Bella Vista's Blog

For a charming little town, at the heart of the “food basket” of New Zealand … Hakatere. there are so many great places to eat in Ashburton. 

Whether you’re staying for one night or a few, there’s plenty of variety to keep you well-fed and watered. Here’s our foody guide to a few of Ashburton’s best restaurants, cafes, and cheap eats all within a hop skip and a jump of our Ashburton accommodation. 

Best Hearty Fare in Ashburton 

There is nothing like a hearty meal at the end of a busy day of adventure or busy work meetings. Our motel accommodation in Ashburnton is pretty close to some great ones so here are our top picks for hearty meals.

Cleavers Corner Gastro Pub:

Delivers impressive service and is a popular choice in town. The food is full of flavour, tasty and presented well. This is a delight. This is only 4-minute drive from our Ashburton accommodation. Its the perfect place for a quiet business meeting during the day and in the evening you can unwind and enjoy a delicious range of burgers, grill and snacks.

Speights Ale House:

Casual, comfortable dining with awesome staff that take pride in what they do. A great space to enjoy a meal out with friends or family with quality food. This is only 5 minute's drive from our motel accommodation in Ashburton and our customers get 10% discount when you show your Bella Vista room key

Lake House:

Ashburton is so fortunate to have the Lake House on its doorstep. Excellent service and a lovely outlook over the water make it a relaxing setting. The food is excellent and the deserts are extra yummy! 

The Fine Lion:

The location and ambience are rather special. The first-floor location and extensive balcony dining are unique in Ashburton. Service is attentive, The food is superb with great attention to detail. 

Panther's Rock

Although a short drive away, Ashburton proudly claims the Panther’s Rock as its own because this Mayfield-based restaurant, open for weekend brunch and weeknight dinners, consistently receives five-star reviews.  Named after an alleged sighting of a big cat that made national headlines, the Panther’s Rock serves up big mouth-watering flavours. Cuts of prime Canterbury Porterhouse steaks and Ribeye with homemade mushroom sauce, locally caught Salmon, green-lipped mussels and pulled-pork burgers feature on the menu. With lovely rural views, cosy fireplaces and friendly owners, head here for one of the best things to do in Ashburton.

For the best Asian food in Ashburton  

For a taste of the exotic or those of us who love their spice, we have some great options for Asian cuisine. From Taiwanese to Thai you won't be disappointed by the choice. Here is our list of top picks whilst you are staying at our Ashburton accommodation.

The Formosa:

A tasty twist on Taiwanese cuisine in the heart of Ashburton is only 3-minute's drive from our Ashburton motels.  From the minute you walk in you are made to feel welcome in this beautifully designed restaurant. The food is superb, the desserts are beautifully presented and very flavoursome, Excellent service. 

Miyabi Top in Town:

Indian /Japanese authentic cuisine and beautiful people who take good care of you. The Best Indian in town and offering a 10% discount showing your Bella Vista motel accommodation key.

Koji Japanese:

This is a little gem, and only a minute in the car from our Ashburton motels. The food is just delicious, fresh and tasty. The staff is always friendly and accommodating. It has a nice feel to it because they have decorated the entire walls with bamboo to give it atmosphere 

Ton Thai:

The atmosphere is delightful with friendly superb service. The food is tasty, plentiful and delivered quickly. A great place to take your family or group of friends. 

While not a new restaurant in Ashburton, it's Sweet and sour chicken, orange pork, and Kumara fries tossed in plum powder are local favourites.  Small plates include Teriyaki sushi, Spicy chicken bao or pulled pork buns. 

For the Best Cafés in Ashburton 

We love our coffee here, and our local cafes make it easy for us to indulge. 

• Visit the Somerset Grocer’s Café for delicious cabinet food, a varied menu, even a Kapiti ice cream bar making this one of the more kid-friendly places to eat in Ashburton. While you eagerly await your Big Breakfast or Nourish bowl – a tasty blend of chicken, avocado and zesty orange dressing, browse the gourmet goods and gifts on offer.  
• Robert Harris: Easy and Handy location,  just along the road, heaps of parking, great coffee, Breakfast is the best-allowing chargeback arrangements to the Bella Vista Ashburton Motel for corporate customers 
• Millhouse Kitchen: Love the outdoor space here, especially in the summer, Great coffee, chargebacks to the motel are an option, Good parking and only 2 minutes from our Ashburton motel accommodation 
• Triangle Espresso: Offering a lovely space to enjoy a coffee and either chill or work at the window seat has an uplifting feel, right down to inspirational quotes and lovely prints of nature and plants on the walls, I just love it! Happy friendly staff that love what they do. 

For the Best Bakery in Ashburton  

While other bakeries are vying for the best places to eat in Ashburton, Harvey’s Bakehouse takes the cake. The mark of a great baker are their pies and Harvey’s has a reputation for light, flaky pastry and yummy fillings like pepper steak, smoky beef and BBQ bacon. This friendly home-style bakehouse also serves up traditional sweet treats like Rocky Road, custard-piped brioche and black-forest cheesecake. It is truly a great Ashburton cheap eats option just a 10-minute jaunt from the Ashburton motel.  

For the Best Takeaway in Ashburton 

Local chip connoisseurs think the Creek Road Fish and Chip Shop serve up the best in Ashburton hands down, as good as the double-fried chips found in Belgium. Place your order over the phone as this spot gets busy on the weekend and best of all it’s only a 2-minute drive from the Ashburton motel!  A great choice for all your fast-food favourites. 

While we’ve hopefully whetted your appetite on the best places to eat in Ashburton . Please ask the Bella Vista Motel team for up-to-date information and local dining recommendations.