Beachhouse Restaurant

At Riverton’s Beach House café and restaurant it’s all in the name. This easy, breezy spot feels homely and laid back. Perched just above the sea, it is a favourite spot for surfers, beachcombers and tourists too. Big windows and warm wood lend the space an airy feel, while comfortable chairs surround a homely hearth that can be lit on request.

In the same way that the Beachhouse feels like your mate’s bach, it also feels like your mate’s kitchen. Baking is done every two days, making for breads, buns and desserts that are both tasty and top quality. The seafood chowder is another aspect that keeps people coming back. Light yet creamy and chock-full of squid, shrimp, mussels, octopus and blue cod, with onion, some buttermilk and slices of homemade sourdough bringing it all together. Other menu items include squid salad, pork sliders, fish burgers and, of course, blue cod caught fresh just off the Riverton coastline.

And what’s a trip to the beach without a glass of wine? The Beachhouse’s wine menu is another notable aspect with drops from wineries both NZ and abroad. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner during the season, the Beachhouse’s fun vibe often carries on into the night in their outdoor seating area overlooking the sea.

All of the produce and meat used is sourced locally wherever possible, and so are the staff. This is a local hub through and through and a trip to Riverton wouldn’t be complete without a stop off here.