Dunedin has an outstanding range of eateries, cafés and bars from the heights of epicurean excellence through to cheap and cheerful takeaways. A selection of some of the new, notable or perfect for winter are below.
Emerson's Brewery and Restaurant
With quirky train-themed décor and crackling fireplace, Emerson's really comes into its own in the winter months when beer and hot chips are the lifeblood of a nation. Not just any old beer and hot chips mind you, this is craft beer at its best with regularly changing seasonal flavours and possibly the best fries you have ever had in your life. The delicious main menu also includes all sorts of tasty morsels with big flavours and exotic spices.
Etrusco
A classic fixture on the Dunedin restaurant scene that still nails it every time, dishing up piping hot Italian cuisine in the rather salubrious surroundings of the Savoy Building. The lovely wood-panelled dining room is warm and inviting, setting the scene for Aperitifs by the fire followed by pizza and pasta heaven, including that of the gluten free variety. Everyone has their favourites, but a trusty go-to can always be found in the Spaghetti Puttanesca
Moiety
A revelation in taste set in Dunedin’s funky Warehouse Precinct, Moiety serves an ever-changing menu of enticing snack options or a more decadent five-course trust the chef selection. It’s impossible to define a particular style of food here, but there is an undercurrent of Japanese flavours that runs throughout the menu and everything is almost religiously based on locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Adjo
A funky Scandi-cuisine destination where the delicious porridge menu is worth the trip alone, and features an astounding array of toppings. The Danish (open sandwiches) selection includes classics such as Frikadeller Danish meatballs, smoked mackerel smørrebrød and inspired vegatarian and vegan options and then there's the house-made schnapps....22 flavours at last count.
Dunedin Speights Ale House
The first of Speights’ ale houses, this is the ideal winter dining destination with its hearty meals, roaring fire and warm, woody interiors. Think southern fare classics like seafood chowder, blue cod, lamb shanks, steak and venison with a good array of vegetarian options as well. For beer aficionados this is the place to get your fix of special Speights brews, not available elsewhere in the country. All meals are expertly matched to one of our fine tap ales, plus a great range of other beverages.
Bracken Restaurant
Dunedin's only modern Scottish restaurant complete with whiskey salon, Bracken Restaurant's four and eight course degustation menus are something to behold. Honing in on flavour by using the best, seasonal local ingredients the visually stunning dishes are a revelation in taste. One for the winter bucket list.
Woof!
Still a reasonably new entrant to the Dunedin bar scene, Woof! has quickly become one of the most popular spots in town. With eclectic and cosy interiors, an exceptional bar menu and a small but inspired menu, it attracts Dunedin's creative crowd and is always a good time.
Two Chefs Bistro
This French-inspired eatery is another of Dunedin's culinary heavy hitters, serving up an interesting and flavour packed menu of classics along with more contemporary fare. Matched with lovely decor and an impressive wine list, it's a great option for a leisurely mid-winter dinner.
Duke of Wellington
Nothing beats a classic British-style pub on a cool winter's day and the Duke of Wellington is all that and more. The purveyors of fine ales from around the globe, this rather ornate establishment in the historic Warehouse Precinct of Dunedin has twenty-odd beers on hand at any given time and a cosy, wood panelled interior that lends itself to a few warming pints and a bit of banter.
Inch Bar
A classic fixture on the Dunedin bar scene, the Inch Bar is an intimate spot with big character and an excellent range of local and international craft beers. This petite space is just big enough to host a diverse array of live music acts throughout the year, or if you're musically inclined, the open mic nights are always a good time.
Plato
With cold water currents and an endless expanse of ocean on the doorstep, Dunedin has ready access to an abundance of fresh seafood. Plato is the place for seafood lovers to indulge in bounty from the deep but also features a good range of menu items for those that prefer other options.