PICCOLO
Piccolo Bar is our new favourite spot in St Clair—a charming neighbourhood wine bar and bottle shop with a relaxed, walk-in-only vibe. Tucked just off the Esplanade, it serves up an irresistible mix of Italian-inspired snacks like n’duja-stuffed olives, burrata with herbs, baccalà and focaccia, and crisp little pizzette. The drinks list leans heavily (and beautifully) into wine, with great beer and cocktails too. Open afternoons till late, Tuesday through Sunday, it’s the kind of place you can pop into solo or settle in with friends over tiramisu and another round.
WOOF!
Delightful cocktails, groovy vibes, and a delicate greenhouse to top it off; WOOF! marks all the right boxes. Stick with your signature martini or look for their monthly cocktail. The space is well curated with a fireplace and a seating area of mixed 70s furniture. A personal fave cause who doesn’t love a 70s inspired bar?
PEQUEÑO
Pequeño is a cozy little spot great for a date or for your good ole fashioned nightcap. Find this bar through a short, dark alleyway close to the city center. Lay hold of a drink, settle in by the open fire, and enjoy.
ALBAR
A classic Dunedin bar, a stop at Albar guarantees a good time and good conversation for newcomers and locals alike. Walk by on a Friday evening no matter the season, and you are sure to find dirty clouds of smoke from the Dunedin locals sitting outside. Open up, talk to strangers, and you’ll fall in love with the place as I have.
ARC BREWING CO.
A cosy, family-friendly brewery just 20 minutes north of Dunedin, nestled along the coast on Highway 1. Founded by partners Emma and Jono—an interior designer and builder duo who returned from Sydney to chase their brewing dream—Arc blends laid-back vibes with a hands-on, small-batch approach to craft beer. Their taproom, built entirely by the pair, offers comfy nooks, a peek at the brewing process, and a rotating lineup of beers like the ever-popular Hazy Pale and the bold Momo Pilsner. With local food trucks, a ping pong table, and live music, it’s a top-notch stop for good beer and good times.
EMERSON’S
Emerson’s is arguably Dunedin’s most iconic microbrewery, serving up a tasty fare in a friendly environment. It’s one of those rare spots where everyone feels welcome. As a result, Emerson’s is the perfect watering hole for newcomers who want to dine in the company of Dunediners of all kinds. Both the Bao buns and brewery tour are not to be missed!