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5 GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY RESTAURANTS IN AKAROA

Wondering what to do for Valentine’s Day? Looking for a romantic getaway? Well we are here to help! Whether you plan to come to Akaroa for Valentine’s Day or simply for a weekend escape with your loved one, no stay in Akaroa would be complete without a sampling of the delicious local cuisine on offer.  So we have listed 5 of the best places to dine in Akaroa. With its French origins lending a taste of Europe to the seaside fare, Akaroa makes the perfect destination for a romantic evening of tantalising the taste buds. Try these great eateries for an authentic Akaroa eating experience. Remember, if you want a table for the 14th…book in advance!

Ma Maison

”Overlooking Dailey’s wharf and the Akaroa Harbour, Ma Maison is one of Akaroa’s hidden gems. The view speaks for itself!” Set right by the waters edge with its panoramic views and complete with a romantic open fire and terrace perfect for sipping champagne Ma Maison ticks all the right boxes.

Ma Maison restaurant Akaroa

2 Rue Jolie, Akaroa  Tel: 03 304 7668

The Little Bistro

The Little Bistro serves hearty, locally sourced, seasonal meals in a fantastic atmosphere.

Little Bistro restaurant Akaroa

little bistro restaurant akaroa

A Canterbury focused wine list completes the picture to wash down what we’ve termed ‘rustic european’ inspired cuisine. If wine is not your thing, there are many craft beers, artisan sodas or even peninsula roasted coffee. With service that goes the extra mile, the best bentwood chair collection in town and an outlook over the green to the sea and volcanic hills of Akaroa,  join them for an unforgettable evening.

33 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa Tel: 03 304 7314

The Trading Rooms

With beautiful architecture and interior design inspired by the Kaikoura store from which it gets its name, the Trading Rooms Restaurant and Pantryis dedicated to providing a wonderful eating experience. Locally sourced and hand-picked ingredients comprise much of what you’ll find in the Trading Rooms’ pantry, much of which is turned into quaint jars of jams and preserves for you to take home. And as for the menu, the impressive array of local and international chefs have created a list of items to suit the season. Catering to the catch of the day from the harbour and coming up with exquisite dishes from seasonal fruits and vegetables, the Trading Rooms is definitely one to try for an authentic local dining adventure.

A snap shot of The Trading Room’s menu

akaroa valentines menu

1 Beach Road, Akaroa. Tel:(03) 304 7656

Bully Hayes

Easy going during the day and romantic at night, this fantastic seaside restaurant and bar gives you good reason to come back for breakfast, lunch and dinner right through the week. With several indoor and outdoor dining areas to choose from, as well as a play area for the kids, you can pick your setting to enjoy the range of delicious meals while knowing that the little ones are having a good time too.

Bully Hayes restaurant Akaroa

Bully Hayes restaurant Akaroa

Highlights from the breakfast menu include the Breakfast Omelette, with several variations to suit your taste, or if you’re feeling ravenous there’s Bully’s Fatty Boomba Breakfast, which could keep you going for days with its bacon, eggs, black pudding, hash browns and grilled tomatoes on toasted grain bread. Lunch and dinner offer an array of pasta, bread, salad, and soup dishes along with mains crafted from locally sourced ingredients and cooked to perfection.

57 Beach Rd, Akaroa Tel:03-304 7533

Akaroa Fish & Chips

It doesn’t get much more Kiwi than Fish & Chips, and Akaroa is famous for theirs. Akaroa Fish & Chips serves up good ol’ Kiwi tucker to Cantabrians and tourists who are after a taste of classic New Zealand cuisine. Fish of the day comes from the harbour itself, and a good giant burger will give you plenty of energy for exploring the bay. Although it may not be the healthiest or most fine dining-esque option along the water front, it’s definitely one that allows you to do your own thing and choose your own waterfront setting.

Akaroa, a romantic escape in New Zealand

Akaroa romantic escape new zealand

The Morning After…

If you are spending the night in Akaroa L’escargot Rouge Deli is the perfect place to start the day, the following morning! L’escargot Rouge Deli serves delicious French Style breakfasts. ‘Le Parisien’ breakfast is a popular choice, including a baguette, croissant, pain au chocolat and a side of fresh fruit for a classic sampling of a French morning’s cuisine. Other quintessentially French dishes on offer are the Croque Monsieur, which is Brioche served with Dijon, ham, Swiss cheese and Mornay sauce, and can be upgraded to a Croque Madame with the addition of a poached egg on top. L’escargot Rouge also offers an extensive range of sweet and savoury bakery items to snack on throughout the day. You’ll be ready for a day of exploring Akaroa.

67 Beach Road, Akaroa

We’d love to hear what your favourite romantic Akaroa spots are…leave us a comment below 🙂