We recommend checking out a few of our favourite eateries, which are only just a few of the outstanding array of lunch and dinner options we are fortunate to have here in Dunedin.
INHOUSE - EBB-KITCHEN
Ebb-Kitchen is our in-house lush, inner-city retreat serving fresh, seasonal fare in the heart of Dunedin. Nestled within the Ebb Hotel, this café and eatery blends nature and design—think green tiling, terrazzo tables, and a serene garden atrium wrapped in native plants. The menu follows suit, with local, ethical ingredients from the likes of Vern Paddock Project and Southern Organics shaping dishes like Turkish eggs, rosemary fried gnocchi, and organic sourdough bacon butties. With great coffee, a stacked cabinet of house-made treats, and a peaceful setting, Ebb-Kitchen is a place to truly slow down and savour.
BIG LIZARD
Big Lizard is a bright and buzzy takeaway spot on Vogel Street, serving up killer sandwiches, flaky pastries, and top-tier coffee from Grey Roasting Co. Launched by the team behind Side On, it’s a pared-back, grab-and-go version of the much-loved café—think hashbrown breakfast rolls, focaccia slabs, and baguettes stacked with thoughtful, satisfying fillings. The fitout is minimal with a cheeky checkerboard floor, and the lime-green entrance is hard to miss. Lines form fast at lunchtime, but you can skip the wait with online ordering—because good carbs shouldn’t require patience.
AUGUSTINES OF PORTOBELLO
Just 25 minutes from the city, Augustines of Portobello is a food-focused farmstore and kitchen that celebrates the seasons in every bite. Built on the legacy of Gus Hayden’s award-winning preserves, the all-day menu is small but mighty—think flavour-packed dishes that spotlight Augustines’ jams, chutneys, and pickles, alongside a cabinet of just-baked pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. Everything is made fresh onsite using local produce, with only 20 seats available (book ahead for weekends!). It’s the perfect spot to refuel post-peninsula walk—slow down, eat well, and let the food do the talking.
NO.7 BALMAC
No.7 Balmac is a beloved neighbourhood bistro tucked into Māori Hill, known for its seasonal menus, house-made sweets, and laid-back charm. Open since 2009, it’s built a loyal following thanks to its focus on locally sourced, organic produce—much of it straight from their own garden. The kitchen turns out flavour-packed dishes like mushroom quinoa burgers and sticky date pudding with roasted pear and rum caramel. With a top-notch local wine and beer list and warm, attentive service, No.7 is the kind of spot worth wandering up the hill for—brunch, lunch, or dinner.
TITI
Classy but not pretentious, overlooking the beach at St Clair. It's degustation menu is impeccably designed, the service is faultless. Ideal for a special night out. Open for a casual lunch also, so you can take in the views of the ocean and watch the surfers trim across the rolling waves.
THE ESPLANADE
A Dunedin institution, as close as you will get to dining in Italy without the plane ride, an authentic Italian restaurant. It gets busy, noisy, lots of arm-waving, just as you would expect. Open from dawn till dusk. Perch up grab an Aperol spritz and ease into your evening.
BACCHUS WINE BAR & RESTAURANT
Located upstairs in a wonderful heritage building overlooking the Octagon, a long-time firm favourite of ours. Well regarded for their seafood dishes - and probably the best wine list in town.
MOIETY
The new kid on the block has quickly established itself as a destination for creative dishes, in a small cosy intimate atmosphere, the curated set menu of five courses is undeniably of world-class level, matched with carefully chosen wines and rather moreish cocktails.
PLATO
Tucked beneath the Otago Peninsula Road overpass, PLATO is a retro gem serving up fresh, seasonal fare right on the harbour. Housed in a former seamen’s hostel, its Mondrian-style exterior hints at the quirky charm inside—think vintage jugs, kitschy collectibles, and a Wes Anderson-worthy vibe. The menu leans into local fish, organic herbs, and quality meat, with standout staples like pan-fried fish with rice, ginger and spring onion. Run by chef Nigel Broad and his daughter Rose, PLATO is as much about personality as it is about good food—an unforgettable Dunedin dining experience.
THE JUNCTION
Tucked on the corner near St Clair Beach, The Junction is a charming takeaway café serving great coffee, fresh sandwiches, and nostalgic treats with a community-first vibe. Open since 2023, it’s become a local favourite for beachgoers, dog walkers and school-run parents alike. Expect smooth brews from Common Ground Espresso, flaky pastries, and cabinet favourites like the iconic peanut crunch slice and egg and chive sammies on Body of the Year bread. Designed by owners Makenzi and Damon, the fitout is coastal and calming—sandy tiles, natural tones, and green stools by the window. BYO cups encouraged, good vibes guaranteed.