Dunedin may be a small student city at heart, but this heritage hotspot sure knows how to punch above its weight when it comes to great flavours and genius drinks.
Bursting with charm and harbouring extraordinary culinary connoisseurs, this compact coastal gem has bred some of Aotearoa’s most epic eateries. We may argue over the origins of pavlova, but you can’t battle with the Kiwis when it comes to contemporary bites and inventive takes on New Zealand classics.
Just a 3.5-hour direct flight from the Goldie, the endless tasty tipples and treats that Dunedin has on rotation serve as more than enough of a reason to make the trip to this emerging food destination.
Hungry? here's everywhere to grab a table and tuck in when you touch down in the land of the long white cloud.
Grab A Drink
Pull up for a pint of Emerson’s finest—best paired with a huge portion of their smoked beef brisket or adult mac and cheese. A popular brewery and tap room with interiors pulled straight from a pub in Trainspotting, prepare for a chat with locals over a bowl of their legendary thrice-cooked fries.
A cold beer in Blueskin Bay is the perfect way to spend a sunny arvo. Find this knockout combo at the iconic watering hole Arc Brewing Co, a humble operation blending its industrial past with cosy, family-friendly vibes. Think comfy seating areas, a ping pong table, and a toasty stone hearth that pairs perfectly with their selection of handcrafted ales.
No.8 Distillery is a fourth-generation spot that's so much more than just its pretty packaging. If you're lucky enough to pay these guys a visit, don't sleep on their limited-edition Cherry Sloe Gin. Combining New Zealand's finest cherries and premium sloe, this one's been aged to absolute perfection. With a ripe sweetness, fresh hit of acidity, and slight sourness when the sloe berries kick in, you’ll be tempted to keep sipping all evening long.
Known as the den for eating, drinking, and dancing, Mr. Fox is an absolute must on your travels to Dunedin. Save your visit for a Saturday night to make it in time for their weekly power hour at 10pm. With the friendly staff behind the low-lit bar serving $12 Espresso Martini's for the hour, it's the perfect pre-dancefloor pit stop.
Part pub, part cocktail lounge and part diner, Woof is the go-to for mixed moods. Go straight for the Lagerita—a crisp smash-up of margarita and lager with Tequila, Cointreau, and cut of lime—before moving on to an epic wine list and hand-crafted bar snacks.
Destination Dining
Located in the dreamy Macandrew Bay on Otago’s Peninsula, The Duck Café is a relaxed all-day operation serving strong coffee, flavour-packed snacks, and chilled booze. Start your morning with a quick trot around the bay and then grab a seat at one of their outdoor tables for a great oat flattie and a sweet treat. We're talking vegan donuts and melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon scrolls.
Treat yourself to something special at St Clair’s picture perfect waterfront Italian hotspot Esplanade. With all-day antipasti, pizza, pasta, cocktails, and wine, the seafood and saffron risotto is a non-negotiable.
Dating back to 1874, Carey’s Hotel is the popular pub located just outside Port Chalmers. While you wait for your blue cod, tarakhi, and Otago Queen Scallops, soak in the unmatched views of the sunset over the bay, or warm up by the fire with a tipple.
Augustines of Portobello is a charming harbourside caffeine hub nestled in Portobello Road on the Peninsula. With local artworks dotting the walls, homely wooden tables, natural light, and cosy hidden nooks, this is the perfect spot for a midday rest break. If you're a granola girl at heart, don't go past their in-house batch served with the freshest local stonefruit and berries.
For Something A Little Finer
A bohemian space with candlelit corners, Indigo Room is jam-packed with mystery and intrigue. Grab a booth and tuck into a fried daikon sarnie or dan dan mince and tatties—alongside an impressive range of cocktails, wines, and whiskeys.
Tucked away in the historic Warehouse Precinct Moiety's sustainable approach informs everything from their rotating menu to their locally-sourced drinks list. Plating up whatever's in season, the venison dish they’re currently boasting is up there with our top eats of '25. Enough said.
Something Sweet
Because an after-dinner sweet treat is mandatory on holiday, prepare for Pattis & Cream to become your new long-distance crush. Crafting batches of handmade ice cream and serving them up in taco form or a classic scoop, don't go past their lemon curd and marshmallow, or the crowd-favourite boysenberry swirl.
If you can’t wait 'til after dinner, The Tart Tin has an incredible lineup of sugar-packed treats. This boutique bakehouse is open from Monday through to Sunday, and their chocolate caramel tarts and loaded lamingtons are next level.
And if the travel funds are running low, Rob Roy Dairy got you and your sweet tooth sussed. An institution known and loved by locals for their endless tubs of goody goody gum drop, gold rush, and hokey pokey, it truly doesn’t get more kiwi than Rob.
For more foodie inspiration for your next trip across the ditch to Dunedin, head here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Dunedin City Council and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.
Image credit: Urban List, Dunedin City Council.