Review Louies Cafe & Tapas Bar - Invercargill

Tucked away behind a small street frontage you’d almost be forgiven for walking straight past and not knowing it was a restaurant at all. But once inside your greeted with an intimate atmospheric environment. But the best part isn’t the decor it’s the food. There are items in the menu you simply wouldn’t consider. Snow pea hummus for instance. The service is excellent the food Simple but executed with style and great taste. The best dish for me was a simple apple and rhubarb crumble. It was like your nana would make. Five ingredients served in the bowl it was cooked in. Make sure you don’t walk past.

Delicious tasting food, nice atmosphere, vibe and lighting. Found it slightly odd to see one of the employees eating behind the bar, then serve food immediately after to customers. Only one glass between the two of us on the table, until asked for another one then they were mis-matched (same employee). Her lack of attention to detail really let down the experience.

Amazing chilled atmosphere. Fantastic drinks and fabulous tapas. Will definitely be back!

Wonderful hosts and great food. Mantou buns and the blue cod were brilliant. Will be back every time I come to invercargill.

A great restaurant. Had a awesome meal there with friends. The food, atmosphere and staff are second to none. Highly recommended to everyone. Very busy but made to feel so welcome. Thanks to the whole staff for a wonderful evening. See you again soon.

The food was beautifully presented and very tasty. The service was impeccable and not many places you go to where the wait and bar staff remember your name. Fantastic array of wines that accompany the meals perfectly. Hold on for dessert the chocolate nemesis is to die for. Thanks for a wonderful meal and service. 😊

A secret littlegme of a bar in Invercargill. Just tucked on the main street. Food looks good too.

This place is fantastic. We had one of the best meals here that we have had in a while. The flavors and presentation was superb. Excellent service and all at a very reasonable price. We will visit again when down in Invercargill. Thank you.

Excellent Food and Service. Also loved my Cocktail! Would totally go back. I had the ribs and steak and have to say the steak needed no extra sauce it was beautiful.

From the moment we walked in this was the most pleasant dining experience we've ever had. The music, lighting and decor were perfect and created a relaxed atmosphere, but also a buzz that was really fun to be a part of. The service was sensational, our drinks were always topped up, we felt cared for. The food...exquisite! We especially loved the sweet and sour lamb ribs we shared for entree. The taste of the lamb rump I had for main stayed with me long after, paired with the Pinot Noir "Mysterious Diggings", match made in heaven. I highly recommend Louies, everything was perfect for our date night!

Great food and service as always, pork belly & black pudding was bang on with crackling that was perfectly cooked. Dessert was amazing, maybe some whipped cream with the crumble but the poached plums where delicious. Good on ya team!

what a find. it's places like this that make visiting Invercargill a joy. the wine list, gin and whiskey selection were top notch. the food was delicious. Fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. the people were so friendly and the atmosphere was lively but you could still hear each other talk without a strain. highly recommend this place. loved it.

Popped in last night after nearly walking past it. Best meal we've had out in a long time. Great food, service and atmosphere. A hidden gem in Invercargill, recommend for visitors like us.

Fantastic food. Me and my wife rolled in without a booking but they managed to squeeze us in despite being very busy. The food took a while to come out but in their defense they were short staffed and had a waitress on her first night. Highly recommend!

Food was delicious . Great menu, we liked the twist on the blue Cod, good service on a fairly busy night. Awesome atmosphere. Go try it for yourself

Entree -  Panko haulomi with roasted beetroot, pear, spinach and walnut. I think I just had the best entree ever! The dish was light and elegant and you could feel the love the chef gave to this dish. It's not very often that you get served quality like this...well done Louies. Bring on the main, sides and desert! The Main - Roasted cauliflower with black rice, pak choy, edamame, Daikin spring onion, soy and ginger dressing...OMG Wow.  The danger with a dish this simple is avoiding each mouthful being the same as the last. There was no chance of this happening here as the complexity of the ingredients and the superb execution made every mouthful a pure delight. Side dish - Roasted beetroot with smoked almonds, baby spinach and feta. The beets were warm and perfectly cooked. I wasn't sure about the almonds at first but changed my mind quickly once they hit the palate, in fact they made the dish and if you're looking for fresh feta you won't find any better. I'd loved to have fitted in a desert but the generous servings of the main and side dish simply left no room. I'd rate this restaurant above any other I've tried in Invercargill, actually the South Island. Can't wait to try the other dishes.

Had a wonderful meal here. The venison was skillfully cooked and accompanied by delicious red cabbage and walnuts. This is my fourth visit to Louie's and I highly recommend it. Oh, and the feijoa and apple crumble was a perfect end to the meal.

Quite simply the best restaurant I have been too, and I am from Wellington. Great and simple menu, great atmosphere and sensational flavours... You won’t be disappointed!!!

Had the most delicious meal for our anniversary in January. Really lovely flavours and presentation and so refreshing to order straight from the menu without having to ask for it to be gluten free,. A really interesting and well put together menu, thank you

Dined here twice this month because the blue cod was so good the first time! Desserts are a bit small and we were not that fussed on what we got, but overall, a great night. Hurry up and get that open wood fire going again!

Had a great night with friends and family for my birthday. food was divine, service was fantastic, atmosphere friendly and the place was pumping. great vibe. thanks Mana and team :)

We dined here last night and were impressed with the friendly, attentive service. The menu was seasonal and every dish sounded delicious. We had 3 courses and each plate was presented immaculately and tasted amazing. Thanks so much!!

By far the best restaurant in town, fantastic food, brilliant staff, love the comfy booths and the yummy cocktails.

Great restaurant! Excellent food, nice laid back vibe, and really good service. Can't fault it, and so glad it was recommended to us.

The food tastes amazing and the atmosphere is so nice! 10/10

A stand out for food, service and ambience. The staff are friendly, knowledgable and make everyone feel valued. The only negative is having to leave at the end of the evening

Atmosphere, Great food, Staff are friendly and provide the odd hilarious anecdote. Would recommend.

💥 love love love.... Beats Auckland/Melbourne/Sydney hands down... You only live once, so you need to be here to live.... Thanks Mana and Dave xxx