Must-see restaurants in Dunedin & Otago

  • 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…

  • 1908 Cafe

    Otago Peninsula

    Salmon, venison and steak are joined by fresh fish and blackboard specials at this casual eatery. Cafe fare, such as soup and toasted sandwiches, is…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Portobello Hotel & Bistro

    Otago Peninsula

    Refreshing thirsty travellers since 1874, the Portobello pub is still a popular pit stop. Grab a table in the sun and tuck into the chef's special seafood…

  • 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…

  • Muddy Creek Cafe

    Central Otago

    Take a break from the Rail Trail at this friendly spot festooned with old radios. Cafe treats include all-day breakfasts, toasted sandwiches, pies and ice…

  • 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…

  • Maniototo Cafe

    Central Otago

    Attached to the Four Square supermarket, this sunny cafe is a good lunch option, with a tempting array of sandwiches, sausage rolls and cakes, like spiced…

  • 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…

  • Tin Goose Cafe

    Central Otago

    On a sunny day the shady outside tables at this friendly cafe make a perfect pit-stop for passing cyclists. Stop by for good coffee, simple but tasty…

  • Grain & Seed Café

    Central Otago

    Set in a beautiful stone building that was once Jolly’s Grain Store, this cafe serves up tasty muffins and big, inexpensive meals. Grab an outside table…

  • 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…

  • Post Office Cafe & Bar

    Central Otago

    Clyde’s 1899 post office houses a popular restaurant famous for its garden tables and hearty food. There are loads of nooks and crannies conducive to…

  • Bank Cafe

    Central Otago

    Grab a table inside or out and tuck into cakes, slices, waffles and delicious burgers. The robust takeaway sandwiches are perfect for lunch on two wheels.

  • Quench

    Central Otago

    Opposite the railway station, Quench lives up to its name with cooked breakfasts, pies and burgers, as well as ice-cold Speight’s on tap.

  • Harry's Kitchen

    Dunedin

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

  • Velvet Burger

    Dunedin

    Gourmet burgers. There's another branch on Stuart St.