Luna Bar and Restaurant is fresh and vibrant and its view of Dunedin makes the perfect setting for any dinning occasion.

The only thing distracting me from the view was the food coming out of the kitchen. The smell and the presentation of the meals had me reaching for the menu – I was keen to get started – but first a beer with one of the restaurant owner’s Terry O’Connor.

Luna is owned and operated by Terry and his wife Kerri. They established Luna in 2008.  Both were new to the hospitality industry but immediately fell in love what they are doing - and it shows.

Cold beer in hand, I chatted to Terry about his 20 years in the brewery business and how he has incorporated this knowledge into the restaurant. The extensive beverage selection is just one example. Terry explains the importance food and drink matching to bring out the best of the flavours in each.

Now it’s my turn savour the flavours. The slow roasted pork belly, potato terrine, cabbage with spicy apple with a Luna special date relish on the side has me at first sight. This kind of food is hard to get. It’s got that soul warming feel to it that people love coming back for.

Delightfully content I sit back and watch a constant flow of people coming in to eat, drink or pop in for a dessert – oh, and to gaze out at the view – and what a view it is.

I asked Terry why people keep coming back. His reply, “it’s got that local atmosphere about it, people feel welcomed. We’ve got friendly staff, great views and bloody good, tasty food”.

Well, I can’t argue with that!