Must-see restaurants in Dunedin & Otago

  • Fleur’s Place

    Dunedin & Otago

    There's a rumble-tumble look about it, but this tin-and-timber fishing hut houses one of the South Island's best – and most popular – seafood restaurants…

  • Cucina

    Dunedin & Otago

    The most sophisticated kitchen in Ōamaru serves superb seasonal food in a heritage dining room painted black and filled with plants. Try dishes like 55…

  • Riverstone Kitchen

    Dunedin & Otago

    A riverstone fireplace and polished concrete floors set the scene for a menu that's modern without being overworked. Award-winning chef Bevan Smith…

  • Bracken

    Dunedin

    Bracken's seasonal tasting menus offer a succession of pretty little plates bursting with flavour. While the dishes are intricate, nothing's overly…

  • Otago Farmers Market

    Dunedin

    This thriving market is all local, all edible (or drinkable) and mostly organic. Grab a freshly baked pastry and a flat white to sustain you while you…

  • Good Good

    Dunedin

    The crafty cooks here sizzle up famously good burgers from a kitchen in a retro caravan parked inside a cool warehouse space. There's tags on the walls,…

  • No 7 Balmac

    Dunedin

    We wouldn't recommend walking to this sophisticated cafe at the top of Maori Hill, but luckily it's well worth the price of a cab. The fancy cafe fare…

  • Miga

    Dunedin

    Settle into a booth at this attractive brick-lined eatery, and order claypot rice or noodle dishes from the extensive menu. Japanese dishes include…

  • Plato

    Dunedin

    The unpromising locale and kooky decor (including collections of toys and beer tankards) gives little indication of the seriously good food on offer at…

  • Harbour St Bakery

    Dunedin & Otago

    Artisan sourdough bread and simply enormous pies, croissants and pastries – all baked using German, Dutch and Kiwi traditions. Try a Kiwi favourite: the…

  • Esplanade

    Dunedin

    A prime position overlooking St Clair Beach is only the beginning at this relaxed Italian cafe-restaurant from the same team as No 7 Balmac. Drop in…

  • Etrusco at the Savoy

    Dunedin

    This boisterous pizza-and-pasta joint resides in the elegant Edwardian dining room of the Savoy, with its moulded ceilings, stained-glass crests and green…

  • Starfish

    Dunedin

    Part of the growing restaurant scene at St Clair Beach, Starfish is a popular all-day eatery offering decadent brunch dishes, good coffee and a great buzz…

  • Two Chefs Bistro

    Dunedin

    French bistro dishes flirt with Asian and North African flavours on the plate, while high ceilings and dark wood conjure up a romantic ambience. Serves…

  • Scotia

    Dunedin

    Occupying a cosy heritage townhouse, Scotia toasts all things Scottish with a wall full of single-malt whisky and hearty gourmet fare like sous vide duck…

  • Perc

    Dunedin

    Hanging plants, flower-filled vases and large art-deco windows give this central cafe a creative, artsy vibe. The well-executed brunch options, fresh…

  • Kind Grocer

    Dunedin

    Fully vegan and fully delicious, you can dig into the likes of loaded jackfruit with nasturtium and delectable cakes such as raw salted caramel snickers…

  • Midori

    Dunedin & Otago

    Midori, housed in a heritage stone building, serves sashimi and sushi that make the most of fresh local seafood. Other carefully prepared dishes include…

  • Vogel St Kitchen

    Dunedin

    In the heart of Dunedin's warehouse precinct, Vogel St Kitchen offers smashing breakfasts and wood-fired pizzas in a cavernous two-storey red-brick…

  • Paasha

    Dunedin

    Authentic kebabs, dips and salads are on the menu at this long-running Dunedin favourite. It's a top place for takeaways, and most nights the spacious and…

  • Modaks Espresso

    Dunedin

    This funky little place with mismatched formica tables, plastic animal heads, and lounge chairs for slouching in is popular with students and those who…

  • Tees St

    Dunedin & Otago

    An ornate Victorian draper's shop provides a suitably gracious ambience for this hip little cafe. A concise brunch menu offers the usual suspects, from…

  • Nova Cafe

    Dunedin

    Not surprisingly, this extension of the art gallery has a stylish look about it. Start the day with the interesting breakfast selections, dabble in some…

  • Buster Greens

    Dunedin

    Bright and bustling cafe with top-notch brunches, healthy raw sweet treats and colourful salads. Great vegan selection. There's more seating downstairs…

  • Carey's Bay Hotel

    Dunedin & Otago

    Just around the corner from Port Chalmers you'll find this cosy historic pub, popular with locals for its hearty meals and unbeatable location – on sunny…

  • Union Co.

    Dunedin & Otago

    Great coffee, delicious baked goods and a sunny corner position make this the pick for your morning caffeine fix.

  • Portsider

    Dunedin & Otago

    Duck into this snug gastropub for good-value meals, a wide range of tap beers and friendly service.

  • Wrinkly Rams

    Dunedin & Otago

    Restaurants attached to tourist attractions can be dodgy, but the meals here are perfectly fine (the coffee is hit and miss, though). Big glass windows…

  • Steam

    Dunedin & Otago

    This popular little cafe near the Victorian quarter roasts its own coffee in-house – it's a good spot to stock up on freshly ground beans for your own…

  • Galley

    Dunedin & Otago

    Known to locals as the steampunk cafe, this rusty iron-clad eatery on the waterfront serves crowd-pleasers such as fish and chips, corn fritters, and…

  • Izakaya Yuki

    Dunedin

    Cute and cosy, with a huge array of small dishes on which to graze, Yuki is a lovely spot for supper or a relaxed, drawn-out Japanese meal. Make a night…

  • Velvet Burger

    Dunedin

    Well positioned for the post-beer crowd, Velvet Burger has gourmet offerings that are an excellent alcohol sop, especially the mammoth Goneburger (beef,…

  • Saigon Van

    Dunedin

    The decor looks high-end Asian, but the prices are more moderate than you'd expect. Try the combination spring rolls and a bottle of Vietnamese beer to…

  • Luna

    Dunedin

    Make the trek to Roslyn for an inventive menu and outstanding harbour views in this glass-encased hilltop pavilion; ask for a window seat when you book. A…

  • Fat Sally's

    Dunedin & Otago

    Cosy pub in a heritage building with sports on the telly and Speights on the taps. There's a nice open fire, and friendly staff will adapt the meat-heavy…

  • Governor's

    Dunedin

    Popular with students, Governor's does a nice line in early morning pancakes and other light meals. If you’re feeling a little off the pace after the…

  • Northstar

    Dunedin & Otago

    Surprisingly upmarket for a restaurant attached to an SH1 motel, Northstar is a common choice for Oamaruvians with something to celebrate. Expect robust…

  • Good Oil

    Dunedin

    This sleek little cafe is a good spot for coffee and cake or fresh salads. If you’re still waking up, kickstart the day with imaginative brunch options…

  • Best Cafe

    Dunedin

    Serving up fish and chips since 1932, this local stalwart has its winning formula down pat, complete with vinyl tablecloths, hand-cut chips and curls of…

  • Harry's Kitchen

    Dunedin

    Student favourite with authentic Japanese and Korean dishes at a great price. Get your ramen fix here.