In this article, we invite you to explore the tasty flavours and aromas that this charming city has to offer. From cosy cafes serving aromatic coffee to the most innovative restaurants crafting delectable dishes, we’ll take you on a mouthwatering adventure that highlights the best places to savour a remarkable day of dining and indulgence in Dunedin.
Whether you’re a dedicated food enthusiast or simply looking to discover the city’s culinary treasures, this guide promises to tantalize your taste buds and ignite your appetite for exploration.
Mornings in Dunedin
Beam Me Up Bagels
104 Great King Street, Dunedin Central
There is no better way to start the day than a bagel from Beam Me Up Bagels in Dunedin.
Beam Me Up Bagels started a small store in North East Valley after their mass popularity from their presence at farmer’s markets every weekend. Dunedin locals still couldn’t get enough of them, so they opened a second, larger store in the central city. Now, you can get a coffee and a freshly made-to-order bagel for breakfast.
A wide variety of toppings justifies returning. You can opt for a bagel “sandwich” with heartier fillings or choose from a selection of more simple and tasty options.
Daily Coffee Company
366a Princess Street, Central Dunedin
We suggest a coffee from Daily Coffee Company to pair fantastically with your bagel. At The Daily Coffee Company, they take pride in handcrafting exceptional coffees using the Millers Coffee Blend.
Their brews are renowned for being full-bodied, aromatic, and supremely delicious. Notably, they are the only cafe in the South Island using Miller’s coffee beans. After a coffee from here, you will understand why this is a local favourite spot.
Midday
It is time for lunch! Here are our three favourite recommendations for the best lunch spots in Dunedin.
Jizo
56 Princes Street, Central Dunedin
Jizo beckons with its unique fusion of Japanese and local flavours, offering a diverse menu with high-quality ingredients. From expertly crafted sushi and sashimi to vegetarian and vegan options, Jizo caters to various palates.
Its cozy ambience, friendly service, and seasonal specials make it a must-visit for a memorable Japanese-inspired culinary experience, perfect for exploring new flavours or indulging in traditional favourites.
Mela
375 George Street, Central Dunedin
Mela invites diners for a captivating culinary adventure with many compelling reasons to explore its offerings.
Renowned for its authentic and flavorful cuisine, Mela specializes in dishes that transport your taste buds to a specific region or country, offering a delightful immersion in traditional flavours.
The restaurant’s diverse menu caters to various tastes and dietary preferences. This ensures everyone will find a dish to savour. With the option to customize spice levels, Mela tailors each meal to individual palates.
The cozy and inviting ambience creates the perfect backdrop for group gatherings, complemented by friendly and attentive service. Whether you seek cultural enrichment, a memorable celebration, or simply a taste of global cuisine, Mela delivers a delightful and authentic dining experience.
Salt Bar and Restaurant
240 Forbury Road, St Clair, Dunedin
Salt is a fantastic choice for lunch, offering several compelling reasons to visit. Known for its culinary excellence, Salt provides a diverse and flavorful lunch menu, showcasing innovative dishes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.
With a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, each meal is a delightful fusion of quality and community support.
The restaurant’s cosy and inviting ambience sets the stage for a relaxed midday break. Friendly and attentive service further enhances the dining experience, ensuring patrons have a satisfying and enjoyable lunchtime experience.
Salt promises a memorable and flavorful lunch in Dunedin if you’re in the mood for a gourmet lunch, a quick and delicious bite, or a place to catch up with colleagues.
Arvo in Dunedin
Grid Coffee Roaster
172 Eglinton Road, Morrington, Dunedin
Are you looking for an afternoon pick-up? If so, Grid Coffee Roaster is the place to go!
They’re known for exceptional, locally roasted coffee beans, and their industrial atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a cup. Additionally, their commitment to supporting local artists adds a cultural touch.
Remember to take home freshly roasted beans to savour Dunedin’s flavours after your visit. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a warm, welcoming café, Grid Coffee Roastery is a must. Grid Coffee Roasters is in a perfect location with some tasty food and ice cream options next door.
Patti’s & Cream
176 Eglinton Road, Morrington, Dunedin
Next door to Grid Coffee Roasters is Patti’s and Cream, a delicious ice cream store and a must-visit in Dunedin.
Pattis and Cream beckons with its unique dessert creations, featuring inventive flavours and locally sourced ingredients. Their welcoming ambience, inclusive menu with vegan and gluten-free options, and seasonal specials make it a versatile destination for dessert lovers of all ages.
Are you feeling adventurous? Why not try pear and blue cheese? Or how about bananas and white roasted chocolate? There are flavours to suit all taste palettes. You cannot miss an ice cream from here!
Evening
Let’s wrap up the day with a sensational dinner. Here are our four favourite recommendations for the best dinner spots in town.
Catalyst
2 Birch Street, Central Dunedin
Catalyst beckons with its innovative and contemporary cuisine, offering a unique dining experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients. A diverse menu catering to various tastes and dietary preferences ensures every guest finds something to delight their palate.
Creative cocktails and beautifully presented dishes add an artistic flair to the dining experience. The cozy ambience makes it ideal for a romantic evening, a special celebration, or a night out with friends.
Catalyst’s commitment to supporting local producers and featuring seasonal specials adds depth to its culinary offerings, promising a memorable and flavorful journey for all who visit.
Bracken
95 Filleul Street, Central Dunedin
Bracken delights with its innovative and diverse culinary adventure, showcasing the finest seasonal ingredients sourced locally.
With a chef-driven commitment to creativity and presentation, the restaurant offers a visual and delicious feast that appeals to various tastes and dietary preferences. Its cozy ambience is perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions, complemented by a curated wine list to elevate your dining experience.
By supporting local producers and featuring seasonal specials, Bracken not only tantalizes your taste buds but also champions sustainability and community. Whether you seek culinary innovation or simply a delightful meal, Bracken promises a memorable and flavorful journey that captures the essence of Dunedin’s food scene.
Two Chefs
121 Stuart Street, Central Dunedin
Two Chefs is an excellent choice for dinner.
Renowned for its culinary excellence and skilled chefs, the restaurant offers a diverse and flavorful menu that showcases creativity and attention to detail. With a focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The dishes are of the highest quality and support the local community.
The dinner experience at Two Chefs is elevated by its cozy and inviting ambience. Making it an ideal setting for a relaxed and intimate evening. The restaurant’s friendly and attentive service improves the dining experience, ensuring patrons feel well-cared for.
So whether you’re seeking a gourmet dinner, a romantic evening, or a place to enjoy great food with friends and family, Two Chefs provides a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
Vault 21
21 The Octagon, Central Dunedin
Vault 21 has several compelling reasons to visit it. The restaurant boasts a unique and stylish ambience housed within a historic bank vault.
And its diverse menu offers an array of culinary delights, from gourmet burgers to seafood and vegetarian options, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate. The craft cocktails and well-stocked bar add to the allure, while the rooftop bar provides stunning panoramic views of the city.
Live music performances and the venue’s historic setting further enhance the experience, making Vault 21 a memorable and versatile destination for locals and tourists.
Therefore, whether you’re seeking a casual meal, a night out with friends, or a special celebration, Vault 21’s vibrant social scene and central location make it a top choice for those exploring Dunedin’s dining and entertainment scene.
Night
And then, what better way to round out the day with a cocktail or two? Here are two of our favourite spots to enjoy an evening drink.
Pequeño Wine and Cocktail Bar
50 Princes Street, Central Dunedin
Pequeño Bar offers a wide-ranging cocktail menu, from classic concoctions to innovative, signature drinks. The skilled bartenders take pride in their craft, offering personalised recommendations and crafting bespoke cocktails to match your preferences.
Set within a cosy and stylish ambience, Pequeño Lounge Bar provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and enjoyable cocktail outing, whether unwinding with friends or celebrating a special occasion.
Watch for happy hour specials, themed nights, and live music events to add entertainment to your visit. With its reputation as a local favourite, Pequeño Lounge Bar is a must-visit destination for those seeking expertly crafted cocktails and a sophisticated night out.
Toast Bar
59 Princes Street, Central Dunedin
Toast Bar invites you to savour a drink experience with compelling reasons to visit. Renowned for its expertly crafted cocktails, the bar boasts an extensive drink selection, spanning spirits, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic options to cater to diverse tastes.
Within its unique and inviting atmosphere, Toast Bar provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and enjoyable drink outing. Watch for happy hour specials to make your favourite drinks even more enticing.
With skilled mixologists dedicated to their craft and signature cocktails exclusive to the establishment, Toast Bar promises a memorable and flavorful drinking experience.
Suppose you’re seeking a casual get-together with friends or to socialize and enjoy live entertainment. In that case, Toast Bar is a local favourite known for its friendly staff, great drinks, and welcoming ambience, making it an essential visit in Dunedin.
In Conclusion
Dunedin offers a culinary experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. From the delightful morning ritual of sipping aromatic coffee and indulging in freshly made bagels at Beam Me Up Bagels to the diverse and tantalising lunch options at Jizo, Mela, and Salt Bar and Restaurant, this charming city has something to offer every palate.
The afternoon provides the perfect opportunity to visit Grid Coffee Roaster and Patti’s & Cream for a pick-me-up, whether a cup of locally roasted coffee or a unique ice cream creation.
As the day transitions into the evening, Dunedin continues to shine with its dinner options. Catalyst, Bracken, Two Chefs, and Vault 21 showcase the city’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and culinary excellence. Each restaurant offers a distinct and memorable dining experience. Making them perfect for romantic dinners, special celebrations, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
And to cap off the day, Dunedin’s nightlife scene beckons with Pequeño Wine, Cocktail Bar, and Toast Bar, where you can enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a stylish and welcoming atmosphere.
Dunedin is a hidden gem for food lovers, with a diverse array of dining options catering to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this foodie’s guide has highlighted some of the best places to dine and savour the flavours of Dunedin. So, don’t miss the chance to explore and indulge in the culinary delights this charming city offers – it’s a journey that promises to satisfy and delight your taste buds at every turn.
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