True South Dining Room

Most restaurants in New Zealand struggle to rival the views, but at the True South Dining Room, staring at your plate might be preferred.

Drowning in glass, perched above the lakeshore with vistas of the snow-dusted Remarkables, it appears almost tethered to the foot of the mountains. Within, it's decidedly luxurious; think velvet bar stools, tuxedoed waiters and a private dining room. Named the 'Bordeau Wine Lounge', it's more cellar complete with elegant table settings, should you wish to pair your experience with some of the world's finest reds.

The menu is inspired by the beautiful surrounds, the philosophy is simple - put the South Island on a plate. Local is indeed best, which is why Chef Ben Batterbury works closely with farmers and suppliers who share a commitment to quality, sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. And whereas in many restaurants this narrative evaporates in the haze of a good story, here it truly resonates on the 22nd plate of the chef's degustation.

This particular month's menu goes a little something like this; crayfish toasted sandwich with crucifix, truffled bone marrow mac and cheese, and a rich, gamey dish of South Island hare. Come dinner time, 85 seatings will be delighting not just in the eclectic dishes, but also a truly mesmerising show of technique. So from the first entrée to the final petit four, dining here is about food as theatre. And with a striking backdrop of Lake Wakatipu, the performance simply can't go wrong.