Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island Restaurants

Dunedin has the area's highest concentration of good restaurants. Seafood is a big player, in part because of Dunedin's coastal location but also because of its proximity to Bluff, the home of New Zealand's great delicacy, the Bluff oysters. Many of the least-expensive options are café-like Asian restaurants; these tend to close early, around 9 pm. Locals don't usually dress up or make reservations for anything other than the most exclusive establishments.

Invercargill has a more limited selection of mostly moderately priced restaurants. Stewart Island has a reasonable selection considering its location, but in winter some places limit their hours or close.

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  • 1. Salt Bar & Restaurant

    $$$

    In an iconic art deco building, this is the place to dine in St. Clair's, a leafy seaside neighborhood along a spectacular beach. Sate yourself with beef Burgundy pie or venison; the less carnivorous may wish to try the vegan vege salad. The bar's cool aura of chrome finishing and art deco style is warmed by the dining area, which has a brick fireplace. A huge brunch menu caters to all tastes, and many dishes can be made gluten-free. The service is extremely friendly. Brunch is available only on weekends from 9 am.

    240 Forbury Rd., Dunedin, Otago, 9012, New Zealand
    03-455–1077

    Known For

    • Sunny corner location close to beach
    • Delicious food at reasonable prices
    • Great brunch menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 2. Little India Dunedin

    $$$

    Influenced by the flavors of northern India (and the kitchen of founder Sukhi's grandmother), this family business began in Dunedin and has become a chain spanning the country. Spacious and modern eateries meet traditional cooking methods, and warm hospitality and generous portions of spicy vindaloos and Bengali fish preparations are among the hallmarks. A good selection of Indian beers and excellent wines complement dishes.

    308 Moray Pl., Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
    03-477–6559

    Known For

    • Authentic North Indian cuisine
    • Great curries
    • Indian beers

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekends, Reservations essential
  • 3. Plato

    $$$$

    A favorite among locals, this waterfront eatery that was once a seafarers hostel provides great food and excellent service. Everything is delicious, from the bread and house-made duck liver–cognac pâté to the perfectly cooked seafood and chicken dishes. They also do a mean coffee and great desserts. Sunday brunch is popular here.

    2 Birch St., Dunedin, Otago, 9016, New Zealand
    03-477–4235

    Known For

    • Impressive all-encompassing menu
    • Great waterfront views
    • BYOB policy
  • 4. Sampan Dunedin

    $

    This no-frills noodle bar is crowded with students and serves yummy, filling, and inexpensive soups. Menu highlights include spicy satay chicken burgers, fried rice, bong-bong chicken, and deep-fried wantons.

    60-64 St. Andrew St., Dunedin, Otago, 9016, New Zealand
    03-471–7016

    Known For

    • Signature dishes of Thai, Khmer, and Chinese cuisine
    • Quick service
    • Popularity with university students
  • 5. Thai Hanoi

    $$$

    This Thai-Vietnamese fusion spot offers options like green or red Thai curries and a yellow or jungle (hot) Vietnamese curry. The Rialto Cinema is across the way, making this a convenient pre- or postmovie dinner spot—but reserving a table is a good idea.

    24 Moray Pl., Dunedin, Otago, 9012, New Zealand
    03-471–9500

    Known For

    • Authentic curries
    • Centrally located setting
    • BYOB policy

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekends
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. The Kitchen Table Cafe & Bake

    $$

    At this centrally located café and bakery, artisan bakers craft delicious wholesome food. You can choose from, pancakes, French toast, or good old eggs Benedict for breakfast, or maybe a panini for lunch. Mindful of vegan taste buds and those with lactose and gluten intolerances, the owners have created a gooey brownie as well as a variety of other sweet treats. Large windows throw light into the warm and homey interior, while chunky wooden furniture encourages conversations.

    111 Moray Pl., Dunedin, Otago, 9016, New Zealand
    03-477–0232

    Known For

    • Cozy atmosphere
    • Some of the best coffee in town
    • Sweet treats and baked goods at reasonable prices

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 7. The Speight's Ale House

    $$$

    Authentic and quirky, the Ale House serves as a lively bar in a brewery–restaurant setting. The menu includes a "drunken" steak (steak marinated in dark, malty porter) and beer-battered fish, along with plenty of Speight's ales you can match with your meal. Heavy wood furniture, old brewing equipment, and a huge schist fireplace makes the place feel welcoming. A couple of seasonal beers are released each year; in the past, these have included Harvest (an apricot beer), Chocolate, Samradh (a ginger-and-pimiento beer), and Spiced Amber Ale. You can order a "tasting try" to sample all the beer offerings which include Triple Hop Pilsner, 5 Malt Old Dark, Distinction Ale, Cider, and Summit Lager.

    200 Rattray St., Dunedin, Otago, 9016, New Zealand
    03-471–9050

    Known For

    • Hearty meals featuring southern New Zealand fare
    • Lively atmosphere
    • Fine local ales including seasonal brews

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