South of the Octagon you’ll find the Grand Bar and Restaurant at the Grand Casino where you can enjoy a feast of contemporary New Zealand cuisine. They offer a classic a la carte menu and a well-stocked bar in chic surroundings, and with superb service.

Over 20 years since they opened, the Speight’s Ale House Dunedin Bar and Restaurant is still ‘‘generous to a fault’’. Their menu has something for every taste, and of there’s a superb range of Speight’s on offer of course.

The Octagon is a hub for diners, with an array of options. In the upper half there’s the Dunedin institution that is Nova. Seating more than 80, it’s a casual cafe by day, and a restaurant by night; they also offer Allpress coffee.

The Craic Irish Tavern has warm and friendly service, with a great selection of beverages, and an extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menu.

Upstairs on the corner is the award-winning restaurant and wine bar Bacchus. As well as a three-course set menu, there are lunch, evening, and dessert menus, and of course an excellent drinks list.

On Stuart Street is Comes First Diner, where chicken reigns supreme. There are burgers, beers, and much more - and you can dine in or takeaway.

A couple of blocks down towards the Railway Station is the venerable Best Cafe, in existence since 1932. The seafood restaurant and takeaway is a perennial favourite with hand-cut chips and a quality selection of fish.

Across the road is the Magic Moments at the Law Courts Hotel, a magic-themed restaurant offering traditional Kiwi meals, and a family magic show.

Further afield, the Carey’s Bay Historic Hotel, right next to a fishing port one bay around from Port Chalmers. There’s an excellent menu with both seafood and other mains, and a welcoming atmosphere.