Cuisine’s list of 100 top New Zealand restaurants includes three from the Waitaki District – Cucina in Oamaru, Riverstone Kitchen a few kilometres north of the town and Fleurs Place in Moeraki a few kilometres south.
Given the District has only around 22,000 people it is a contender for the most top restaurants per head of population in the country.
Queenstown Lakes, with nearly twice as many people, would come a close second with Bistro Gentil and Kika in Wanaka; Botswana Butchery and Sherwood in Queenstown and Amisfield Bistro at Lake Hayes on the list.
An out-of-town friend asked me which of the Waitaki restaurants was best. I couldn’t answer, they are all different and all serve delicious food, using the freshest ingredients, locally sourced where possible; and their food is enhanced by wonderful waiting staff.
We’re spoilt for choice in the country’s culinary capital.
Homepaddock 