Esplanade
Monday8:00 am – 9:30 pm.
Tuesday8:00 am – 9:30 pm.
Wednesday8:00 am – 9:30 pm.
Thursday8:00 am – 9:30 pm.
Friday8:00 am – 9:30 pm.
Saturday8:00 am – 9:30 pm.
Sunday8:00 am – 9:30 pm.
Beachfront and Italian may not be the most common marriage on New Zealand shores, but it’s a marriage that works well at St Clair’s Esplanade.
The exposed brick walls reveal the heritage of the building – contrasted with plenty of timber throughout, the space has an airy and ‘bach-like’ feel that you’d want in a seaside eatery and watering hole.
As spectacular as the sea views are the Italian offerings on the menu. Pizza and antipasti-style eats are the heroes here. Wine offerings are predominantly Italian, adding a whiff of authenticity, but a few quality local meals have found their way onto the menu too. True to Italian hospitality, here it’s warm and fun, friendly and family-orientated. With the added Kiwi dimension of beach culture and salty sea air, it’s no wonder Esplanade attracts not only its neighbours but also those from further afield too.
Words by Abigail Egden & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
2 Esplanade, Saint Clair, Dunedin
Nearby Places
tītī
Offering experiential dining in a way that is exceptionally high quality but also completely approachable.
Piccolo
If you've recently strolled the Esplanade in Dunedin's charming St Clair, you've probably spotted the gem that is Piccolo.
Sorella Gelato
Along just about the coolest strip in all of Dunedin lives a family of Italian-inspired spots - pizza, wine and, now, handmade goodness from sweetheart Sorella Gelato.
Similar Places
The Junction
Sitting cute on the corner of Hargest Crescent and Richardson Street, The Junction is a takeaway cafe located just a couple of blocks from Dunedin's St Clair Beach.
Best Café
This Dunedin institution is well worth a visit and perhaps a return to your student days.
Featured in
The Best Brunch in Dunedin: 9 Cafés to Try (2026)
Taste of Dunedin: A Food Lover’s Guide to the City
