Kaikoura Seafood BBQ Kiosk — Restaurant in Kaikōura

i’ve been wanting to stop here for sometime now so finally made it as we were passing through. got there about 1 on easter saturday there was a decent line with some bigger tourist groups so was a bit hesitant but thought should commit to it, if it’s standout meal of crayfish will be worth it. waited prob about an hour after server said be at least 40 minutes. okay keep eye on the prize 🦞 while family getting restless 😬. finally got it let’s tuck in, fat juicy scallops yum, tasty mussels yum, crayfish wah waah 😭 not good didn’t taste fresh wasn’t even hot enough for butter to melt, under seasoned. sorry what a bummer meal for the $$. put a bad buzz on the whole stop in kaikōura to be honest. sorry really wanted to enjoy it, think the ideas great with the bbq but i think it all needs to be tweaked with the food especially the crayfish. in hindsight the platter looked much better, i think the rice and salad is a waste of space im sure 80% of it goes in the bin. i think you should get a chef to help mentor you to get just the right meal for speed, flavour and freshness. i can understand and appreciate cooking whole crayfish for appeal but when you get a sad tasting meal for the money it leaves a bad taste.. i did wonder looking at the other crayfish outlets up the coast how they were doing it might have to...

Service：The experience was very bad. Food didn't arrive for a long time after we ordered, and many people who ordered after me had already received their food and we were still waiting. When we asked, the attitude of the staff was very rude and arrogant, no one said sorry, no one tried to solve the problem, and everyone just said they didn't know and went about their business, leaving us at a loss. Eventually an older lady (possibly the owner) stepped in to help us out and finally brought our food a few minutes before they were due to close. The only thing that made us feel good was the older lady who said sorry to us.

Food：When I first went here in 2016, the crayfish was covered in cheese, seasoned with delicate spices, aromatic, and served with exquisite dishes, which looked very rich and delicious. Today， they just put a cold, cooked crayfish on a plate and heat it up and put a little bit of salt and maybe some creamy seasoning thats all，The tasty is very bland. The side dish is some cheap rice, baby spinach with a few drops of sauce on top, a piece of soft bread soaked in liquid and that's it. The price is higher and higher, the quality of the food is...

The food is simple, the decor is casual, the setting is literally on the side of the road. Sound like I’m downplaying it? I’m not. This is exactly what it is. And if you’re wanting anything more, you probably shouldn’t come here.

Yet if you’re an aficionado of the simple things in life, do not give this roadside shack a miss. The seafood is fresh and grilled to perfection, with just as much seasoning as it needs. The rice is plain and so is the salad. We’re here for the seafood after all! There’s even a booze van to have a beer in the sun, if you’re so inclined. Since it’s right next to the beach, it’d be the perfect lunch spot to take a break from the waves.

It may sound like I am downplaying it, yet this spot was my absolute favourite restaurant in all of Aotearoa. If I ever make it back down here, I will spend a few days in the area just so I can eat here every day. What an absolute delight. Props to the girlies manning the grill, you’re...