Magnolia Stay
Dining at Magnolia Stay

A Table in the Alpine Garden

Magnolia Stay's restaurant is a place where the alpine air and the warmth of a botanical retreat meet. Our kitchen is guided by the seasons, drawing on the best of Central Otago and the wider South Island to create dishes that feel both grounded and refined.

  • The restaurant is open to hotel guests and outside visitors.
  • Menus change with the seasons to reflect the freshest produce.
  • The dining room is designed to feel intimate and unhurried, with views of the surrounding gardens and mountains.
The Restaurant

Rooted in Central Otago

Rooted in Central Otago

Our kitchen celebrates the produce of Central Otago—stone fruit, wild herbs, alpine lamb, and freshwater fish—treated with a light touch. We work with small growers and foragers to bring the region's character to every plate.

  • Produce is sourced from local farms and orchards within a 100km radius where possible.
  • The menu is rewritten each season to reflect what is at its peak.
  • Foraged ingredients like wild thyme and elderflower appear in select dishes.
A seasonal dish of roasted beetroot, whipped ricotta, hazelnuts, and orange on a handmade ceramic plate
Seasonal produce, treated with a light touch.

A Room That Breathes

The dining room is designed to feel like an extension of the garden—soft sage walls, linen curtains, and tables spaced generously apart. In summer, the terrace opens to the magnolia courtyard; in winter, the fire is lit and the room glows with candlelight.

  • Interior palette mirrors the hotel's cream, sage, and forest tones.
  • Tables are set with handmade ceramics and linen napkins.
  • The terrace seats up to 20 guests in fine weather.
Menu Highlights

From shared starters to garden-led plates, each dish is written to reflect what is best right now.

Shared Starters

Begin with plates designed to pass around the table: charred sourdough with whipped goat's curd and wild thyme honey, or a platter of local cheeses with preserved Central Otago cherries.

  • Starters range from $14 to $22 NZD.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available.
  • The sourdough is baked in-house daily.

From the Sea

Fresh seafood is flown in daily from the coast. Try the seared Akaroa salmon with fennel and citrus, or the Cloudy Bay clams steamed in Marlborough sauvignon blanc with garlic and parsley.

  • Seafood mains range from $32 to $42 NZD.
  • The salmon is sourced from a sustainable Akaroa farm.
  • Clams are served with grilled sourdough for the broth.

Grilled Mains

The grill is the heart of our evening menu. Expect slow-cooked alpine lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic, or a dry-aged beef fillet with bone marrow butter and watercress.

  • Mains range from $36 to $48 NZD.
  • All grilled meats are cooked over local manuka wood.
  • Sides are served family-style and change daily.

Vegetable-Led Plates

Our garden dishes are not an afterthought. The roasted beetroot with whipped ricotta, hazelnut, and orange is a favourite, as is the charred broccoli with almond romesco and preserved lemon.

  • Vegetable plates range from $24 to $30 NZD.
  • Many can be made vegan on request.
  • Produce comes from our own kitchen garden and local growers.

Desserts

Finish with something seasonal: a warm apple and blackberry crumble with vanilla bean custard, or a dark chocolate and olive oil tart with sea salt and crème fraîche.

  • Desserts range from $14 to $18 NZD.
  • The crumble uses heritage apples from a nearby orchard.
  • A cheese course is also available.
Seasonal Tasting Menu

A Journey Through the Season

Our five-course tasting menu changes monthly and is the best way to experience the kitchen's range. Each course is paired with a wine from our cellar, chosen to complement the dish.

  • The tasting menu is $95 NZD per person, with wine pairing an additional $55 NZD.
  • Vegetarian and pescatarian versions are available with 48 hours' notice.
  • The menu is served Tuesday through Saturday evenings.
Wine & Drinks

A Cellar That Tells a Story

Central Otago Wines

Our list is a love letter to Central Otago pinot noir, but we also pour excellent rieslings, chardonnays, and sparkling wines from across New Zealand. Ask our sommelier for a recommendation—they know every bottle on the list.

  • The list features over 60 labels, with 20 available by the glass.
  • We highlight small, family-owned wineries.
  • A rotating 'wine of the week' is offered at a special price.

Signature Evening Drinks

Before or after dinner, enjoy a cocktail in the lounge. The Magnolia Bloom—gin, elderflower, lemon, and a splash of sparkling wine—is our signature, alongside a short list of classics and zero-proof options.

  • Cocktails range from $16 to $22 NZD.
  • Zero-proof cocktails are $12 NZD.
  • The lounge is open from 4pm until late.
The Dining Atmosphere

From First Light to Last Candle

A bright breakfast table with pastries, honey, fruit, and tea in soft morning light
Breakfast, served in soft morning light.

Morning Light

Breakfast is a quiet affair: fresh pastries, local honey, and eggs from a nearby farm. The room fills with soft morning light, and the only sounds are the clink of cups and the rustle of the newspaper.

  • Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:30 am.
  • A continental buffet and à la carte options are available.
  • Guests can dine on the terrace in summer.
An intimate evening table for two with candles, wine glasses, and a glowing fireplace
Dinner by candlelight and fire.

Evening Glow

As the sun sets, the room transforms. Candles are lit, the fire crackles, and the pace slows. Dinner service is unhurried, with courses arriving at a gentle rhythm that encourages conversation.

  • Dinner is served from 6:00 to 9:30 pm.
  • The fireplace is lit from May to September.
  • Soft background music is curated to match the mood.
Private Dining & Events

Celebrations in the Garden Room

For birthdays, anniversaries, or small gatherings, our Garden Room offers a private dining space for up to 12 guests. We can tailor a menu to your preferences and arrange flowers, cake, or a special wine pairing.

  • The Garden Room has its own terrace access.
  • A minimum spend may apply for exclusive use.
  • Enquiries can be made via phone or email.
Enquire About Private Dining
Reservations

Book Your Table

We recommend booking in advance, especially on weekends and during peak season. Call us on +64 3 555 7426 or email [email protected] to reserve your table. Walk-ins are welcome when space allows.

  • Reservations are held for 15 minutes past the booking time.
  • Dietary requirements can be noted at the time of booking.
  • For groups larger than 8, please call to arrange.
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