Eat, drink, shop
ARMANDO’S KITCHEN
71 Melmore Terrace, Cromwell armandoskitchen.com
The compact breakfast menu is full of Mediterranean-style fare at this Italian eatery – ostensibly a pizza and pasta joint – overlooking Lake Dunstan. Scrambled eggs are served alongside smoked salmon, bacon and a croissant, while peppery mince, a runny poached egg, cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach are piled atop chewy ciabatta.
For lunch
THE CLOUDY BAY SHED 45 Northburn Station Road, Cromwell cloudybay.co.nz
This is a “shed” in the loosest sense of the word. In winter, the cave-like cellar door invites you to snuggle into a low-slung chair by the fireplace; in summer, you can take a seat outdoors with a view of the vineyards and the towering Pisa range beyond. The casual eats include Akaroa hot-smoked salmon or cheese and charcuterie platters (each with wine pairings), while the three-course fine-dining experience, served in an airy space decorated with New Zealand art, features a seasonal menu and matching wines.
For dinner BANNOCKBURN HOTEL 420 Bannockburn Road, Cromwell bannockburnhotel.com
You can find classic pub grub, including steaks and burgers, at the Bannockburn Hotel but you’d be remiss not to order from the tapas menu. Share plates include milky burrata with translucent curls of prosciutto and a sprinkle of pine nuts and chopped dates or pork and beef meatballs in a rich, smoky sauce. The wine list is astounding, featuring more than 200 local and international drops. Overwhelmed? Co-owner Anna Mackintosh can lead you to your perfect glass.
For taking home THE MERCHANT OF CLYDE
34 Sunderland Street, Clyde olivers.co.nz
This café-bakery-deli attached to Olivers, an upmarket lodge and restaurant, is a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. In the small deli you’ll find imported and Kiwi treats, as well as a range of housemade chutneys, jams and preserves featuring unique flavour combinations, such as spiced apricot and coriander.