We were recommended The Pier by the Boutique Hotel manager who kindly booked us in. Google said it was a 17 minute walk and it was around that or slightly less. We had mussels and the seafood platter followed by a shared pavlova - all...very good, with the size of the mussels being impressive by European standards. A good range of wine and beers as well. The place was fully booked, so we were pleased we got in.More

I ordered fish of the day - tempura gurnard with horseradish sauce. It was a soggy mess. What was the chef thinking off! Nice fish but it was a boring sauce, not sure where the horseradish was and awful mash potato. My husband had the...driest pork ribs served with frozen crinkly chips. What a giveaway. Simply not good enough; you have a prime location - lift your game. We expect more for our dollars….More

I had high expectations but sadly these were not met. Restaurant was very busy, but service incredibly slow. Prices are not cheap and I chose the 'large' green lipped mussel dish with gluten free bread, $32. At best there were a dozen mussels, sauce was...nice, but the mussels were massively overcooked. Dry, chewy and small describes them. Glass of rose was nice, but at $14 per glass for a bog average wine it is very expensive. I might come back again in case this was a one off, but would not order this dish again Great location, lovely views but overall a let downMore

Great local food, service and ambiance. Tomato soup was outstanding and the steak/vegetables were amazing… Make sure you make a reservation - all tables were full at 6:30pm on Tuesday.

A very underwhelming experience. Three of us went for dinner. The staff were wonderful. Friendly and accommodating. The food was, unfortunately, not up to their standard. Garlic bread starters were simply horrible. One Main was lobster morney which was a brown blob of unrecognisable mush....It tasted like lobster but I would not order this again. Seafood of the day was ok but very expensive considering the small amount of actual fish. Overall I can’t imagine ever going back. Awesome views but a major disappointment.More

Food was wonderful. I discovered that Paula are actually a bit tough. Really good atmosphere. We have never really “got” Kaikoura before (we are from Motueka) but this has converted us.

We loved the Pier Hotel so much we went back the next night,, The steak was great and the fish special both nights were up there with the best meals we have had. Definitely recommend

Great service, great menu, great food, friendly pub environment. Loved it 😉 We had seafood platter - all good but the surprise was the delicious seaweed- and fish of the day: cashew encrusted gurnard, which was tasty and accompanied by superb ratatouille. Excellent pub meal....👍🏻More

Picked us up from hotel, and dropped us back. A Monday night in August,, and had a great atmosphere with most tables occupied. Other places we drove past in Kaikoura were near empty. Food .. especially the seafood was excellent. Loved the friendly service. Fitout,,...smart, comfy. Location..nothing but spectacularMore

Every time that I've been to Kaikoura over the years ... I end up at The Pier. It really never does disappoint. Most recently we had both dinner and lunch here on a weekend stay. The location and views are always great, but it is...the quality of service and food that is always high with generous portions and an attention to quality that simply cannot be easy given the current economic climate. Such a delight to be able to choose from multiple vegetarian options, which is not always a given. Don't go changing The Pier as I'm looking forward to coming back (again!) next trip.More

I couldn't be more disappointed. The fish was like supermarket boxed fish. Even down to the shape. Was battered and greasy sitting atop overcooked stirfry vege. This was the $42.00 special. Horrible

Absolutely the worst meal I have ever been served anywhere in the world. I had the crayfish chowder ($33.00) tasteless brown glug with about 1 teaspoon of crayfish in the whole bowl, came with two slices of toast one slice was only cooked on one...side the other side was wet and soggy.More