The town of Dunedin on New Zealand’s South Island, situated on Otago Harbour, is a treasure trove for fresh fish and seafood. Enjoy hearty seafood chowder and classic fish and chips on the waterfront at Plato, or explore a sophisticated selection of cafés and restaurants that offer outstanding dining options beyond seafood. Below are several notable choices to consider.
No. 7 Balmac, located on Maori Hill, focuses on modern New Zealand cuisine and has earned multiple awards for its inventive menu. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, its breakfast specialties include a homemade crumpet served with caramelized banana, black currants, vanilla butter, streaky bacon and whipped mascarpone. For dinner, highlights include a pepper‑crusted wild Fjordland venison loin and a wood‑fired, orange‑and‑thyme brined free‑range chicken.
For rich Italian flavors, visit Etrusco at the Savoy. Family run for more than two decades, Etrusco is known for its pizza and pasta offerings. The menu rotates fresh ravioli creations alongside traditional favorites such as tonno, piccanti and puttanesca. A standout is cinghiale o cervo — a wild boar or venison sauce served over farfalle. Desserts feature a selection of cakes and gelato.
Scotia on Stuart Street brings a strong Scottish character paired with comforting food. The casual, cozy atmosphere complements a menu that includes traditional haggis with oatcakes, rump of lamb and duck breast. A popular vegetarian option is pumpkin orzo pasta with smoked tomato, Parmesan, corn and Greek yogurt. Finish with treacle crème brûlée and berry sorbet for a memorable dessert.
In the downtown area, Two Chefs Bistro evokes a Parisian café setting with a marble‑topped bar, antique mirrors and burgundy leather banquettes. The dinner menu offers dishes such as a twice‑baked goat’s curd soufflé, roasted venison loin and chargrilled sirloin steak served with French fries and café de Paris butter. The bistro’s classic French ambiance makes it a great choice for a relaxed yet refined meal.