Central Otago is a food lover's paradise

Armando's Kitchen has delicious cinnamon scrolls in an idyllic setting.

There is no shortage of great foodie spots that hit every budget in Central Otago.

But one of my favorites has to be right smack in the centre of Old Cromwell – Armando's Kitchen.

The menu is delightful and the space is lovely. It's the kind of spot where you could  spend hours in the sun on the porch overlooking the lake. But don't miss out on the cinnamon scrolls.

Freeway Orchard in new Cromwell offers a great selection of fresh vegetables, but the real fruit icecream is exceptional.

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It would be a crime to visit Cromwell and not stock up on local fruits and vegetables. You can't drive through Central Otago without stopping at one of the many orchards and fruit stalls, though my pick will always be the iconic Freeway Orchard in new Cromwell.

If you only get one thing, make sure it's the real fruit icecream  made in front of you.

Oliver's restaurant in Clyde has affordable fine dining, beautiful meals in a lovely restored historic building.

I can't talk about dining in Central Otago and leave out the shining star – Oliver's in Clyde.

If you've never turned down the road into Clyde, you don't know what you're missing. It's the perfect place for a weekend escape in Central Otago at any time of year.

Don't miss out on a dinner at Oliver's. Affordable fine dining, the meals will blow your mind and the lovingly restored historical space will make you smile.

Alexandra is a picture-postcard stop, and a great place to pop into for coffee and cake is the Courthouse, in the town's original courthouse.

While it's impossible for me to choose a favourite cafe, one of my go-to spots in Alexandra  is the Courthouse Cafe.

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Tucked away in Alexandra's original courthouse, this quaint cafe is generally bursting with loyal customers, most of whom, I think, are coming for the amazing cakes and cabinet food.

Another great way to experience of the amazing foodie options in Central Otago is to dine in at one of the cellar doors of the many vineyards in the area.

Spend a pleasant autumn day hopping between vineyards around Bannockburn, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at Carrick Wines.

I love to hide away for the day at the wineries in Bannockburn, and Carrick is one of my favourites for a long weekend lunch, especially on a fine day.

 - Stuff

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