Born and raised in Dunedin, Celeste Wong AKA ‘The Girl in the Cafe' has spent over a decade behind the counter in some of the world’s best cafés, making, writing, tasting, sipping, judging on screen and behind the scenes and was named one of London’s top five baristas by the Financial Times.
Now based between London and Lisbon, she’s the author of bestselling book Coffee Creations, and featured on the January 2025 cover of London’s Time Out magazine. Celeste was also a shortlisted finalist for Best Coffee Influencer of the year and won Coffee Writer of the Year at the recent London Coffee Festival Awards 2025.
Sometimes it takes going away for a bit to really appreciate how truly unique a place really is. It’s about the mix in Dunedin. You’ve got gothic architecture, a student town vibe, incredible fashion, design and music scenes, a world-class stadium and university and in the middle of it all, people who really love their food and coffee.
"There’s this artisan energy; old-school meets inventive and always evolving. That kind of creative collision is what makes it so special and keeps pulling me back," says Celeste.
Check out her picks below on where to dine, snack, graze and sip in Dunedin's ever-growing food and drink scene.
What’s the best place to dine out in Dunedin and why?
Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant has stood the test of time. It’s perched above the Octagon, with great views, an elegant atmosphere and a wine list that could rival any top Auckland spot. The food? Always reliably delicious. For a no-fuss, celebratory family dinner, Titi’s degustation is ideal- no decisions needed, just sit back and enjoy.
Otago Farmers Market – who are you visiting?
I love the idea of a farmers market, it connects back to my Chinese roots, in the sense of the long legacy of Chinese growers in Otago. I always go for the organic produce… and definitely the pies. Kiwi pies are the best. I may have overdone it with pies last time. Worth it.
Where are you heading for great vibes?
Woof! It’s fun, fashion-y, relaxed but buzzy. A proper mix of Dunedin’s music and art scene. I was there during Fashion ID Week and loved it. Disco ball? Tick. Kiwi onion dip with classic crinkly chips on the menu? Tick. I ordered several bowls with my spicy margs and negronis. The owner’s also known for championing important causes, which makes supporting them all the more worthwhile.
Best coffee in town?
Dunedin’s coffee scene is quietly excellent. Common Ground is a small garage-style roastery in an industrial pocket of town. They roast for a bunch of local cafés, including The Junction, a sweet wee spot with about eight seats and plenty of easy parking (a luxury!).
Out by the beach, The Long Dog in St Clair is my go-to after a swim. They serve Allpress Coffee and their flat whites are consistently really well made, not an easy thing to nail globally. On a good Dunedin weather day, it feels like our own little Bondi.
Favourite roastery?
I recently launched my book Coffee Creations (with Otago UBS) at Grid Coffee Roasters in Mornington, which was a delight! Proper old-school coffee with a repair workshop out back, and a thoughtful gift store tucked in there too. Also love Mazagran, a long-standing local roaster I mentioned in my book, they’ve been going strong for 26+ years, and still kill it in that teeny space.
Great quality eats on a budget?
Graze & Glow is a recent discovery. Everything on the menu is $9, including cocktails. Think generous tapas: arancini, chilli fries with miso mayo, pork belly, soft shell taco burger. I paired mine with a classic marg on tap, literally. Also, Pizza Bar on lower Stuart St. Good pizza.
Where are you travelling across town for?
On a school holiday trip to Larnach Castle with my bestie's family and my nieces, we stopped at The Duck in Macandrew Bay. I had a cheese scone, sausage roll and fries that were actually good (harder than it sounds). Next time I’m back, I’d love to sit outside for brekkie with that pretty harbour view.
Your Dunedin must-try eatery?
Rob Roy Dairy for gigantic old-school ice creams. A rite of passage. If you’re after more experimental flavours, Patti's & Cream is wild! When I visited, they had tomato, clam miso and wakame ice cream, and a coffee ice cream (yum!) in a waffle taco! I mean… genius madness. I also took my mum and sister to Fable Hotel in the old Exchange for a stunning high tea (for pre-Mother's Day) which was such a special moment, tucked away in a private nook of the restaurant.
Hidden gem?
When I’m home, we’ll go to WongGok, Impressions (which leans Northern Chinese with a little more spice), or Golden Harvest - Mum’s (and all the local Chinese favourite.)
Augustine’s - in Portobello. You need to book in advance. Slightly fancy but still super relaxed and a homemade preserve shop.
Sweet tooth go-to?
Big Lizard is a super cool new bakery near Queens Gardens has incredible fluffy but crisp croissants, pastries, bakes and sandwiches. When I visited there were queues out the door! They’re also opening something a little more traditional called Roslyn Bread Technology & O.A.A up in Roslyn (in the old Friday Shop), which I think will be a game-changer for the area. Tart Tin also a great one for cakes and special sweet treats.