We were thinking last night that we should run down all the great restaurants we've been to while on holiday. Just in case we come back or if you ever visit, you know where to go. Some of these are casual and some are a little more nice, but there is a good mix. We've learned to never ask for the "dives" here - they send you to Burger King. Our idea of casual is VERY different than their's. What we would think is a nice more upscale restaurant, is casual to the Aussie's. In New Zealand, almost everything is "casual." Even though the atmosphere of the restaurants are extremely nice, the people are laid-back wearing their fleece jackets and birkenstocks!
Port Douglas:
Finz - http://www.finzportdouglas.com/
Seafood
Open Air Restaurant/no AC
We highly reccomend the baked macadamia nut barramundi, it is excellent!
Casual
Mango Jam - http://www.mangojam.com.au/
Australian, family restaurant
Nice Patio/AC inside
Pizza is amazing - check out the "veg out." Fish & chips are also very good. They also have mango daquiries during happy hour!!!
Casual
Tortilla's Cucina -
Mexican
Patio/take away counter, very small
HUGE portions, 1 taco is enough, maybe even too much after the salsa/chips (which you have to pay for), Margaritas here are not recommneded, too much syrup, not enough tequila. Guac is spicy
Casual
Hog's Breath - http://www.hogsbreath.com.au/
Steak/Ribs
At the harbour boardwalk. They have an outside patio that overlooks the marina, nice view. Jeff and I will differ on this one, it reminded me of a Joe's Crab Shack or some bad chain in the states, I wasn't a fan.
Casual
Sydney:
Young Alfred - http://www.youngalfred.com.au/
Italian
Nice Patio/AC inside, located in the famous Custom House.
Great pizza, try the "Betty" which is made with 100% organic stone ground flour, zucchini flowers, olives, and ricotta cheese. EXCELLENT. The basked eggplant appetizer is also a must. Good wine list.
More upscale. Trendy, but not too expensive (for Australia).
Wildfire - http://www.wildfiresydney.com/
Steak & Seafood (Churasso style)
Beautiful Atmosphere, sits right at Circular Quay overlooking the Opera House. If the "WORLD" is in port, your view will be obstructed.
Great churasso style food. The rub on the meats was really great, not too salty, but definitely had a great flavor. Jeff says better than any other Brazilian steakhouse in Chicago! Great wine list.
More upscale. Very trendy, expensive.
Amaroma - http://www.amoroma.com.au/
Italian
Indoor/AC
Casual, tuscany style setting
Food was casual, everyday. Great wine recommendation by management (who is great). Tiramisu is made with a nut crust, very different, but good.
Casual.
Pony - http://www.ponydining.com.au/
Australian Fusion
Indoor and Outdoor Seating. Patio heaters for chilly nights with communal seating.
AWESOME FOOD - this was our favorite by far. You have to get the following:
Grilled Chorizo, BBQ Chicken Skewers with Cajun Salsa and Creme Fraiche, Kurabuta Pork Shoulder.....we still dream of this dinner.
Trendy
Fish at the Rocks - http://www.fishattherocks.com.au/
Seafood
Indoor Seating
20 year old restaurat located in the rocks. Quant home-like setting. Excellent Barbeque Moreton Bay bugs, definitely a must have. Sit down stairs for a cooler experience (literally, AC is not too strong)
Il Putino -
Bondi Beach
Italian
Outdoor Seating only
This place looks totally crappy from the outside, almost didn't stop; however, the food is excellent. We had the BEST pesto pasta that we've ever had here. Literally, it was so good we wanted more! They make their own pasta here, so the pasta is fresh and cooked al dente. We HIGHLY recommend this place. There really isn't much atmosphere, since you sit outside, but it's in Bondi, which is already a cool and hipster place to be!
Christchurch:
Keo Thai -
Thai
Indoor Seating/Garden - indoor atmosphere is blah.
Both NZ and Australia have a huge Asian population and many of their restaurants are influenced by asian cuisine. Considering this, we decided to try thai food in Christchurch. We went to the first Thai restaurant established in Christchurch NZ. Unfortunately the service was so terrible, that it also altered our opinions on the food. It was so terrible that our meal was free....not recommended.
Fox Glacier:
Cook Saddle Saloon & Cafe -
American Style Saloon - All Kinds of Food
Indoor/Outdoor Seating - great to sit by the fireplace on a cold day.
AMAZING Chicken Wings!!!! Atmosphere is a plus, very cozy and friendly atmosphere.
Lake Matheson Cafe - http://www.lakematheson.com/pages/8/cafe.htm
Steak/Seafood
Go here for the beautiful walk to Lake Matheson or the views of Mt Cook. Food is not so great, but the staff is very friendly. Dessert looked great - blackberry and blueberry molten chocolate cake.
Haast:
Hard Antler Bar and Restaurant -
Everyday food/pub
GREAT fish n chips, plus a great salad bar with peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, chips, salad, and cole slaw. They had the BEST cole slaw ever!!!!
Queenstown:
Fergberger - http://www.fergburger.com/fullscreen.html
Burger Joint (they also have lamb, chicken, tofu, fish burgers)
Take Away, a few seats on the front sidewalk and inside, but meant to take away and eat elsewhere
Jeff gave this place an A+++++, he was in love, and wanted to eat here everyday...wait we almost did. LOL! Great burger, the meat is all organic and grain fed. Chicken is free range and is also quite good. Highly recommended, but if you go here you will know this, the line is always long. Grab a Speights pint to go along with your burger and maybe some garlic alioli for your fries!
Seafood Boarwalk - http://www.boardwalk.net.nz/
Seafood
Indoor/AC, located inside Steamer's Wharf. Great view of the Remarkables Mountain Chain, the lake and Queenstown bay. This restaurant has a 5 star review. We did not find it worthy of this review. The staff and the seating was great, but the rock lobster seemed to be a little fishy and the steak was tough. Maybe it was just a bad cut of meat/lobster, so give it a try. It has received great ratings and awards from all over NZ.
Upscale, pricey
Gibbston Valley Wines - http://www.gvcheese.co.nz/index.htm & http://www.gvwines.co.nz/
Winery/Restaurant/Cheese Shop
Indoor/Outdoor Garden Seating. Absolutely beautiful!!!
We had the most amazing time here. Definitely go to the cheese shop and order a cheese plate and a few glasses of pinot. Sit outside in the vineyard, if weather permits. We recommend the Kawarau Blue, Garlic and Chive Gouda, and Wakatipu White Brie. It also comes with a tasty pesto sauce for dipping...YUM! Beautiful setting, great wine, yummy cheese!!!
Vudo Cafe - http://www.vudu.co.nz/
Cafe/Breakfast
Indoor/Outdoor Seating
Famous breakfast spot, AWESOME FOOD! Eggs Benedict on crispy sour dough and blackberry/blueberry/lemon pancakes are to die for! A spot you cannot pass up!!!!
Brazz on the Green - http://www.queenstown-nz.co.nz/information/product/?product=brazz-on-the-green
Contemporary/Modern
Indoor/Outdoor modern seating
We didn't have dinner here, just a few aps. Chicken wings and spin/art dip are really great!
Fun, hip setting. Sit and watch people on the green
Bella Cucina - http://www.bellacucina.co.nz/
Italian
Indoor Seating, very quant, but small inside.
Good, but everyday pasta and pizza. A nice place to go when you're feeling low key and want something simple. Good spaghetti with lemon/oil/chili sauce!
Casual.
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