7 Best Restaurants in Dunedin, Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island

In an iconic art deco building, this is the place to dine in St. Clair, a leafy seaside neighborhood along a spectacular beach. Sate yourself with a shared plate of slow-roasted lamb shoulder; the less carnivorous may wish to try the risotto or 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.

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; the bakery makes delicious bagels, too. Mindful of vegan taste buds and customers with lactose and gluten intolerance, 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.

Influenced by the flavors of northern India (and the kitchen of founder Sukhi's grandmother), this family business began in Dunedin in 1991 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.

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 pâté to the perfectly cooked seafood and chicken dishes that maximize the use of local ingredients. They also do a mean coffee and great desserts. 

Students crowd into this no-frills noodle bar that serves yummy, filling, and inexpensive soups and other dishes. Highlights on the lengthy menu include spicy satay chicken burgers, fried rice, bong-bong chicken, and deep-fried wantons; hot pots are another choice.

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 tender Merino lamb shank, 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.

This casual, brightly painted 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.