Bella Vista's Blog

While Blenheim is a popular destination for wine-lovers, the town’s best kept secret is the number of critically acclaimed restaurants both centrally located and based in nearby vineyards. Some of the best places to eat in Blenheim are close to the Blenheim motel so whether you’re a fine diner or a leisurely luncher, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Blenheim for your eating pleasure.  

Gramados 

Put this restaurant on your list of ‘Blenheim things to do’. Inspired by a small town in southern Brazil, Gramados blends the best of South American cuisine with the fresh flavours and produce of Marlborough. In Brazil, eating is not only about the food, but also the hospitality and this little restaurant is big on both! Ranked by critics as the best ‘everyday eats’ restaurant in New Zealand, the menu boasts authentic dishes like slow-cooked pork belly with Brazilian guava sauce or a smoky black bean stew with spicy chorizo, pork ribs, Manuka smoked bacon. Their famous Chocolate Volcano dessert might just tip you over. Stop it, we hear you say! With most mains under $40, you’re spoilt for choice with vegetarian and gluten-free options too. Make sure to book ahead, as even mid-week, this popular eatery is buzzing.   

Quench 

Close to the Blenheim motel, you’ll find Quench, one of the only places to eat in Blenheim with a happy hour from 4pm - 7pm if you just want to pop in for a drink. With a varied wine list and a classy low-key vibe, the menu highlights local fare with the knowledgeable team serving up hearty delicious meals ranging from the twice cooked Pork Belly to a tender Lamb Fillet. Don’t be surprised if happy hour turns into a long happy night especially on Fridays, when diners can wine, dine and tap their toes to live music.   

The Tamarind 

Fancy some of the best spicy flavours of Southern India in the South Island? Then head to the Tamarind for a taste trail around the Kerala region and enjoy dishes like pan-sautéed beef with spices, fennel seeds and coconut chips or green lipped mussels sauteed with onion, garlic and garam masala.  The menu also boasts a large selection of tempting vegetarian dishes including the Chef’s special, an eggplant masala cooked in ginger, garlic and coconut milk. Best of all this this family-run eatery is both BYO and regarded as one of the best restaurants in Blenheim with mega five-star reviews.  

Herb and Olive  

For a healthy brunch served with steaming organic Kokako coffee, head to the popular Herb and Olive, named after the owner’s two children. Craving greens? Then choose the sprout slaw topped with halloumi or for a sweet-savoury combo, the French toast with bacon is rated top-notch.  Vegans are also well catered for with offerings like tasty Mexican beans served with avocado and coconut yogurt. If you’re ticking off your Blenheim things to do and wanting lunch on the go, grab a tasty cheese scone from their delicious array of cabinet food. The café also supplies local milk, honey and Kokako coffee beans to locals and visitors in-the-know.  

Arbour 

Arbour is not only one of the best places to eat in Blenheim but possibly the entire country. But who are we to boast? Come try this fine-dining restaurant for yourself.   

Arbour offers feasting menus. You can keep it simple with the ‘Eat Local’ menu, or go all out with ‘The Many’ menu, which can feature sourdough with whipped butter, locally raised New Zealand King Salmon, foraged onion flowers, diamond shell clams, lamb shoulder croquettes, wild venison, or fresh pasta with a mild goats’ curd and walnuts.  

The tasting menu changes out seasonally but rest assured, it’ll include a delectable dessert too. Bookings are highly recommended. And you can relax and take a taxi home knowing its only 11 minutes from our Blenheim accommodation.  

Ask our guest services team at the Bella Vista Motel for restaurant recommendations to suit your tastes, because as locals, we know the best things to do in Blenheim.