Mackenzies Cafe Grill - Lake Tekapo

This restaurant is one of the most popular spots at Lake Tekapo. The hot stone steak is a popular choice, primarily for the experience rather than the quality of the meat. We ordered two ribeye steaks, but unfortunately, both were cooked more than we requested. However, the lamb rack was quite good, and the mashed potatoes paired perfectly with it. If you're in the area, it's worth stopping by. There’s plenty of parking available nearby.

Now, let’s talk about the "cook-your-own" steak—it was fantastic! You can't really blame anyone if the meat turns out tough, but I doubt you'll have any trouble cooking it right. The steak itself was excellent, served on a super hot stone with salt sprinkled all over. The sizzling sound was just the icing on the cake! If you get a table near the windows, you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the lake as well. However, we were too hungry to worry about where we sat!

I had dinner twice here, the staff was was friendly, always checking if you need anything and the food was very good too. I had their rib eye steak the first time the steak was not medium cooked but the taste of the whole dish was very good so I decided to have it one more time. The second time the steak was cooked to medium. Pairing it with an Alpha Domus wine which made it perfect and why not add a garlic bread as well.

Absolutely fabulous meal. We went for the Challenge, which is the rump and eye fillet that you cook yourself on a stone grill. It was exquisite; so tender and full of flavour. Desserts were also amazing, though I would have preferred no nuts in the strudel but that’s on me, not them. The sticky date pudding was also delicious. Service was spot on and the staff very welcoming and friendly.

My recent visit to this culinary gem left me in awe of their exceptional offering, and I simply had to share my excitement. The stone-grilled steak was a revelation. The quality of the meat was impeccable. Each bite was a burst of rich, beefy flavor that left me craving more. The service was impeccable, with attentive waitstaff ensuring that my glass was never empty and that I had everything I needed to fully savor this exquisite meal. This is a place I'll be returning to again and again.