Lobster Inn Tavern — Restaurant in Kaikōura

Always a sure bet when locals outnumbered visitors at a joint.

Friday night late summer. Lobster Inn was loud like a pub should be. Service was fast and the meals were generous, well priced and so yummy.

Fish and chips were cooked the way it should - fish was beer battered and juicy inside, served with hot crispy chips and a good heap of crunchy coleslaw. The fresh beets shaved on top took it over the top… I can almost pretend it’s a healthy meal.

The seafood chowder… Wow. No skimming here. Prawns, clams, smoked fish and all sorts of seafood on a cream base. It was THICK and perfect for dipping garlic bread in. Maybe a little thick to call soup but I ain’t complaining

Finally - just seeing how the staff switched on their first aid/ emergency plan when a guest unfortunately fell ill tonight. It was incredibly professional and they showed a lot of care for the guest.

Come here if you want excellent well priced food in a pub with top notch people.

Don’t come if you’re looking for formal dining, or somewhere to...

Service was friendly and seemed to be prompt once a staff member was available, however there was twice where we went to order drinks and there was no-one at the bar for at least 4 minutes which seemed odd for the number of staff around. Food was hit and miss. Lovely ribs and chowder, mussels were good too, but garlic bread virtually tasteless - no garlic or herbs. We also had a brownie for dessert and this was a little dry, but the big surprise was that it came smothered in what looked to be chocolate sauce, but turned out to be the same barbecue tasting sauce we had on the ribs! Perhaps someone grabbed the wrong bottle? Will be interested in going back again to see if these small errors don't happen again, because I'm sure our experience isn't the norm. Great atmosphere and super...

My partner and myself went there unsure even after looking at all the reviews but the service we got from when we walked in the door from the staff members was wonderful told us that they were sorry but couldnt get some food because of a bday party but what we got and service was wounderful i got the ribeye steak cooked to perfection and my man got the cod and chips which he really enjoyed he said it was cooked beautifully with just enough batter and wasnt greasey i say thanx to the staff and the chef for the great job highly recommend...