Must-see restaurants in 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…

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…

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

Cromwell's heritage precinct is best enjoyed from the veranda of Armando's Kitchen, with an espresso or gourmet ice cream in hand. The homemade pasta,…

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

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…

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,…

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…

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

Bounteous botanical displays dispel any lingering austerity in this stone courthouse building, dating from 1878. The counter groans under the weight of an…

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

Housed in a gold-rush-era general store, this stylish complex incorporates a bar, cafe-deli and restaurant showcasing the best local produce with dishes…

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

As well as making the region's most prestigious pinot noir, Mt Difficulty is a lovely spot for a leisurely lunch looking down over the valley. There are…

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…

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…

A local favourite with a creative menu of Mexican-inspired fare from rattlesnake wings to tacos with sweet potato, beetroot and mint puree. Don't miss the…

It's much cheaper to get a takeaway from this hip cafe in Bannockburn, like a spinach and feta roll with homemade chutney ($8). But you can also sit down…

Renowned throughout the lower South Island since 1959, Jimmy’s pastry delights are best just out of the oven. If you're at a loss about which of the 20…

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…