FishTail restaurant and bar

indian restaurant — Twizel · Twizel

About FishTail restaurant and bar

Fishtail Restaurant & Bar Twizel brings the bold flavours of India and Nepal to Central Otago, serving traditional dishes made with authentic spices, fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. What started as a local favourite in Alexandra grew, after a decade of success under owner K.C. Bikas, into a small restaurant group now also serving Twizel, Waimate and Tekapo.

The name "Fishtail" comes from the English translation of "Machhapuchhre", a majestic mountain in the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal - a name chosen to reflect the restaurant's commitment to tradition, authenticity and a love of great food. The menu is inspired by age-old recipes, using the finest herbs, spices and fresh ingredients to ensure authenticity and bold flavours, whether dining in or taking away.

Fishtail has built a strong reputation across its four locations, with over 600 5-star reviews and both dine-in and takeaway options available.

Fishtail Restaurant & Bar Twizel: Authentic Indian & Nepalese Cuisine

Fishtail Restaurant & Bar brings the bold flavours of India and Nepal to Twizel, part of a small restaurant group that also serves Alexandra, Waimate and Tekapo across Central Otago and Canterbury. What began as a local favourite in Alexandra grew, after a decade of success under owner K.C. Bikas, into these four locations sharing the same tradition of authentic cooking.

A Name With Himalayan Roots

The name "Fishtail" comes from the English translation of "Machhapuchhre", a sacred and majestic peak in the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal, known for its beauty and cultural significance. Just like its namesake, Fishtail Restaurant & Bar is committed to offering an authentic, unforgettable dining experience.

A Menu Built on Tradition

The Fishtail menu is inspired by age-old recipes, using the finest herbs, spices and fresh ingredients. Traditional starters include samosas, sheekh kebabs, onion bhaji and mixed platters, while the slow-cooked curries range from Rogan Josh and Tikka Masala to Korma, Butter Chicken, and a Malabari made with prawn or fish. Aromatic biryanis bring fragrant rice together with chicken, lamb or prawns, and freshly baked naan and roti are cooked to order in the restaurant's tandoori oven.

A Trusted Local Choice

Across its four locations, Fishtail has built a strong reputation, with over 600 5-star reviews from guests. Both dine-in and takeaway options are available, making it an easy choice whether settling in for a meal or grabbing dinner on the go.

Visiting Fishtail Restaurant & Bar Twizel

Fishtail Twizel is located at 12c Market Place, Twizel, open Monday to Sunday from 4:30pm to 9:00pm. The restaurant can be reached by phone on 03 435 0323, or via the group's contact form or email at [email protected].

Signature items

  • Butter Chicken
  • Lamb Rogan Josh
  • Chicken or Lamb Korma
  • Prawn or Fish Malabari
  • Sheekh Kebab

Menu

Aromatic Biryanis

  • Chicken Biryani — Fragrant rice dish
  • Lamb Biryani — Fragrant rice dish
  • Prawn Biryani — Fragrant rice dish

Freshly Baked Bread

  • Naan — Cooked to order in the tandoori oven
  • Roti — Cooked to order in the tandoori oven

Slow-Cooked Curries

  • Rogan Josh — Slow-cooked curry; available with lamb
  • Tikka Masala — Slow-cooked curry
  • Korma — Slow-cooked curry, available with chicken or lamb
  • Butter Chicken — A house favourite curry
  • Malabari — Available with prawn or fish

Traditional Starters

  • Samosas — Traditional starter
  • Sheekh Kebabs — Traditional starter
  • Onion Bhaji — Traditional starter
  • Mixed Platters — A selection of starters

Frequently asked questions

Where is Fishtail Restaurant & Bar Twizel located?
At 12c Market Place, Twizel.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Sunday, 4:30pm to 9:00pm.
What cuisine does Fishtail serve?
Authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine, including curries, biryanis and tandoori-baked breads.
Why is it called Fishtail?
The name comes from the English translation of "Machhapuchhre", a mountain in the Annapurna Himalayas of Nepal.
Does Fishtail have other locations?
Yes, sister restaurants operate in Alexandra, Waimate and Tekapo.
Is dine-in and takeaway both available?
Yes, both dine-in and takeaway options are offered.
How can I contact Fishtail Twizel?
By phone on 03 435 0323, or by email at [email protected].

Tips

  • {"body":"One of Fishtail's signature curries.","title":"Try the Butter Chicken"}
  • {"body":"Naan and roti are cooked to order in the tandoori oven.","title":"Ask about the tandoori bread"}
  • {"body":"Both options are available at the Twizel restaurant.","title":"Dine in or take away"}