Top Dunedin & Otago Peninsula Food & Drink Spots: A Tasty Guide

So, if you’re heading down to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula, then very likely you’ll be needing a good plan of attack for tackling the food and drink scene. That bit of New Zealand is truly stuffed full of delightful spots, from seriously cozy cafes dishing up the freshest local produce to pretty atmospheric bars where you can actually sample craft beers and maybe even some quite decent local wines. This guide is honestly all set to be your little treasure map, pointing you towards experiences that’ll, I think, tickle your taste buds and give you a really authentic feel for the area.

Carefully Chosen Cafes of Dunedin

You know, when it comes to grabbing a decent coffee and something rather tasty to nibble on, Dunedin really does have its fair share of proper gems. One cafe, maybe Morning Magpie, that has made quite a name for itself. Its almost famous for its focus on sourcing local and, actually, seasonal produce. The menu seems to shift with what’s in rather bountiful supply, very making sure that anything you’re eating is as fresh and as yummy as it can be. They take quite obvious pride in their coffee too. It is always brewed to what certainly tastes like near perfection. So, it’s actually a proper shout if you really fancy kicking off your day the seriously proper way.

Then there’s perhaps The Perc, a rather quirky little spot that just possibly oozes character. Now, you will often find students huddled away there. The place apparently is pretty well regarded for its very relaxed vibe and also its rather strong coffee. That certainly might be just the thing if you are struggling a bit. They also happen to do some mighty fine baked stuff, very perfect for a sweet treat alongside your caffeine fix. Very important after those Otago hills! Read our full review: Dunedin cafe Morning Magpie Full Review and Details

And don’t overlook Blackbird Cafe. Actually, it’s pretty trendy, it appears to be known among certain circles. Basically, it’s the go-to spot for those people chasing Instagram-worthy brunches and some rather smooth coffee. I believe the spot has very slick decor, and their food always looks just a little bit too good to eat, but of course you definitely will. Very perfect for anyone really wanting to soak up some of Dunedin’s hip cafe culture. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Blackbird Cafe)

Fine Dining Experiences: Dunedin Restaurants

Now, when you find yourself getting the serious hunger pangs then Dunedin is, arguably, also home to a bunch of very superb restaurants that really could give you an awfully good feed. Nova, for instance, seemingly stands out for its possibly stylish space and a rather creative menu. The chefs appear to take a good pride in blending local flavors with a pretty inventive flair. The end result is almost always a dish that’s very aesthetically pleasing. That too tends to taste just a little bit special, or very maybe very special, actually.

Then there is perhaps Ombre, often is mentioned for its very lovely views across the Otago Harbour. What I believe may be the real draw is their focus on quite simple but expertly prepared dishes. That might let the quality of the local produce really shine through. Think maybe very fresh seafood and also tender cuts of meat. It seems a top shout for a somewhat special evening out with what one would expect may be exceptional views. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ombre Restaurant)

For those in fact seeking a place with a pretty storied history, so the Plato restaurant that might be a great bet, this almost atmospheric establishment has been a very firm favorite amongst Dunedin folk for what I believe is donkey’s years, possibly. That certainly features a very seafood-heavy menu. Everything looks to be prepared with some pretty serious skill, so very it would feel like you were getting a truly amazing meal in a room packed with rather charming character and also some proper tales to tell. The type of experience you might wish you get every time. Read our full review: Dunedin restaurant Nova Full Review and Details

Otago Peninsula’s Unmissable Eateries

I mean, venturing out onto the Otago Peninsula seemingly opens up even more yummy options. The Penguin Cafe is, arguably, just such a destination. Very well situated, quite naturally it seems. It would appear to boast great views of the harbor. And the place also happens to serve up a really hearty fare with a certain emphasis on, that is right, rather tasty seafood. What some believe to be more importantly the coffee’s pretty great. What’s not to absolutely adore, so if you’re spending your time looking out for penguins.

Then, the very popular Larnach Castle Cafe provides food among possibly rather stunning surroundings, it certainly boasts some striking architecture and really pretty manicured gardens. Now, what arguably could be a better mix if you wanted to follow that castle visit with, possibly, what might be some traditional New Zealand baking. Now that sounds so tempting. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Larnach Castle Cafe)

Also worth possibly popping to, so is the local Portobello Hotel. Apparently, it’s a great place for getting some proper pub food that would usually always feature seriously generous portions and a fair atmosphere. A very favorite choice for folk wanting what I believe to be is some homely grub. That is where the sea views tend to enhance pretty much any meal. Read our full review: Otago Peninsula Penguin Cafe Full Review and Details

Dunedin’s Best Pubs and Craft Breweries

For those of you, so that enjoy sinking a proper craft brew or just indeed sipping on something special, then Dunedin seems to come with some really excellent pubs and even better breweries. Very often, the popular Emerson’s Brewery is a decent place to start, Emerson’s apparently serves up an awfully wide selection of beers brewed, arguably, onsite. I feel that if you want to discover a brew you really enjoy and, also, learn something rather fun about the brewing operation, then it might just be the rather perfect afternoon kinda location. They seem to love what they make.

Actually, a pretty solid pick for getting into a lively atmosphere is Albar. I believe that this pub often really comes to life in the evening and provides its patrons a proper selection of local and also international beverages. Albar looks to have all those cozy corners and maybe even some nice sociable spots, possibly a truly excellent shout for those who may want a place to chew the fat for hours with friends. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Albar Dunedin)

Don’t even leave out The মোশন, this truly funky bar tends to pull the crowds with its often innovative cocktail menu and also that, possibly, groovy vibe. Those people really after something very unique, that tastes good and has been created with apparent expertise might like it quite a lot. One more drink won’t hurt. Read our full review: Dunedin Emersons Brewery Full Review and Details

Wine Tasting Around Otago: A Relaxing Experience

The Otago region apparently might be rather more known for its pinot noir, a truly very lush variety of grapes. In fact, a nice amount of boutique wineries are available, so which is really just right for those wanting a peaceful spot to properly taste some decent wines. A lot of the vineyards seem to provide tours of the whole estate. Now, this can certainly come across like a fairly fun idea, learning more on how the grapes end up getting crafted into what most will only assume is liquid loveliness. It truly may provide a quite perfect activity for those who do want a proper refined afternoon, it appears.

A lot of the folk that have tasted wines in the region have mentioned how most people that run the cellar doors appear to be very knowledgeable and apparently ever so jolly. This really may assist those novice drinkers. And help teach them all that is quite nice about grapes. With such, possibly, quite a large range to pick from, maybe one or more bottles will truly end up being a rather yummy travel companion. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Otago Wineries)

Just don’t overlook that the very picturesque scenery seemingly only adds even more to the charm of wine tasting. This might give that feel that is is not only your taste buds but also your actual soul is, in fact, getting fed. It seems as though you want a great reason to get to see more the Dunedin and Otago region, then there really is, I might argue, zero need to come up with something. Just the wine in itself is enough. Very enough. Read our full review: Otago Wine Tour Full Review and Details

Read our full review: Top 5 Dunedin Food and Drink Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Dunedin Otago Food Tours)