Best 6 Restaurants Near Casinos in Dunedin, New Zealand

The vibrant city of Dunedin, nestled on the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand, offers more than cultural experiences and stunning scenery to explore. If you’re a casino enthusiast seeking a delightful dining experience, you’re in luck.

This guide will lead you to the finest restaurants in Dunedin, located conveniently near casinos, ensuring that your visit combines the thrill of gaming with exceptional cuisine.

Here are the restaurant’s nearby casinos offering contemporary New Zealand food with authentic European tastes!

Best 6 Restaurants in Dunedin (near the casino)

1. Grand Bar and Restaurant

Grand Bar and Restaurant is a culinary gem near a bustling casino in the heart of Dunedin, New Zealand. This dining establishment offers an exquisite fusion of flavours for lunch and dinner patrons.

What sets it apart is the delectable cuisine and its convenient location within the Grand Casino, making it an ideal choice for casino-goers seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

One of its notable features is the enticing happy hour set menu, which is available daily from 5 to 7 p.m.

For those planning to visit the Grand Casino in Dunedin, Grand Bar and Restaurant is a must-try destination. It combines the casino’s excitement with gastronomy’s pleasures, offering a holistic and memorable evening in the city’s heart.

For reservations or inquiries, you can contact them at 03 470 0948 or via email at [email protected].

Don’t miss the opportunity to dine in style and savour the flavours of Dunedin at Grand Bar and Restaurant.

2. Etrusco at the Savoy

Etrusco at the Savoy, located in Dunedin, New Zealand, is a well-established and highly regarded Italian restaurant near Grand Casino Dunedin. With over two decades of service, this family-owned and operated restaurant has become a favourite dining destination in the city.

Key Features:

• Contact: You can reach Etrusco at the Savoy at (03) 477-3737.
• Operating Hours: The restaurant is open seven days a week, welcoming guests from 5:30 p.m. to late, making it a convenient choice for pre- or post-casino dining.
• Beverage Options: Etrusco is fully licensed and offers a BYO (Bring Your Own) option, ensuring a variety of choices for wine enthusiasts. They also boast an extensive cellar wine list to complement your meal.
• Authentic Italian Experience: Etrusco at the Savoy is proud of its authentic Italian heritage and offers a menu that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Italy. Guests can explore various dishes under categories like Starters, Pasta, Pizza, Banquet, and Dessert.
• Local Favorite: Having served the community for two decades, Etrusco at the Savoy has become a beloved local dining spot known for its commitment to quality and service.

Whether you’re looking to savour traditional Italian flavours or enjoy a delightful meal near Grand Casino Dunedin, Etrusco at the Savoy offers an inviting and flavorful dining experience that complements your visit to the casino.

3. No. 7 Balmac

Located in Dunedin’s suburb of Maori Hill, No. 7 Balmac is a great neighbourhood restaurant specialising in modern New Zealand cuisine. Additionally, it features a kitchen garden that supplies the chefs with the freshest herbs and vegetables.

You can enjoy breakfast here with options like buttermilk pancakes with berries, honey-vanilla syrup, traditional eggs Benedict, and Ashby’s streaky bacon and warm toasted ciabatta.

You can have wood-grilled chicken with red quinoa, the No. 7 Balmac burger, or grilled Greek halloumi for lunch. Moreover, you must not miss the warm, chewy almond tart, served with vanilla bean ice cream and oozing with thick dulce de leche.

4. Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant is a delightful dining establishment on the 1st Floor of 12 The Octagon, one of Dunedin’s historic and iconic buildings. Situated near the new Forsyth Barr Stadium, this restaurant offers a convenient option for visitors to the Grand Casino in Dunedin.

The restaurant specialises in modern European New Zealand-style cuisine, featuring a delectable menu that includes Ora salmon, Silver Fern Farms fillet steak, yellowfin tuna tataki, and Jersey Bennes. If you’re looking for a more extensive dining experience, they also offer a beautiful 3-course fine dining set menu.

Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant is not just about exceptional cuisine; it also boasts a superb selection of wines and the finest Scottish whisky to complement your meal.

Here are the key details:

• Phone: +64 3-474 0824
• Website: Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant
• Lunch Hours: Monday – Friday: 12.00 pm onward
• Dinner Hours: Monday – Saturday: 6.00 pm till late

5. Plato

A Dunedin classic. European-style menu with seafood, steaks, and great desserts. Popular for pre-casino dinners or a relaxed date night. Tucked away just above the Octagon on Upper Dowling Street, Plato has been a staple of the Dunedin dining scene for decades and remains a favourite for locals, visitors, and regular theatre- or casino-goers alike.

Plato’s menu is grounded in European and classic New Zealand cuisine, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and well-executed, familiar dishes rather than passing food trends. Seafood plays a strong role, reflecting Otago’s coastal influence, alongside hearty meat dishes and thoughtful vegetarian options.

You’ll often find:

• Fresh fish and seafood dishes, prepared simply to let the flavours shine
• Well-cooked steaks and lamb, a nod to traditional New Zealand dining
• Seasonal vegetables and sauces that complement rather than overpower
• Desserts that lean toward comfort and indulgence, rather than overly experimental

Plato is especially appreciated for consistency — diners return knowing exactly what kind of experience they’ll get, and that reliability is a big part of its reputation.

• Location: 2 Birch Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 3 477 4235
• Hours: 5 to 9 PM
• Sunday Monday Closed

6. Jizo Japanese Café & Bar

Located in the heart of the city, Jizo is Dunedin’s original Japanese restaurant serving quality food since 1997. The style is relaxed, open and friendly. Jizo is the perfect destination for any occasion, whether an intimate dinner for two or a large group celebration.

Jizo Japanese Café & Bar is a popular and well-regarded dining spot in central Dunedin, known for its contemporary take on Japanese cuisine, relaxed atmosphere, and consistently fresh flavours. Located on Princes Street, just a short walk from the Octagon and Dunedin Casino, Jizo is an easy choice for both casual meals and pre-evening outings.

As both a café and bar, Jizo offers a solid drinks selection. You’ll find Japanese beers, sake, wine, and classic cocktails that pair well with the food. It’s a good spot to ease into the evening with a drink, or to complement a relaxed dinner without feeling rushed.

• Location: 56 Princes Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
• Phone: +64 3 479 2692
• Daily Open Sunday Closed

Suggested topic: Best 8 Venues to Play Pokies in Dunedin

Local Tips and Insights

1. Grand Bar and Restaurant:
   • Local Tip: The Grand Bar and Restaurant is conveniently located within the Grand Casino. It’s an excellent choice for a pre-casino dinner or post-gaming meal. The happy hour set menu, available from 5 to 7 PM, offers great value for money. Don’t forget to try their signature cocktails; they’re a favourite among locals.
2. Etrusco at the Savoy:
   • Local Tip: Etrusco at the Savoy is a beloved Italian restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and authentic dishes. Try their homemade pasta; it’s a highlight. For a romantic evening, request a table by the fireplace. It’s a popular spot for couples.
3. No. 7 Balmac:
   • Local Tip: No. 7 Balmac is a favourite among locals for its welcoming ambience and extensive wine list. If you’re a wine enthusiast, ask the staff for wine pairing recommendations with your meal. Don’t miss their seasonal specials; they showcase the best of New Zealand’s produce.
4. Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant:
   • Local Tip: Bacchus is known for its elegant dining experience. If you’re a seafood lover, try their Ora salmon, a local delicacy. The 3-course fine dining set menu is perfect for special occasions. Ask the sommelier for wine pairings to enhance your meal.
5. Plato:
   • Local Tip: Whether you’re visiting the city or rediscovering a local favourite, Plato offers a dining experience that feels both familiar and special.
6. Jizo:
   • Local Tip: Jizo Japanese Café & Bar offers a modern, approachable Japanese dining experience that fits seamlessly into city life.

Read also: Best Pubs to Play Pokies in Nelson City.

FAQs

These establishments offer an excellent food experience and a glimpse into Dunedin’s unique culture and hospitality. Remember, a great way to experience a place is through its food, and these restaurants in Dunedin, New Zealand, offer just that. Enjoy your culinary journey!