The Best Greymouth Restaurants and Cafes

Are you looking for recommendations for the best places to eat in Greymouth? We’re here to help! We frequently visit the largest town on the West Coast and have personally dined at many restaurants and cafes. Therefore, we have written this post about our dining experiences to help you decide where to eat. Read on to find the best Greymouth restaurants and cafes, what to expect, and recommendations for the best dishes to order.

Greymouth Food Options

Greymouth is the administrative centre for the West Coast region. If you’re travelling in the area, you will likely stop here for a night or two.

The town, on the Grey River, is surrounded by coastline and mountains and is the gateway to one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary coastal drives and many natural wonders.

There are many choices if you’re wondering where to eat in Greymouth, including an eclectic mix of Chinese, Indian and Sushi restaurants, along with the standard pub fare commonly found in New Zealand. Greymouth is blessed with many pubs and two breweries.

There is also a Thai food cart, several bakeries and fish and chips shops. Cobden Takeaways is a local favourite for its battered fish.

Additionally, you will find Westfleet Fresh Retail Seafoods selling the daily catch fresh off the boats, if you prefer to cook for yourself, plus two supermarkets.

Both supermarkets sell a range of ready-to-eat hot & cold food, such as roasted chicken, sushi and rice dishes.

For those in a rush or if you want takeaway options, fast food places to eat in Greymouth include McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut and Domino’s.

This story highlights our four best restaurants in Greymouth.

The Best Greymouth Restaurants and Cafes

Monteith’s Brewery

While the beer is no longer brewed on-site, our favourite restaurant in Greymouth offers an excellent experience and a diverse selection of tasty dishes.

A trip to Monteith’s Brewery ranks among the top experiences in Greymouth.

Part of the dining experience can include a tasting session of their beers and a tour of the brewery to learn about the craft of brewing and the history behind the local brew.

What’s On the Menu

Menu options include crowd favourites such as Gurnard in Golden Lager Beer Batter, Akaroa Salmon Fillet, Chilli Garlic Prawns, Moroccan Lamb Burger, Canterbury Beef Fillet and Hari Hari Butchery Venison Bangers and Mash. They also have hot and cold charcuterie grazing platters.

What We Love About Monteith’s Brewery

Compared to other Greymouth restaurants, the menu is unique and full of flavours. We dream about the food!

Plus, the portions are very generous.

Additionally, the drink menu is a standout. Not only is there a diverse range of beers, but also their own Monteith’s cider. There are also cocktails and many wine choices on the drinks menu.

We especially love The Tasting Tray. It includes a variety of 6 beers and makes our dining experience extra fun. Each tray includes a pale ale, a hoppy beer, a malt, a pilsener, and a lager. It comes with tasting notes and information on the beer styles.

On top of that, we love the atmosphere and the different seating areas, either near the bar, at the fireplace, in the lounge, or in the outdoor beer garden.

Getting to Monteith’s Brewery

Monteith’s Greymouth is located at 60 Herbert Street. If you are arriving by car, there is lots of parking on-site.

Visitors travelling by train or bus can enjoy a 15-minute walk from the Railway Station.

The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Tip: The lunch hour between 12 – 2 p.m. can get very busy, especially on Fridays and weekends.

We have a complete guide to Greymouth’s Monteith’s Brewery, including information on the brewery tour and experience. It includes the best food on the menu, plus the exceptional meals we order every time we visit! You will also discover why we rated it the No. 1 restaurant in Greymouth. Click the link to read the review.

The Speight’s Ale House Greymouth Bar & Restaurant

We love an experience combined with tasty food. This is why we have ranked Speight’s Ale House as our 2nd favourite Greymouth restaurant.

Housed in a beautiful 1909 heritage building, Speight’s Ale House combines its historic character with a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

The seating options feature a cozy interior with a stone fireplace, complemented by brick, stone, and timber cladding. Additionally, there are two outdoor areas ideal for enjoying sunny afternoons.

What’s on the Menu

The menu at Speight’s Ale House offers a hearty selection of classic Kiwi pub fare with a West Coast twist.

Starters include Garlic Bread, Tempura Prawns, and Marlborough Green-lipped Mussels.

For mains, there are West Coast favourites such as Seafood Chowder, Canterbury Pork Belly, and Streaking Angus Burger.

Also, there is the Coast Fried Platter, which includes beer-battered fish, crispy chicken, prawn twisters, vegetarian samosas, onion rings and other fried nibbles.

They also offer desserts and a kids menu.

Our favourite things on the menu are the Karaage Chicken Donburi, Beer Battered Fish Taco and Fried Chicken Taco. They pair perfectly with Speights Gold Medal Ale.

What We Love About Speight’s Ale House Greymouth

We adore the charming historic building and the beautifully styled interior.

However, our favourite feature is the outdoor seating areas. There are two options: one at the front of the building, perfect for people-watching on Mawhera Quay, and another on the opposite side of the street, offering a unique spot to watch the daily train arrive from Christchurch. Both provide an ideal atmosphere for enjoying a beer.

Further, the food is absolutely delicious, and we especially enjoy the international dishes.

How to Get to Speight’s Ale House

Speight’s Ale House Greymouth is at 130 Mawhera Quay, overlooking the Grey River. It’s an easy walk from the Greymouth Railway Station, making it a perfect stop after a journey on the iconic TranzAlpine train.

The restaurant is open daily from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. for dinner and Friday to Monday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. for lunch.

If you’re looking for all the best attractions and fun things to do in Greymouth, we got you! Check out our post next!

Sevenpenny

One of Greymouth’s newest cafes, Sevenpenny is a cozy, vibrant spot known for its delicious food and relaxed atmosphere.

Since its opening in 2016, it has become a local favourite.

Located near the river in the Greymouth town square, it offers a perfect setting for both locals and visitors to unwind. The café features modern décor, comfortable seating, and large windows, creating a bright and inviting space.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there’s outdoor seating with heaters, making it a great spot year-round. This is where you will find us, people-watching while enjoying some of the best coffee in town.

What’s on the Menu

The extensive menu at Sevenpenny offers a variety of fresh, locally sourced dishes that cater to all tastes.

Breakfast options include Corn Fritters, Smashed Avo, Breakfast Wrap, Eggs Bene, or a hearty full breakfast.

For lunch, enjoy a selection of sandwiches, wraps, and salads, all made with vibrant ingredients.

Our favourites include the Sushi Bowl, Chicken Cranberry Burger and the Fish Tacos (though we note they are not on the menu as we ordered them on Taco Tuesday).

Dinner includes roasted and grilled meats and seafood options such as salmon and the catch of the day.

For something sweet, their cakes and pastries are a must-try, with favourites like decadent raspberry and white chocolate brownies and orange and almond cake.  

What We Love About Sevenpenny?

There’s a lot to love about this Greymouth cafe, starting with their exceptional coffee. Pair it with one of their delicious cakes, and you’re in for a treat. We love that there are so many choices.

But it’s not just the coffee and cake that shine – the food is exceptional too. With a focus on fresh ingredients and gourmet flavours, it is a cut above many of the offerings in the area.

How to Get to Sevenpenny

Sevenpenny is located at 85 Mawhera Quay, across from the river and in the town square in the heart of Greymouth.

It’s an easy walk from the Railway Station, making it a convenient stop whether arriving by train or exploring the town on foot.

The cafe’s central location means it’s close to local Greymouth shops.

Sevenpenny is open daily, serving breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and dinner on Wednesdays to Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Dp1 Cafe

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Greymouth, DP1 is a welcoming café that combines a relaxed vibe with exceptional food and coffee. It’s our go-to coffee place!

With its quirky decor and friendly service, it’s the perfect spot for both locals and travellers to unwind and enjoy fresh, locally sourced dishes. The laidback vibe and the cozy book nook make it one of the best family restaurants Greymouth has to offer.

What’s on the Menu?

DP1 offers a fantastic menu with something for everyone, featuring a variety of dishes, including gluten-free, vegan, and other dietary options.

Start your day with breakfast options like eggs benedict or creamy porridge.

For lunch, enjoy hearty wraps, sandwiches, soups and vibrant salads. The vegetable noodle salad and the seafood chowder is a crowd pleaser.

They also offer a selection of freshly made cakes, slices, cookies or scones. We especially love their decadent cookies.

What We Love About Dp1 Cafe

There are many excellent Greymouth cafes. However, DP1 Cafe is a relaxed spot that is a favourite among locals.

The staff are down to earth and very friendly! So, if you want to chat with Kiwi people, this is the place to come.

The coffee is always top-notch, with expertly brewed espresso from Christchurch coffee roaster C4, our favourite bean in New Zealand.

Additionally, the food is equally impressive, with options ranging from hearty breakfasts to light lunches made with fresh, local ingredients.

We also love that they support local artists by selling their local artworks, carvings, jewellery and crafts on their behalf. They take no commission.

For these reasons, we think DP1 is the best cafe in Greymouth.

How to Get to Dp1 Cafe

DP1 is located at 104-108 Mawhera St., just a short walk from the town centre and the river.

It’s only minutes from the Railway Station, so it’s a great stop on the way to or from catching a train or bus.

DP1 is open daily for breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Saturdays opening at 8:00 a.m. and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Other Great Food in Greymouth

There are many good places to eat in Greymouth if you are after a quick bite or after some unique New Zealand cuisine including some excellent bakeries.

We’ve done our rounds to every Greymouth bakery, and honestly, we have to say that they are all fantastic. Our favourite is Do Duck In Bakery, which has two locations and fresh pizza, pastries, and cakes.

We also highly recommend The Clocktower Cafe Greymouth for its daily baked goods to go, such as pies, scones and cakes.

Please note this is our opinion on Greymouth eateries. Keep in mind that everyone has different tastes, and you may have a different favourite.

New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide Tip: We have tried our best to provide you with up-to-date information at the time of publishing. However, things can change – places may close, or their hours may vary during the off-season. Make sure to check the opening hours before your arrival. Additionally, as it is a small town, Greymouth restaurants tend to close early. Don’t be late if you want to be fed!

Have you heard about the wonders at Punakaiki? Besides Pancake Rocks and Blow Holes and some excellent walking tracks through the Jurassic rainforest, there are some fantastic eateries, one of which is right on the waterfront with stunning sea views. Check it out next – The best places to eat in Punakaiki.

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