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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.
The owner of this eclectic store wears many hats, serving coffee, cake, and sandwiches in the small shop. There are a few tables where you can sit and enjoy your coffee, and you can browse a small gallery featuring works by local craftspeople. Upstairs, this place offers wellness treatments such as facials.
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.
