The Grille Café

The Grille at Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill is a top notch restaurant and a beautiful extension of this automobile haven. The Grille has been lovingly curated and decked out with relics of days gone by. A large open dining room offers a warm hearth and a spacious play area for kids.

Two small side rooms serve as retro vignettes that visitors can dine in. A 1970s-style family living room has cosy armchairs and coffee tables while the vintage kitchen is kitted out with Formica tables, pastel kitchen appliances and pieces of antique Kiwiana. Purpose built and designed by Bill’s daughter, Joc O’Donnell, The Grille adds another layer to what visitors can discover at Bill Richardson Transport World.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Grille is the perfect place for a tasty and filling meal. Head chef Mat Jackson has cooked for the likes of Destiny’s Child and The Rolling Stones, and the menu he has created showcases the best of New Zealand.

Blue cod and Southlanders go together like two peas in a pod and it’s no secret that The Grille excels when it comes to elevating classic fare. The fish and chips come with an extra crunchy lemon and herb crust, house made tartare and finishing salt, while items like salmon gnocchi are accompanied by capers, sesame seeds, rocket, grilled lemon and dill. Breakfast items are comforting and flavoursome and include corned beef hash, crispy potato, wilted spinach, poached egg, sourdough and tomato salsa.

The menu is constantly changing to feature seasonal flavours and local produce but no matter what you find on the list when you arrive, you can rest assured it will be well portioned and bursting with flavour. Gluten free and vegetarian menus ensure that everyone can find something to suit their taste buds.