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Travelling to the Otago Peninsula on New Zealand’s South Island should be on everyone’s travel list. There’s plenty to do: taking in nature, outdoor adventures and the local dining scene to touring local sights.
Naturally, for many, food plays an important part in the trip. Check out these options of casual and upscale restaurants, fancy cocktail bars, or international establishments.
To cover some of the highlights, here’s an overview of some of the excellent tastes you can expect on your trip to Dunedin.
Dinner before cocktails
Before you tuck into dinner in Dunedin, check out some great places for pre-dinner cocktails. The Two Chefs Bistro on Stuart Street is a great place to start if you like a bar that feels upscale, mixing some of the best drinks in town.
Try Bacchus for wine,
Try the Szechuan – with Szechuan gin, lychee, and lemon – and you won’t be disappointed.
International Cuisine
If you’re craving for a specific type of food, Dunedin satisfies even the fussiest eaters with its excellent international offerings. Want some Italian? Head for Mamma Mia for delicious pizza, or Etrusco at the Savoy for a more high-end meal.
Jizo is excellent for Japanese; enjoy everything from traditional dishes to pristine sushi. Then there’s Del Sol – Vila Mexicana for Mexican food and Mediterranean at Paasha Turkish Café.
You can’t leave without trying traditional New Zealand food. Speight’s Ale House and Restaurant or Scotia Bar and Bistro are great local options. There’s something for everyone at Dunedin.
Fancy Options
If you like getting dressed up and hitting the town, a good stop to begin is Dunedin Casino. Housing some of the best dining spots in town, one to check out is the Grand Bar and Cafe.
An alternative to New Zealand’s internet-based gaming, this live casino offers a fun night out. Channel your Casino Royale persona and hit the gaming tables in style. Enjoy the evening over food and drinks before or after you tried your hand at winnings.
Esplanade on the beach is a stylish restaurant serving Italian fare. Come here for pre-dinner sundowners over rounds of cocktails with a view of the surf through the big windows.
Although it’s outside of the city, 1908 is another spot where the city’s well-heeled dine. At the heart of the Otago Peninsula, it is located near the Dunedin Volcano (dormant but still features impressive rock formations you can tour). When you’re done exploring, the historic building that houses 1908 serves up lovely meals in a quaint atmosphere.
Casual Dining
Simple and local is always a great way to discover a city’s dining scene. The fun retro Best Café does traditional fish and chips, and The Lead Balloon, serves café-style food – simple and tasty, along with a menu of comforting hot drinks. For lunch, Café Alfresco offers a vast menu running the gamut from mahi-mahi tacos and burgers, to other fresh catches like salmon and ahi tuna. You can’t go wrong with any of the above if you just want something tasty without any hassle.
Coffee and Healthy Brunch
Coffee and brunch is a big trend in New Zealand. Governor’s Café is delightful for brunch, especially if you vegan or vegetarian. The Project Wellness eatery at the Unichem Rosalyn Pharmacy has a deliciously green superfoods menu of sprouts, quinoa, and other whole grains, along with hemp, flax, and alfalfa greens. Buster Greens Real Food Room is another great choice if you’re looking for a healthy brunch.
As for coffee, Modaks Espresso does a great
Finally visit The Perc, with a fireplace and a good cuppa – it’s every coffee lovers’ favourite spot to enjoy their brew on a cold day.
