PIO PIO - Piopiotahi / Milford Sound
PIO PIO - MILFORD SOUND
The Long Way Around - BEAR’s Guide to New Zealand’s South Island
Location: State Highway 94, Milford Sound, New Zealand.
Pio Pio is the restaurant belonging to Milford Sound Lodge - a world heritage location with world-class dining. The space is warm, grounded, and intentionally designed to bring people together. The restaurant encourages the sharing of stories with good company, over good food.
As the only restaurant in Milford Sound, Pio Pio is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. While they technically hold the monopoly, this is not somewhere that relies on convenience alone. It’s a destination in its own right, and absolutely worth planning ahead for. Book early - popularity here is understandably no surprise.
After a day of being exposed to the elements, the feeling of sitting down in a warm and inviting space is indescribable. The contrast between the untamed landscapes and the thoughtful, refined food on the table is deeply satisfying. We arrived cold, tired, and hungry (the trifecta for a grumpy girlfriend - sorry Liam), and left warm, well-fed, and satisfied. The best part? The walk ‘home’ afterwards is roughly 60 seconds.
If you’re like me and menus are your deciding factor, consider this your nudge (read: shove off a cliff). A few standout dishes:
NZ Green Lip Mussels - South Island Kina Emulsion, Rēwena Flatbread
Pomegranate, Kale, Tahini, Cucumber Ribbons
Tempura Butternut - Macadamia Romesco, Pickled Chili, Toasted Macadamias, Pickled Red Onion, Charcoal Oil
Auld Gin Cured Ora King Salmon - Lemon And Prosecco Gel, Pomegranate, Roe, Dill Ash
Four dishes - because choosing three felt impossible.
Pio Pio is welcoming and unpretentious, with no dress code. Dining for people who value quality ingredients, and food that lets the produce do the talking - rather than overworking it.
Stray beautiful,
BEAR.