Best Places to Eat on the West Coast

The West Coast isn’t just about glaciers and rugged landscapes — it’s also packed with down-to-earth eateries and hidden food gems that reflect the Coast’s character. You’ll find seafood shacks serving the catch of the day, cafés where locals gather over coffee and bakeries turning out pies that rival the scenery for star status.

In our full West Coast blog, we’ve already highlighted a wider range of food stops, but this list goes deeper. These are a mix of our personal favourites and a few new discoveries that are too good not to miss. From Haast to Karamea, here are some of the best places to eat on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island.

🦞 The Craypot – Jackson Bay, Haast

The Craypot is a true West Coast icon. Perched at the end of the road in Jackson Bay, this quirky little caravan has been serving hungry travellers for decades. Its speciality is, of course, crayfish fresh from local waters, but you’ll also find blue cod, whitebait fritters and classic fish & chips. Grab a seat at the picnic benches and enjoy your meal with sweeping views of Jackson Bay — dolphins and seals are often spotted offshore.

• 📍 Location: Jackson Bay Wharf, Haast
• 🕐 Hours: Seasonal – usually open late morning to mid-afternoon (closed in winter)
• 🍽️ Favourite Dish: Fresh crayfish or whitebait fritters
• 💡 Tohu Tip: Sit outside on a clear day — it feels like eating at the edge of the world.

🥪 The Hokitika Sandwich Company – Hokitika

This tiny shop has become a local legend. With fresh-baked bread, seasonal fillings and locally sourced ingredients, The Hokitika Sandwich Company has redefined what a sandwich can be. Each one is stacked generously and wrapped with care, making it the perfect takeaway before heading to the Hokitika Gorge.

• 📍 Location: 83 Revell Street, Hokitika
• 🕐 Hours: Daily, 10am – 2pm
• 🍽️ Favourite Dish: Pulled pork sandwich (though the vegetarian specials are just as popular)
• 💡 Tohu Tip: Arrive early — they sell out fast on busy days.

🍷 Alice May – Franz Josef

Named after a local woman with a fascinating history, Alice May is one of Franz Josef’s most popular dining spots for a sit-down evening meal. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a menu that puts a modern twist on hearty Kiwi classics. Think lamb shanks slow-cooked to perfection, fresh local salmon and indulgent desserts like sticky date pudding. It’s the kind of place where you can relax after a big day on the glacier and treat yourself to something special.

• 📍 Location: 30 Cron Street, Franz Josef
• 🕐 Hours: Daily, 12pm – 8.30pm
• 🍽️ Favourite Dish: Slow-cooked lamb shank
• 💡 Tohu Tip: Book ahead during summer — this spot is always busy.

🍴 Stations Inn – Hokitika

Just a few minutes out of Hokitika town, Stations Inn offers one of the Coast’s most romantic dining experiences. Perched above the Hokitika River, the restaurant has sweeping views across the valley, especially stunning at sunset. The menu focuses on seasonal produce and local meats, with standout dishes like West Coast whitebait patties and venison loin with red wine jus. Pair it with a glass of NZ wine and you’ve got a night to remember.

• 📍 Location: Blue Spur Road, Hokitika
• 🕐 Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 5.30pm – late
• 🍽️ Favourite Dish: West Coast whitebait patties
• 💡 Tohu Tip: Go early for a pre-dinner drink and watch the sunset from the deck.

☕ Vinnie’s Café – Karamea

Karamea may be remote but Vinnie’s Café is proof that you can find good food at the end of the road. It’s a cosy spot serving excellent coffee, homemade baking and hearty breakfasts — exactly what you need before or after exploring the Oparara Arches or tackling part of the Heaphy Track.

• 📍 Location: 6 Bridge Street, Karamea
• 🕐 Hours: Daily, 8.30am – 5pm
• 🍽️ Favourite Dish: Big breakfast with homemade bread
• 💡 Tohu Tip: Don’t leave without trying their fresh muffins or scones.

🥧 The West Coast Pie Company – Westport

No trip along the Coast is complete without a pie and Westport’s West Coast Pie Company has turned this Kiwi classic into an art form. Their gourmet fillings range from venison & blue cheese to lamb & mint, alongside perfected versions of steak & cheese. Every pie is fresh, hearty and wrapped in golden pastry — the ultimate road trip fuel.

• 📍 Location: 209 Palmerston Street, Westport
• 🕐 Hours: Weekdays 7am – 3pm, Saturday 9am – 2pm
• 🍽️ Favourite Dish: Venison & blue cheese pie
• 💡 Tohu Tip: Buy a couple extra to take with you — you’ll wish you had later.

✨ Final Thought

Food on the West Coast is about flavour, character, and setting. Whether it’s seafood in Jackson Bay, sandwiches in Hokitika or a gourmet pie in Westport, these stops prove that good kai is part of the journey. Every meal comes with a story and often a view you’ll never forget.

👉 Hungry to explore more? Browse West Coast restaurants and dining options here

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.