With thousands of excellent cafes in New Zealand, it’s always difficult to work out which are the best to try, especially if you are new to a place.
Thankfully, the annual New Zealand Cafe of the Year awards help sort out the best through objective judging and public feedback.
The best cafes in the South Island
National – NZ Café of the Year 2016 (Supreme Winner)
The Bespoke Kitchen
9 Isle St, Queenstown
National – Best Suburban
The Bespoke Kitchen
9 Isle St, Queenstown
South Island cafes shortlisted by judges for the national awards:
Best Metro/CBD
Columbus Coffee Riccarton
K14 Riccarton Mall, Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Café Kudos
225 Annex Road, Middleton, Christchurch
Café Metro Merivale
121 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch
Kiki Beware, Refreshment Room
344 George Street, Dunedin
Nova Dunedin
29 The Octagon, Dunedin
Vudu Café & Larder
16 Rees Street, Queenstown
Best Suburban
Red Post Café
2 Highfield Street, Culverden, Hurunui
Thyme Café
597 Springs Road, Prebbleton
White House Black
265 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch
Graze
1 Onslow Road, Queenstown
The Bespoke Kitchen
9 Isle Street, Queenstown
Vanilla Bean Café
355 Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Nelson
Best Rural
Arabica Licensed Café
36 McMillan Street, Methven
Legends Café
15 Afghan Street, Pleasant Point, South Canterbury
Waipara Springs Winery & Café
409 Omihi Road, Waipara
Kai Whakapai Café / Bar Wanaka
Corner Helwick & Ardmore Streets, Wanaka
Melrose House Café
26 Brougham Street, Nelson
Penguin Café/ Bar
822 Abel Tasman Drive, Pohara, RD1, Takaka, Golden Bay
Classic Kiwi
Little River Café
4237 Christchurch Akaroa Highway, Main Road, Little River, Banks Peninsula
Meshino Espresso
1 Stark Drive, Wigram, Christchurch
Mocca
224 Stafford Street, Timaru
Chantilly Café
77 Queen Street, Blenheim
Maggie’s Kitchen
65 Mackay Street, Greymouth
Vogel Street Kitchen
76 Vogel Street, City Rise, Dunedin
2016 People’s Choice regional winners
Christchurch region
Pukeko Junction Café & Deli
458 Ashworths Rd, Leithfield Beach, Leithfield, North Canterbury
South Island region
Jester House
320 Aporo Road, Tasman, Nelson
Source: New Zealand Cafe of the Year Awards 2016, run by the Restaurant Association of New Zealand. Factors considered by the judges including atmosphere and appearance, menu and coffee, service, staff interaction and overall impression.