A bijou city it may be, but Ōtepoti Dunedin knows how to punch above its weight when it comes to culinary genius per capita.
High on charm and harbouring some extraordinary taste-meisters, the compact heart and wild reaches hide some of the most interesting eateries in Aotearoa. Check out the hot new restaurants and quality classics for 2024, courtesy of Urban List.
So Bao Noodle Bar And Bistro
369 George Street, Dunedin
A casual joint by appearance, but with seriously high ratings on the taste Richter scale. The outstanding Taiwanese-inspired baos, noodles and other delish Asian-fusion street food dishes at So Bao Noodle Bar and Bistro are highly addictive, especially paired with a Yakult Soju or local brew to wash it all down. If you need a second helping, track down the colourful So Bao food truck which plys its tasty wares at prime spots all over Dunners.
Catalyst
286 Princes Street, Dunedin
Image credit: Catalyst | Instagram
If ever there was a secret formula for creating superbly tasty and wholesome food, Catalyst has definitely nailed it. This is where the cool kids hang, but there’s no pretence here, just amazingly presented dishes with a focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Feast on the likes of baked sweet potato with maple whipped ricotta, heirloom beetroot carpaccio or wild pork fillet with cherry relish among other inspired plates or go all in with the trust the chef tasting menu for a smorgasbord of taste.
Sool
1 Queens Gardens, Dunedin
Pass the Jinro and prepare to love basically everything about Sool, a freshly minted Korean eatery and cocktail bar with seriously good vibes. Chow down on amazing fried chicken which comes in a variety of seasonings or go all in with the huge array of hot pots, stir-fries and other tasty classics infused with flavour and spice. This place hums, helped along by the rather genius ‘cocktail tasting paddle’ loaded up with four different soju-based concoctions to get the party started.
Takeichi
91 Saint Andrew Street, Dunedin
Image credit: Takeichi | Dunedin NZ
The only place in New Zealand where you’ll find an outlet for this iconic chicken ramen restaurant is Takeichi which dishes out Tokyo and creamy Nouyo ramen daily, with all the trimmings.
Sit under the indoor momoji tree (maple) and slurp your way through the noodle selection and other stand-out snacks from Nihon, such as popcorn chicken and tuna karaage. Cosy vibes and equally good for lunch or dinner.
Portsider
31 George Street, Port Chalmers
Landlubbers and salty sea dogs alike flock to this Port Chalmers watering hole, a destination for craft beer enthusiasts and fantastic pub food. Pull up a pint and settle down in Portsider's cosy interior over a snack plate of the outrageously good Dutch bitterballen, tuck into fish of the day served with potato clam mash or rock the veggie options including an aubergine schnitty that might just convert the most evangelical carnivore.
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Plato
2 Birch Street, Dunedin
An abundance of freshly caught seafood treasures from the deep will find their way to your plate at the quirky Dunedin institution, Plato. Classics such as fish pie line up with more avant-garde fishy dishes for an outstanding culinary experience, complemented by the in-house Birch Street Brewery bevvies and retro trinket décor.
Pizza Bar
117 Stuart Street, Dunedin
Image credit: Pizza Bar | Dunedin NZ
If Pavarotti had his way, we’d be singing the praises of the genius pizza ‘pies’ from Pizza Bar every day. Gorge yourself on all kinds of goodness featuring seasonal ingredients plus confit garlic, white sauce, spicy sausage and alllll the cheeses. To find it just follow the crowd, this place packs out on any given day with cool punters brandishing negronis and other on-trend tipples.
Moons Restaurant And Bar
286 Princes Street, Dunedin
Equal parts restaurant, brew bar and gig venue, you’ll be hard-pressed to resist the gravitational pull of Moons, one of the newest up-and-comers on the Dunners hospitality scene. The menu changes regularly and is a deliciously innovative new take on the usual brewery affair, without going completely off-script. Best of all it’s cunningly designed to pair perfectly with a beer, so you’ll work up a thirst for their house-made Dogstar Brew Lab in no time.
No. 7 Balmac
7 Balmacewen Road, Maori Hill, Dunedin
No.7 Balmac is both a thriving community cafe and a sophisticated bistro all rolled into one, with serious cred. The house style centres on the Texan applewood grill that infuses a subtle but completely moreish smokiness to the diverse dishes on offer, which feature plenty of Mediterranean goodness. Heaven.
Etrusco At The Savoy
8 Moray Place, Central Dunedin
Image credit: Etrusco | Instagram
The ornate building and fancy décor of this family-run Dunedin institution are as much a part of the dining experience as the superb, home-style Italian cooking. If you only order one thing at Etrusco, make it the tiramisu.
Bracken
95 Filleul Street, Central Dunedin
Given Dunedin is Gaelic for Edinburgh, you’d expect there to be at least one Scottish restaurant honouring the city’s historic links. Bracken has stepped in to stake the claim, boldly mingling traditional fare and modern flavours for an exceptionally good degustation menu with optional whiskey/wine matches.
The Press Club
310 Princes Street, Central Dunedin
Image credit: The Press Club | Instagram
A luxe hotel eatery at Fable Dunedin with gorgeously sophisticated décor and a small but exquisite menu to match. The Press Club's champagne high teas are a veritable work of art, and then there are the cocktails. Somewhere between a fancy French bistro and a deliciously dark high-end bar. Swoon.
Carey’s Bay Hotel
17 Macandrew Road, Carey's Bay, Dunedin
Part local pub, part seafood destination extraordinaire, the Carey’s Bay Hotel nails this combo with a relaxed harbourside vibe, great banter, and simple but delicious food done well. Dine in the cosy indoor spaces or watch the ships and wildlife go by from the outside patio.
Moiety
42 Queens Gardens, Central Dunedin
Image credit: Moiety | Instagram
Moiety’s innovative and ever-changing five-course ‘Just Feed Me’ menu has earned this little Dunedin gem huge culinary kudos.
Perch up at the counter and watch the action unfold as the chefs work their magic on the charcoal grill and delicately arrange ingredients into a work of art before you. The intimate setting and polished inobtrusive service bring it all home.
Esplanade
2 Esplanade, Saint Clair, Dunedin
If you’re looking for a slice of la dolce vita, the Esplanade is where it’s at in Dunedin. Dine on wood-fired pizzas, pastas and antipasto while sipping a cold spritz, as the Pacific Ocean goes about its hypnotic rhythm nearby.
Tītī
24 Esplanade, St Clair, Dunedin
Image credit: Tītī | Dunedin NZ
tītī celebrates seasonal food with sometimes surprising flavour combos you never knew you loved till now. Be prepared for a visual symphony as the exquisitely arranged plates arrive at your table, as part of the house ‘trust the chef’ dining style which is exceptionally good value.
The panoramic seascape of St Clair Beach provides the backdrop to all of this goodness, so you can check out the southern surf skills as you dine.
Emerson's
70 Anzac Avenue, Central Dunedin
Pull up a pint of Emerson’s finest and match it with international flavours in huge portions that handily give you a thirst for yet more beer. Such is the widespread appeal of this joint, you’re just as likely to bump into your aunty as your flatmate over a bowl of the legendary thrice-cooked fries. Bonus points for ‘trainspotting’ features among the interiors.
Prohibition Smokehouse
10 The Octagon, Central Dunedin
Image credit: Prohibition Smokehouse | Facebook
Carnivores will rejoice upon entering this lair of all things meaty, as the aroma of freshly smoked morsels wafts from the kitchen, but plant-based eating enthusiasts shouldn’t fear as there is plenty on the menu catering to your every whim at Prohibition Smokehouse.
Vault21
21 The Octagon, Central Dunedin
Incredible Asian Fusion done right. Vault21 never disappoints with a flavour-packed menu spun a little differently to give them an edge. Chow down on the creamy paua wontons, crispy duck tacos or even the pan-fried kumara washed down with one of the signature cocktails.
Mela
11 The Octagon & 375 George Street, Dunedin
Say namaste to your new fave food obsession. Mela has struck the magic formula of exceptionally executed Nepalese and Indo-Chinese cuisine, super-friendly service and a legion of loyal followers who can’t wait for their next hit of flavour.
The tasty momos and interesting selection of curries are non-negotiable if you know what’s good for you. Check out the new spot in the Octagon or the cute OG micro-venue on George Street.
Patti’s & Cream Diner
412 George Street, Dunedin North, Dunedin
Image credit: Patti's N Cream | Instagram
American-style burgers with delectable hand-made ice cream and shakes are the heroes at Patti's n Cream Diner, but the pastel chic décor completes the retro effect. The supremely soft milk buns cradle inspired combos such as the Cajun chicken with wild fennel spice and bread pickles. Also with a food truck and ice cream shop elsewhere in Dunedin, this is an empire in the making. Happy days.
Best Cafe
30 Stuart Street, Central Dunedin
A time machine back to the heyday of Formica tables and white bread and butter as a side dish. Some of the best seafood in the south can be sampled at Best Cafe, including the classic blue cod, legendary seafood chowder and fresh bluff oysters in season.
Two Chefs Bistro
121 Stuart Street, Central Dunedin
Channelling cute French Bistro vibes, Two Chefs is to Dunedin what Emily is to Paris, très chic and quite charming. The kind of place where you dine to feel like a proper grown-up.
Bacchus
1st Floor, 12 The Octagon, Central Dunedin
Image credit: Bacchus | Dunedin NZ
Put on your fancy pants for an evening of classic fine dining and superbly matched wines with views over the Octagon. A sophisticated eatery and wine bar in the heart of the city, Bacchus has been a Dunedin institution for years, timeless like a great vintage, which they also have in spades.
Spirit House
8 Esplanade, St Clair, Dunedin
You don’t need an ouija board to tune into the forces at play in this chilled-out beach-side eatery, the flavour-packed pan-Asian cuisine at Spirit House does all the talking. Grab a table in the Eastern-inspired interior and find your epicurean zen as the waves lap the St Clair shore.
Good Good
22 Vogel Street, Central Dunedin
Image credit: Good Good | Instagram
This funky eatery channels the food truck vibe into an indoor space where a retro caravan/burger servery takes pride of place. True to its name the burgers are good squared, with just the right mix of juicy paired with punchy house-made sauces.
Speights Ale House
200 Rattray Street, Central Dunedin
Keeping it real with the cosy classic gastro-pub vibes, the OG Speights Ale House has all the rustic appeal to pair with the generous regionally inspired meals. Pull up a pew next to the fire and sample a few of Speight’s finest, made right next door.
Starfish
240 Forbury Road, St Clair, Dunedin
Another outstanding St Clair classic, Starfish has a knack for elevating simple dishes to mouth-watering heights and the menu is sprinkled with trending ingredients such as cauliflower steaks, crispy squid and turmeric toast. One taste and much like its loveable namesake, you’ll be stuck to this place.
Buddha Stix
678 George Street, Dunedin North
Dark, moody and delectable. No, we’re not talking about your taste in Tinder dates, but rather the pan-Asian dining den that is Buddha Stix. The fresh and vibrant food, amazing cocktails and intimate ambience will have you in a meditative state from the get-go.
Golden Harvest
218 George Street, Central Dunedin
Image credit: Golden Harvest | Facebook
Speak to anyone who knows a thing or two about awesome Chinese cuisine and they’ll lead you down an ordinary-looking Dunedin retail lane, where Golden Harvest lies in wait to wow you with food of feast-like proportions.
Paasha
31 St Andrew Street, Dunedin
The gift that just keeps on giving, Paasha is Dunedin’s most iconic Turkish eatery with a steady stream of regulars lining up for tender shish, halep, doner, mezze and all the trimmings day and night.
Jizo
56 Princes Street, Central Dunedin
Jizo keeps it fresh with a sensational menu of Japanese staples delivered with creative flair and funky décor. It pays to book ahead as this is always a popular local haunt. Try the renowned sushi rice balls or go full Poke. A total zen trip.
Amigos
13 Bath Street, Central Dunedin
Image credit: Amigos | Facebook
If tequila makes you happy, then the sublime margaritas and Mexican morsels at Amigos are like one big hit of dopamine. Slinging 16 choices of soft taco combos, mains and yummy sides, plus plenty of cocktails to amp up the lively marketplace vibe. Andale!
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Main image credit: Catalyst | Instagram
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