The Galley — Restaurant in South Island

Not as old a place as the rusty exterior suggests. Definitely the closest you can get to the water in Oamaru. The food selections are good. Service is usually fast. Coffee is always great. On a fine day with the tides in, windows open and waves crashing out on the breakwater. It's one of the best places to be.

The only real disappointments are sometimes it's too damn busy and you can't get a seat. But also they (unlike most places) don't give you cutlery with the food. Instead they leave the knives and forks etc standing end up in tins on the table - which means the cutlery you're eating with is probably full of whatever viruses and such that others have coughed or exhaled into the air before you use them.

I and others have caught colds from eating here but not from eating anywhere else here. Coincidence? I, 100 percent, reckon not. Of course, your mileage (or illness) may vary. And because "forewarned is forearmed." Maybe in these 'rona affected times simply try asking for fresh cutlery instead of using the ones on the table. So they get the hint, or even just...

I stumbled upon this cozy and charming cafe on Google, initially thinking it might be just another breakfast spot. However, when I opened the door, I was absolutely amazed by the view. There were plenty of window seats overlooking the sea, allowing you to watch the mesmerizing ebb and flow of the waves and the graceful seagulls in flight. I found it incredibly enjoyable to listen to the relaxing music they played while savoring the soothing sounds of the waves and gazing at the sea.

The food portions were impressively generous, offering twice the amount you'd typically get at other cafes for the same price. The cappuccino was delightful, and the service was excellent. I truly relished my time there! I wholeheartedly recommend this cafe to anyone...

Fantastic food that really can't be faulted but service can be iffy because they are so incredibly busy. I've had brilliant coffee here, but on my most recent visit upset the barista by inadvertently standing in her pathway, receiving a mumbled curse to the tune of wtaf. My coffee was slammed onto the table, slopping some out, and sadly was up there with the worst coffees ever. Their cake selection is always huge and delicious, and everything offered is exactly at you'd expect it to be, crunchy fries, perfectly cooked eggs (whoever poaches those eggs is a star), and burgers you often dream of. Just make sure you're super smiley and friendly to the staff, don't stand in anyone's way, and...