thai restaurant. It’s a welcome change to the sometimes heavy meat dishes being served at restaurants in New Zealand. And who doesn’t love Thai food?! With a selection of delicious Thai dishes and fresh ingredients, Jasmine Thai in Twizel is your place to go for authentic Thai flavors. And if you don’t fancy sitting in a restaurant, then it’s also a great takeaway restaurant! 

Location: 1 Market Place, Twizel 

Opening times: Daily from 11 AM–2:30 PM, 4:30–8:30 PM, closed on Monday

Ministry of Works Bar and Eatery

The Ministry of Works Bar and Eatery brings dishes to the table that are inspired by worldwide street food. Think Fish & Chips, Pizza, Chicken Salad, Beef Burgers but also a lamb rump and steak. There’s plenty of choice for everyone’s taste, and including craft beer and delicious wine the MoW Pub has all the ingredients for a lovely evening out in Twizel. 

Location: 2 Market Place, 7901 Twizel

Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday: 2 PM – late. Sunday & Monday: Closed

Moraine Lodge

If you want to splurge on dinner in Twizel, then Moraine Lodge at Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat is the best Twizel restaurant to go to. A 10-minute drive outside of Twizel town is this beautiful fine-dining restaurant located. The amazing food and breathtaking views make this an evening to remember. Moraine Lodge works with fresh organic ingredients from their own garden and all meals are beautifully presented, like a work of art! Moraine Lodge is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Twizel New Zealand. But it comes with a price tag. Reservations are required.

Location: 86 Mt Cook Road Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat

Opening times: Wednesday – Friday starting at 7.30 PM by reservation 

Fishtail Restaurant and Bar

There’s only one Indian restaurant in Twizel, but it is a fantastic one! With plenty of different currie options, this Indian – Nepali restaurant is the place to go for authentic food. Because there are always lots of takeaway orders, you might want to go for a takeaway as well. Waiting for your food in the restaurant may take long, especially in peak season. But it’s so worth it ordering here! 

Location: 12c Market Place, Twizel

Opening times: Daily from 4:30 – 9 PM

Razza Bar 

Razza Bar is an affordable pub-style restaurant with simple but tasty food. It’s a great place for a quick and big meal, but don’t expect high-end food decoration. There are lots of fried options such as Fish & Chips, fried calamari and french fries with steak. 

Location: 28 Tasman Road, Twizel

Opening times: Daily from 12 – 10 PM

More New Zealand travel guides

I hope you enjoyed this complete guide about the best restaurants in Twizel New Zealand.

There are many amazing other things to do and places to visit on the South Island of New Zealand. So if you’re looking for more inspiration and ideas, head over to our other New Zealand travel guides!

Mount Cook National Park

20 best things to do in Mount Cook National Park

Best places to stay in Mount Cook – Ultimate Guide

The BEST Mount Cook helicopter tours to book

12 best Mt Cook walks – The Ultimate Guide

Hooker Valley Track – The Complete Guide

Sealy Tarns track – The Complete Guide

Tasman Glacier viewpoint – The Complete Guide

Mueller Hut Track – All You Need to Know

Lake Tekapo

20 best things to do in Lake Tekapo

Best restaurants in Lake Tekapo

Wanaka

22 best things to do in Wanaka

15 best hikes in and around Wanaka

Best restaurants and cafes in Wanaka

Best places to stay in Wanaka

Rob Roy Glacier track – The Complete Guide

Isthmus Peak hike – The Complete Guide

Roy’s Peak hike – The Complete Guide

Queenstown 

30 best things to do in Queenstown – The Ultimate Guide

16 best hikes in Queenstown – The Ultimate Guide

10 best wine tours in Queenstown – The Complete Guide

12 best helicopter tours in Queenstown – The Complete Guide

Best restaurants in Queenstown you must try!

Queenstown Hill walk – The Complete Guide

Ben Lomond track – The Complete Guide

Moke Lake loop track & viewpoint – The Complete Guide

Bobs Cove nature walk – The Complete Guide