Tuatara Café & Bar
![Close up of a pizza being cut.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Tuatara-Cafe-Invercargill-4.jpg)
![Group of people dining around a table at Tuatara.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Group_of_people_chatting_at_a_table_at_Tuatara.jpg)
![Couple sat on a couch surrounded by greenery at Tuatara.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Couple_sitting_on_a_couch_at_Tuatara.jpg)
![Barista working at the coffee machine at Tuatara.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Barista_working_at_the_coffee_machine_at_Tuatara.jpg)
![Interior view of Tuatara.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Interior_view_of_Tuatara.jpg)
![Close up of a flat white and newspaper on a table.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Close_up_of_flat_white_next_to_a_newspaper.jpg)
![Outdoor seating area at Tuatara.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Outdoor_seating_area_at_Tuatara.jpg)
![Tables and chairs inside the cafe and bar.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Potted_tree_next_to_a_table_and_chairs_at_Tuatara.jpg)
![Two men standing at the counter at Tuatara.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Two_men_standing_at_the_counter_at_Tuatara.jpg)
![Beer sign on the wall at Tuatara.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Beer_sign_at_Tuatara.jpg)
![Coffee machine steaming at Tuatara.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Coffee_machine_steaming_at_Tuatara.jpg)
![Tuatara exterior sign.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=650,fit=cover,format=auto,height=425//media/uploads/places/place/tuatara_caf%C3%A9__bar/Tuatara_exterior_sign.jpg)
Monday7:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Tuesday7:00 am – 7:00 pm.
Wednesday7:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Thursday7:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Friday7:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Saturday7:00 am – 9:00 pm.
Sunday7:00 am – 8:00 pm.
Nicola McGilvray and Chris Ellenden are the powerhouse couple behind Tuatara Café, a downtown Invercargill craft beer bar, brewery and arty pizzeria.
When the 30-32 block of Dee Street was scheduled for demolition, the couple knew they couldn’t stand by while a historic Invercargill building was laid to waste. They bought it. Chris strengthened the building himself and the two then set out to turn the café and bar area into a venue that would provide value for locals and tourists alike. Both Nicola and Chris are creative, dynamic individuals and their array of interesting projects all seem to link back to Tuatara.
Nicola, a talented painter, has made use of the vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls to showcase local artists’ work as well as her own. Chris, on the other hand, has used his experience as a brewing tank manufacturer to build a gravity-fed brewery out the back of the café. This is in addition to the cider label ‘Gadoochi’ that the couple have developed over the last few years using spray free apples from heritage fruit trees in central Otago. Gadoochi is on tap at Tuatara and lives somewhere far outside the scope of the cider you find at the supermarket. The ‘Mad Granny’ is the absolute driest cider you’ll find, while ‘Old Henry’s’ has a bit of a Pilsner taste with apple undertones. Snag a tasting tray and try them all.
After a few ciders, or any of the South Island craft beers that are on tap here, you’ll be ready for a snack. Tuatara’s robust pizzas, prepared by chef Cesare Pudda, are hot, wholesome and filling and come heaped with generous portions of whatever toppings you choose. And if it’s nice out, you can sit in the sunny back courtyard.
Words by Olivia Sisson & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
30-32 Dee Street, Invercargill
Nearby Places
He Waka Tuia
![He Waka Tuia sign.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/he_waka_tuia/He_Waka_Tuia_sign.jpg)
In the heart of Invercargill you’ll find art and museum space He Waka Tuia, a joint initiative between the Invercargill Public Art Gallery and the Southland Museum and Art Gallery.
Amigo's Mexican Grill
![Stacks of sombreros.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/amigos_mexican_grill/Stacks_of_somberos.jpg)
The cheerful, upcycled decor and friendly staff will welcome you with open arms at this Mexican food establishment, and a margarita won’t be far behind.
Level One
![Flatlay of a platter and fried chicken from Level One..](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/level_one/Level_One_Invercargill_2_11.jpg)
This restaurant has managed to keep the best of Southland hospitality, food and drink at its core for 55 years.
Meccaspresso
![Barista standing by steaming coffee machine.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/meccaspresso/Barista_standing_by_steaming_coffee_machine.jpg)
Ago-to café whether you’re stopping by to see the classic motorcycle collection at Mecca, or just looking for a satisfying meal in the heart of the city.
Similar Places
Buster Crabb
![A waiting area.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/buster_crabbx/Buster_Crabb_Invercargill_4.jpg)
Named for Buster Crabb, a Royal Navy frogman who inspired the James Bond character, this is the place for a bit of mystery, intrigue and great food.
Beachhouse Restaurant
![Close up of fish chowder on a table.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/beachhouse_restaurant/Beach_House_Restaurant_Riverton_7.jpg)
The Beachhouse feels like your mate’s bach and keeps visitors coming back with some of the best seafood chowder down south.
Oyster Cove
![The ocean view from inside the Oyster Cove restaurant.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/oyster_cove/Oyster-Cove-Restaurant-Bluff-1.jpg)
Perched above the Pacific, Oyster Cove serves up the best of the best when it comes to Aotearoa’s seafood.
Seriously Good Chocolate Company
![Close up of chocolate production at Seriously Good Chocolate Company.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/seriously_good_chocolate_company/Close_up_of_chocolate_production_at_Seriously_Good_Chocolate_Company.jpg)
A tiny store using chocolate as a medium with which to promote Southland to the world.