As a university town, Dunedin is home to many establishments that cater to students. Restaurants are therefore less stratified than in other New Zealand cities, and you'll find everyone -- students, businesspeople, families, elderly couples -- dining happily together in most places. There are plenty of budget options and quirkily named cafes and bars.
Plato, 2 Birch St., Inner Harbour Warehouse Area (tel. 03/477-4235), is a good restaurant choice for service and great original tastes, although the interior definitely lacks character and warmth. Take a cab, as it's easy to get lost in the wharf area. A Cow Called Berta, 199 Stuart St. (tel. 03/477-2993), is another that gets rave reviews for its cozy atmosphere and its fabulous meals. Mains here will set you back about NZ$35 (US$25/£13).
Inexpensive -- For a firsthand taste of university social life, head for The Governor's Café, 438 George St. (tel. 03/477-6871), open daily from 8am to midnight, where the food is cheap, plentiful, and tasty.
