The First Timer’s Guide To Dining In Invercargill

The dining room's traditional, elegant vibe invites you to linger over a long dinner at Emberz, with menu options made from fresh ingredients grown in the restaurant’s on-site gardens located just a hop, skip and jump away. The chargrilled steaks are a major hit and taste even better when paired with their thoughtfully chosen “Wine of the Week”. 

A Mexican food establishment set in the heart of Invercargill, you can’t go wrong with the soft tacos in this cheerful, buzzy spot. From classic flavours like Carne Asada (charred ribeye, salsa verde, fried onion) to inventive options like Calamar y Papas (fried squid, garlic potato, pickled carrot), everyone will find something they love here. If you’re in the right place at the right time, be sure to stop by on Taco Tuesday to pay just $5 a piece for any of their mouth watering taco options.

Tucked away above Kelvin Street, Level One has been a bar for nearly 55 years. This classic spot feels just swanky enough for a special occasion but still plenty casual if you’re just looking for a great meal after work. Top picks include the steak, blue cod, salmon and venison. The bar hosts a solid selection of craft beer, plenty of gins and boutique tonics, and a cocktail menu that might make you hang around a little longer than expected.

A downtown Invercargill craft beer bar, brewery and pizzeria, Tuatara Café & Bar is the best place to come for a hot slice and a cool brew. The products they don’t make themselves are sourced from suppliers who share their sustainable food ethics, and they offer everything from a classic Margherita to an inventive dessert pizza with chocolate sauce, berries, bananas, mascarpone and marshmallows.

Ziffs is the go-to spot just outside of the city, this casual eatery feels like a true escape thanks to an inviting wraparound porch surrounded by lush greenery. The Crispy Chicken Salad is the most popular item on the menu, but it’s far from your average, boring salad. This delightful lunch and dinner main features crispy panko chicken strips, belly bacon, brie, avocado, cashews & tomato on salad greens with aioli.

This local spot serves up hearty fare, plenty of drink options and a dimly lit atmosphere. Buster Crabb's menu, which doubles as a vintage newspaper and a history lesson, offers starter favourites like the seafood tasting tray and charred breads and dips before moving onto the star of the show, chargrilled steaks ordered to the temperature of your liking