Nestled along the picturesque Orepuki-Riverton Highway at 17, Aparima Restaurant and Bar offers an unforgettable dining experience in Southland, New Zealand. This vibrant spot blends stunning waterfront views with an inviting atmosphere that local foodies and travelers alike adore. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, hearty burgers, or vegetarian delights, Aparima’s menu champions quality and variety, serving up dishes that highlight the best flavors of the region.
Aparima’s menu is a celebration of Southland’s bounty: from the acclaimed seafood chowder brimming with succulent fish chunks and mussels, to the famously fresh blue cod that diners rave about. The venue caters to diverse palates with nourishing options including vegetarian dishes, gluten-free bread and desserts, and kid-friendly meals. The chefs balance comfort food with refined touches, like the miso honey glazed salmon, ensuring every plate delights.
Bold flavors meet fresh ingredients — this is the Aparima promise.
Beyond the exceptional food, Aparima boasts a spacious deck area perfect for dining or sipping cocktails while soaking up spectacular views across the inlet. Many guests highlight the friendly and attentive service, although some mention a preference to avoid overly familiar pet names like “love” or “darling.” Live music nights add a lively, local touch, turning meals into memorable social experiences. The venue welcomes groups, families, and offers facilities like wheelchair accessibility and free parking, making it a versatile destination.
- Stunning waterfront views that create a perfect backdrop for any meal.
- Diverse menu options including fresh seafood, vegetarian dishes, and gluten-free choices.
- Live music events that enhance your dining atmosphere with local talent.
- Family and group friendly with menus for kids and ample seating options.
- Convenient amenities like free parking, wheelchair access, and contactless payments.
- Does Aparima Restaurant and Bar offer gluten-free options? Yes, the majority of the menu can be prepared gluten-free, including bread, burgers, and desserts.
- Is there live music at Aparima Restaurant and Bar? Yes, the restaurant hosts regular live music events to enhance the dining experience.
- Are reservations accepted at Aparima Restaurant and Bar? Yes, reservations are accepted to ensure a table during busy times.
- Is there outdoor seating available? Yes, the restaurant offers outdoor seating with scenic views over the inlet.
- Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible? Yes, Aparima Restaurant and Bar is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for all guests.
Aparima Restaurant and Bar enjoys a positive reputation among locals and visitors for its friendly staff, flavorful dishes, and breathtaking inlet views. Guests love the fresh seafood, especially the chowder and blue cod, and appreciate the venue's lively yet welcoming vibe, enhanced by live music and ample outdoor seating. While service is often praised for its promptness and warmth, some prefer less personal terms of address. Overall, Aparima stands as one of Southland’s top dining destinations, blending quality cuisine with a memorable atmosphere.
Nestled in the picturesque town of Riverton / Aparima in Southland, New Zealand, the Aparima Restaurant and Bar has long been a beloved culinary destination for locals and visitors alike. Known for its diverse menu and exceptional service, this establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere complemented by stunning water views, making every dining experience memorable.
Since its rise as a favored dining spot, Aparima has seen several noteworthy milestones that have shaped its identity and offerings.
- 2016: Seafood chowder recognized as the best by a patron, showcasing the restaurant's mastery in fresh seafood dishes.
- 2019: Introduction of live music events to elevate the dining experience, blending great food with vibrant entertainment.
- 2020: Menu update introduced new culinary delights including pork belly and salmon dishes, catering to evolving tastes.
- 2023: Change in ownership while maintaining the restaurant's reputation for quality and community-centered service.
Today, Aparima Restaurant and Bar continues to delight patrons with its fresh ingredients, varied menu options including seafood chowder, blue cod, and innovative dishes, and a spacious alfresco deck that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters. The addition of live music events and attentive service has only enriched the ambiance, making it a top choice in Southland for lunch, dinner, or brunch.
- Key features: scenic waterfront dining, fresh local seafood, live music, diverse menu options, and a welcoming community vibe.
Nestled along the picturesque Orepuki-Riverton Highway in Southland, Aparima Restaurant and Bar offers a memorable dining experience that perfectly blends delicious cuisine with stunning waterfront views. This establishment is a favorite spot for locals and travelers alike, especially those seeking a relaxed atmosphere where they can enjoy fresh, thoughtfully prepared meals amid scenic outdoor seating.
Aparima’s menu specializes in fresh seafood and local produce, including standout dishes like blue cod, seafood chowder packed with white flesh fish and mussels, and a salmon miso honey glaze that diners rave about. The kitchen caters to diverse palates, offering gluten-free and vegetarian options, as well as tasty burgers and venison for meat lovers. While the menu is somewhat limited, the ingredients are clearly fresh and expertly cooked, pleasing many guests with hearty, flavorful meals.
The venue boasts a large deck that overlooks tranquil waters, perfect for alfresco dining on sunny days. Live music adds a lively vibe, enhancing the overall experience. Friendly staff contribute warmth and charm to the visit, although some guests have noted occasional inconsistencies in service speed and attentiveness, particularly when requesting the bill. Families with children find the environment welcoming, with a dedicated menu for younger guests and ample space for groups to gather.
- Pros: Friendly staff providing a welcoming atmosphere.
- Pros: Delicious and fresh food with gluten-free options.
- Pros: Stunning waterfront and scenic outdoor seating areas.
- Pros: Live music events enhancing the vibrant dining experience.
- Cons: Limited menu options may not satisfy all cravings.
- Cons: Occasional inconsistencies in service, especially when requesting the bill.
- Cons: Higher price points compared to some local options.
Whether you're craving fresh seafood, enjoying a brunch with coffee, or sipping cocktails while taking in the view, Aparima Restaurant and Bar provides a delightful setting that balances quality and ambiance. Its blend of friendly hospitality, fresh ingredients, and a beautiful location make it a compelling choice for travelers exploring Southland's culinary scene. Keep in mind the more limited menu and occasional service hiccups, but overall, this spot offers a rewarding dining experience framed by some of New Zealand’s best coastal scenery.
