Maria R.'s
Best restaurants
- 14Tequila MockingbirdChristchurch CentralIf you fancy some South American food but can’t decide from what country then Tequila Mockingbird can tick all your latin food boxes. With South American staff and a well-renowned chef, you’ll be desperate to come back to TM for the amazing service and delicious sharing plates.
- 24Chinwag EathaiChristchurch CentralA classic Thai infusion restaurant on Victoria Street, Chinwag is a crazy popular wee restaurant. We are talking lines down the street and being turned away at the door. Expect fresh and tasty food that ever fails to impress.
- 36Shop Eight & RekindleChristchurch CentralHands down my favourite restaurant in Christchurch. Shop Eight literally changes their menu every day so you’ll never eat the same meal twice. With 95% of produce being sourced from Canterbury, you should expect only the best from the smallest restaurant in town.
- 44Saggio di vinoChristchurch CentralFine dining with a bit of soul, Saggio di Vino is an amazing restaurant which has an equally amazing wine list. This place shines on the corner of Bealey Avenue and Victoria Street. And the best bit? The cheese tray featuring only the best cheeses from the truly epic Canterbury Cheesemonger.
- 58Hello SundaySydenhamHello Sunday is a famous and very popular cafe and they’ve just opened evenings as a restaurant! Every three weeks (roughly) the menu will change so you can always expect a surprise. With locally sourced produce and ethically sourced meat, you belly and your consciousness will be happy.
Maria R.'s
Best Pizza
- 16Bonzai PizzeriaGreymouthFor tasty pizza that’s quick and consistent, then Bonzai Pizzeria is just the place for you. This Greymouth pizzeria is your classic pizza joint which churns out the classics: Supreme; Meat Lovers and Hawaiian. Yum!
- 28Fat Pipi PizzaHokitikaProbably the West Coast’s most well known (and popular) pizza place, Fat Pipi’s is certainly a Hokitika icon. Take a trip every any day of the week, whether you’re a local or just passing through. You won’t be disappointed!
- 34Porto Bello doesn’t just make amazing pasta, antipastos, steak and other Italian delights, but they make a mean pizza. Which isn’t a surprise from an Italian restaurant! This Buller restaurant is a must visit.
Maria R.'s
Best Pizza
- 14Hilltop TavernLittle RiverPopular for their live music nights and amazing views of the Banks Peninsula, Hilltop Tavern has chickens roaming around the pub outside and delicious pizzas inside. Their pizzas may just be some of the best in Canterbury!
- 21Shawty's CafeTwizelFamous for their gourmet pizzas, this Twizel restaurant is a fun wee hangout if you live locally or just passing through. With over a dozen pizzas to choose from, you can take your pick from Hawaiian, Mexican fiesta, surf and turf, lamb souvlaki and cranberry brie. An amazingly diverse selection which will have you coming back for more!
- 32An amazing Italian restaurant in Akaroa, Vangionis is not just popular for its amazing pizzas, but it’s fabulous service and great views of the harbour. The pizzas come with thin bases and piled high with delicious toppings.
- 41Base Woodfired PizzaChristchurch CentralA cool wee container in Re:start mall, Base specialise in one thing and one thing only: wood fired pizza. Choose from a small, yet perfect, selection of pizzas, all rolled by hand in front of your eyes. Toppings aren't piled high so you won’t leave feeling groggy but they are packed full of flavour so you'll be coming back for more in no time.
Maria R.'s
Best Pizza
- 14Etrusco Italian RestaurantDunedin CentralYou’ll be to totally stoked to come across Etrusco at the Savoy. A great atmosphere coupled with amazing service, wine, beer and, of course, pizza. If pizza isn’t your thing then there are salads and awesome pasta dishes to tuck in to. Now that's amore!
- 24The Fork and TapArrowtownHang with the Arrowtown locals at this quaint little pub - The Fork and Tap. They have a superb little menu but the highlight is definitely the scrumptious gourmet pizzas which go down way to easy with a pint of something tasty from their fine selection of locally brewed beers. They're open for lunch and dinner so pop in and grab a cheesy slice of pizza goodness any time of the day.
- 37WinniesQueenstownWinnies is famous amongst locals for providing some of the best pizza in Otago. Take your pick from a whole range of luscious toppings – a local favourite is the seafood pizza … delish! Winnies is a fun hangout for the whole family and it's also perfect for an intimate date with that special someone. The staff are professional, knowledgeable and super cool so you know you're in good hands as you chow down on a delicious cheesy pizza.
- 43AlfrescoAlexandraThis pizzeria and Mediterranean takeaway is a popular wee hangout for locals who know where to find the best slice in town. Alresco also serves Middle Eastern meals if you fancy something a little different! The BBQ chicken pizza is unreal and all pizzas come with a thin and very very tasty crust which will keep you coming back for more cheesy indulgence!
- 52Fat BadgerQueenstownBest suited to small groups and couples, Fat Badgers is the place to go for beers, pizzas and great chat. Pizzas come on 20 inch bases and the staff are always super friendly and keen for a good convo. Pizzas come piled with toppings so you will not leave feeling hungry, guaranteed!v
Maria R.'s
Great Date Spots
- 16Bonzai PizzeriaGreymouthIf you and your date love pizza then Bonzai is a rather good option for you. Enjoy pizza with a touch of fun at this cool pizzeria in Greymouth. Let the staff wait on you hand and foot whilst you enjoy the classic pizza flavours - a favourite is definitely the meat lovers!
- 25Alice May RestaurantFranz JosefA very popular restaurant located in the rather chilly Franz Josef. A warm and cosy little place, Alice May Restaurant is rather twee and delightful. Enjoy a romantic date set amongst vintage furniture and interiors.
- 32Feeling rich? Then treat your partner to a date and a night’s accommodation at Stations Inn Boutique Bar, Restaurant and Accommodation. This swanky luxury accommodation and award winning restaurant will DEFINITELY impress.
- 44Some of the best dining in Buller, this is the place to go if you fancy a steak or something hearty like a Sunday roast. Open seven nights a week, expect an extensive wine list and a lovely romantic atmosphere.
Maria R.'s
Great Date Spots
- 11Mackenzie'sQueenstownA local favourite amongst Mackenzie District residents, this romantic restaurant is located in an amazing heritage building complete with fireplace, deck and a kid’s menu (if your romantic date happens to be with the kids!). A must try is definitely the dessert tapas.
- 22Plato CafeDunedin CentralWhat better way to spend a date than at this very quirky and very cool restaurant under a bypass in Dunedin? Celebrating all this whacky and fishy, Plato is a place to go when you’ve got a little bit extra cash and looking for a wild time.
- 34PequenoDunedin CentralAn uber romantic little hideaway which is difficult to find but worth the search. With a beautiful fireplace and a delicious array of cocktails, you’ll find it hard to leave. Enjoy some tasty tapas and a long and enjoyable evening with the better half.
- 42Enjoy the magic of Fat Sally’s on your desk little romantic one-on-one.. Cosy up to your love next to the amazing fireplace and indulge in some epic pub food. This is the place to go if you are wanting to get your date casual and low-key.
- 52Mou VeryDunedin CentralGet super close to your date in what is quite possibly NZ’s smallest bar. Enjoy the cool fit out, exposed brick walls and amazing music at Mou Very this summer. Make sure you rug up though as most of the seating is outdoors and the Dunedin summers certainly aren’t tropical.