Matheson Cafe — Restaurant in South Island

Great setting. Nice cafe. But one staff's behaviour is enough to ruin it all, including our holiday. We politely waited and asked this woman staff to give us a table. We were given one table by her and we sat there. Then we saw other customers walking in from the car park and taking any table they wish. Also, we noticed an elderly couple behind us sitting inside whose view we were blocking and they were straining to see. So we decided to take one of the nearby unoccupied tables. As we were sitting there, this waitress comes to us and says "Can you move back to the other table I alloted you. Let's go by organization please." Didnt understand what was the "organization" but explained to her we had no problem and only changed table when we found we were obstructing the view. But she insisted we change the table back. So we go back. And then we see another couple walking in from car park and sitting in the same table we were move out from. And this waitress colleague, a guy, came to attend to them immediately. So when I questioned her about where's the organization she went on a rant about se technical details on how each of the waitress manage a group of tables and all that. All this is none of my concern as a customer really. All I see is there's no "organization" and customers just walk in and take a table they want. It's not right that for someone like us who waited to get a table are asked to move out of a free table like that. The management should look into training such staff that in such a customer centric business it is not important to be so right on technical details and explain such things to the customer saying they are right. It just ruins the experience for the customer and leads to loss of business. In a situation like that where a customer like me feels unjustly treated, a simple sorry and what can I do to make things better will go a long way than technical...

At first I thought it looked like every other visitor centre with a shop and cafe in it, same same. Then, I quickly learnt otherwise, the staff were very welcoming and friendly. We ordered the Merino Lamb Burger and Bagel Benedict and a couple of flat whites. After spending a bit longer in there and turning around and seeing the view I was quite taken by this cafe. The food arrived and we were very surprised at the presentation, it was very nicely done. It reminded me of being in a fine dining place in Wellington. The burger was fantastic, a great stack of flavours and the chips cooked perfectly I just inhaled it. As for the Bagel Benedict that was the icing on the cake, I have never seen Eggs Benedict that well presented and again it tasted so yummy. Hats off to the chef. The coffees were ok, a little foamy for my liking, but considering what we have had so far travelling down the west coast it was the best so far. After lunch we took a stroll around the lake, dam thats is beautiful. This place is a little out of Fox Glacier but it is worth it. Don't just pass by this place go in and eat some great food. A...

We had an absolutely fantastic experience at Matheson Café! From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warmth and genuine hospitality. The team here truly goes above and beyond to make you feel at home.

The coffee was exceptional—smooth, rich, and perfectly made. If you're a coffee lover, this is the place to go! We also highly recommend the venison burger—juicy, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The chicken ramen was another standout, with deep, comforting flavors that were perfect after exploring the area.

A huge thank you to Perica and the team for making our visit so special, and an extra shoutout to Chris for helping us plan our time here—it made all the difference!

If you're visiting, you must do the Lake Matheson / Te Ara Kairaumati Walk—the views are breathtaking, and the reflections on the lake are simply magical.

We can’t wait to come back, hopefully for breakfast next time! A truly...