Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar — Restaurant in South Island

I was super excited to check this place out, but was only disappointed. We arrived around 7:30 to a busy restaurant, there's no signs or indication that you need to wait to be seated and there were a handful of folks milling about the front counter, so when I found a staff member to ask if we seat ourselves (there were open tables) she scoffed at me and said "no, we seat you!" I apologized and waited at the front. A different staff member came over and asked if we had a reservation (there's NO indication or ability on the website to make one) I said we didn't, that we just arrived about a half hour ago and our lodging host had suggested them (I had also scouted them on google and was happy our host had also recommended them!) and we had come straight away. She rudely informed us that they were all full up at the moment, and that it would about a half hour to wait (even though there were several empty tables). I was ready to leave, but we had spied the Vension on the menu and were excited to finally try West Coast NZ vension, so decided to wait. We walked around the area (very cute and rural with some friendly cows across the street) and when we came back the same hostess just pointed to our table from the front and said "that's for youz" - couldn't be bothered to walk us over. We seated ourselves, and when our server arrived (the only friendly/kind person on staff, apparently) she took our drink order and when we tried to order the Venison, we were informed it was SOLD OUT. Big disappointment - and it was already too late to go elsewhere as most restaurants close at 8 or 8:30 in Fox Glacier. We settled for the Wok Veggies to start, the fish and chips and the vege burger. All of which were decent, but not really worth the extra wait and rude staff. I'm not sure if we were treated poorly because of our Canadian accents - we seem to be mistaken for American's a lot. But, judging by the other reviews of this place, maybe this staffing team needs a refresh or some coaching on how to treat patrons with more friendliness and kindness. Better signage about seating and information about sold out items would also be ideal and if you need to book a reservation, it should say so ok the website - tourists won't know, especially since the only option is to call-in the reservation. This place can so so...

Ate here twice over two nights. Greeted by friendly, welcoming staff. Inside was warm with the fire going, both nights. Service was fantastic, water bought to the table quickly and upon entering we noticed two black boards with a dessert special and soup of the day, so we ordered the broccoli and blue cheese soup to share with kumara chips as our entrees. Our mains were Venison and risotto, and, Lamb. All the food was delicious and portion sizes very generous. The following night we decided to return again due to being so impressed the first night. My partner and I both had the steak, he had blue cheese sauce and I had mushroom sauce. Both mains were delicious. Again, very generous portion sizes, very tasty food. The wine is also very reasonably priced and a good glass full. Both the pinot gris and the pinot noir were great quality. Toilets clean and tidy. Oh and we had the very delicious brownie aswell. Can't recommend this place enough! Will definitely return on our next trip to...

5/5 stars!

Spent close to 3 nights between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef. Was recommended by a local to try the food here and it was truly an amazing experience if you compare the food throughout the 2 small towns!

Firstly, service was impeccable. Staffs were friendly and attentive, more importantly the young gentleman (sorry didn't catch his name), was amazing. He was knowledgeable and extremely attentive.

Food - was recommended the fish and chips and it was one of the best i had so far in NZ. Batter was light and fish was soft and fresh. Amazing with the tartar sauce provided.

I also had the venison and it was definitely better than some of the restaurants i tried in NZ. Meat was tender and flavourful. Salad provided were interesting, combination of beetroot, walnut and buckwheat. Providing some form of crunch, freshness and texture.

It is the best restaurant between the two towns!...