Timaru might be best known as a port town on the South Island’s east coast, but its dining scene punches well above its weight. From French bistro-style restaurants to lively cocktail bars and family-run grills, there is plenty to satisfy hungry travellers. Whether you are after a fine dining steak experience or a casual brunch by the sea, the restaurants in Timaru, New Zealand, offer a mix of local ingredients and international influences. This guide rounds up the top-rated dining spots, based on TripAdvisor reviews, the official New Zealand tourism website, and the restaurants’ own descriptions.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Timaru New Zealand
TripAdvisor lists several Timaru restaurants with strong ratings and hundreds of reviews. The official tourism site newzealand.com also recommends a handful of these, confirming their popularity among both locals and visitors. Here are the standouts.
The Oxford – French Bistro in the Heart of Timaru
Sitting in the centre of Timaru, The Oxford is a French bistro-style restaurant that prides itself on using local ingredients. On TripAdvisor it holds a rating of 4.6 from 363 reviews, making it one of the top restaurants in Timaru according to the platform. The restaurant has three main areas: a bar and a restaurant, which allows for a casual drink or a full dining experience. The official tourism site also highlights The Oxford as a recommended eatery, noting its French influence and commitment to sourcing from the region.
Street Food Kitchen – Global Cuisine by Day, Cocktail Bar by Night
Street Food Kitchen offers a relaxed setting during the day and transforms into a cocktail bar after dark, serving global cuisine with an emphasis on sharing plates. It is one of the few venues that seamlessly moves from lunch to evening drinks. Both TripAdvisor and the official tourism site include Street Food Kitchen among their top picks for Timaru. The restaurant can be contacted by phone at 03 686 6036 or by email at yumyum@streetfoodkitchen.co.nz. Its concept of world flavours and creative cocktails makes it a versatile choice for any meal occasion.
Pier 64 – Contemporary Local Cuisine with Harbour Views
Pier 64 receives a TripAdvisor rating of 4.8 from 26 reviews, indicating a very high level of guest satisfaction. Located at 64 The Bay Hill, Timaru 7910, it is open seven days a week from 10:00am until late, with brunch served on weekends from 9:00am. The restaurant focuses on contemporary local cuisine, and its harbour-side position adds to the appeal. While the review count is lower than some other restaurants, the near-perfect score suggests that those who find it are impressed.
Speight’s Ale House – A Popular Local Spot
With 491 reviews on TripAdvisor and a rating of 4.2, Speight’s Ale House is a well-known name in Timaru. It is part of the Speight’s chain, offering a classic pub menu and a wide selection of beers. The high number of reviews makes it one of the most tried-and-tested restaurants in the area, ideal for a reliable meal in a familiar setting.
Fine Dining and Steakhouse Options
For those looking for a more upscale evening, Timaru has several restaurants that specialise in steak, fine dining, and boutique experiences.
Steak@CustomsHouse – Fine Dining Steak and Wine Bar
Steak@CustomsHouse is a fine dining steak restaurant and wine bar, open until late. The kitchen is led by top chef Jared Aldridge, and the menu centres on premium cuts of meat. The restaurant is listed on BestRestaurants.nz as one of over 40 Timaru eateries. Its focus on steak and wine makes it a destination for carnivores and those celebrating a special occasion.
Evie’s Bar & Grill – Boutique Dining in a Historic Setting
Evie’s Bar & Grill is a family-run restaurant housed in Timaru’s historic Chalmers Church Hall. The venue offers a boutique dining atmosphere, combining the charm of a heritage building with modern gastropub fare. It provides an alternative to the more contemporary spaces in town, and its family ownership gives it a personal touch.
Cafés and Casual Eateries
Not every meal in Timaru needs to be a formal affair. The town and its surrounding areas have several cafés known for good coffee, retro vibes, and garden settings.
The Running Duck – Retro Vibes and Great Coffee
The Running Duck is a café that serves burgers, coffee, and milkshakes in an environment that channels retro charm. The official tourism site highlights it as a place to grab a casual bite, making it a convenient stop for travellers looking for a quick, satisfying meal without the frills.
Café Verde – Outstanding Café Food in a Garden Setting
Located in nearby Geraldine, Café Verde is known for serving outstanding café food in a garden setting. It is recommended by newzealand.com as a great spot for a relaxed lunch or morning tea. The garden atmosphere makes it a pleasant detour if you are exploring the wider Timaru district.
Day Trips for Food Lovers: Geraldine
Just a short drive from Timaru, the town of Geraldine punches above its weight for food and drink experiences. Several producers offer tastings and local specialties.
Barker’s Foodstore and Geraldine Cheese Co
Barker’s Foodstore invites visitors to taste-test a range of jams, chutneys, and cordials made from New Zealand fruits and vegetables. Just down the road, the Geraldine Cheese Co produces award-winning artisan cheeses. Together they form a perfect pairing for a self-guided food tour. The official tourism site recommends both as must-visit stops for food lovers in the region.
Humdinger Gin – Award-Winning Craft Gin
Humdinger Gin, also based in Geraldine, has won international awards for its spirits. It produces limited-release gins that appeal to gin enthusiasts and collectors. A visit to the distillery or a purchase from local retailers allows you to take a taste of South Canterbury home with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Timaru?
The answer depends on your preference. The Oxford has the highest TripAdvisor rating among well-reviewed restaurants (4.6 from 363 reviews) and is also recommended by the official tourism site. Pier 64 scores 4.8 but with fewer reviews. For steak lovers, Steak@CustomsHouse is a top choice. No single restaurant is officially the ‘best’, but these are the most highly rated according to available data.
Does Timaru have good seafood restaurants?
Pier 64 is known for contemporary local cuisine, which often includes seafood given its harbour location. However, the research pack does not specify a dedicated seafood restaurant. You can check menus directly with Pier 64 or other venues for daily fish specials. The official tourism site does not list a specific seafood-only restaurant in Timaru at this time.
Are there vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Timaru?
Most restaurants in Timaru cater to vegetarian diets. Street Food Kitchen offers global sharing plates that likely include vegetable options, while Café Verde in Geraldine provides garden-fresh café food. For specific vegetarian needs, it is best to contact the restaurant ahead of your visit, as menus may change seasonally.
What time do restaurants in Timaru typically close?
Opening hours vary widely. Pier 64 is open from 10:00am until late every day, with weekend brunch from 9:00am. Steak@CustomsHouse is open until late. The Oxford, Street Food Kitchen, and Evie’s Bar & Grill do not have specific hours in the research pack, so we recommend checking their websites or calling ahead for the most up-to-date times.
Is it necessary to book ahead at Timaru restaurants?
For popular venues like The Oxford, Steak@CustomsHouse, and Pier 64, booking ahead is advisable, especially on weekends or during holiday periods. Speight’s Ale House, with its larger capacity, may accept walk-ins more readily. To avoid disappointment, call or use the restaurant’s online booking system if available.
Timaru’s restaurant scene offers something for every taste and budget. Whether you are after a French bistro meal at The Oxford, a steak dinner at Steak@CustomsHouse, or a globally inspired cocktail evening at Street Food Kitchen, the town delivers quality dining with a local touch. When you visit the South Canterbury coast, take time to explore these spots and enjoy the flavours of the region.
