Best Cafe

Some stories are too special not to share ❤️

Meet Francis Greenhouse — a much-loved regular here at Best Cafe.

Every Saturday, Francis makes the trip in from his retirement home for his favourite: the Blue Cod & Chips. It’s a tradition that goes back decades… all the way to around 1955, when he first started coming here with his father.

Francis’ father managed hotels around the area, and Best Cafe was always their go-to spot for a good, honest feed together. These days, Francis is keeping that tradition alive — one Saturday at a time.

And in case you’re wondering what makes it just right? According to Francis, it’s partly to do with the lettuce we use.
“None of those stringy bits that people use for salads nowadays,” he says — and we have to agree 😉

Stories like this are what make this place so special to us. It’s not just about the food — it’s about the memories, the traditions, and the people who walk through our doors.

Thanks for being part of our story, Francis. We’ll have your table ready this Saturday.

Nick & Neisha

We’re incredibly excited to share some big news… we’re the new custodians of Best Cafe ❤️

For us, this isn’t just a business — it’s a piece of Dunedin’s history, and a place that means so much to so many. We feel truly honoured to be stepping into this next chapter and continuing the legacy that makes Best Cafe so special.

You might have seen us in Friday's Otago Daily Times, standing proudly under that iconic neon sign — a bit of a pinch-me moment for both of us!

Our vision is simple: to keep everything you already love, while gently adding our own touch. Great food, warm service, and a place where everyone feels welcome — just as it should be.

To our amazing community, thank you for the support so far. We can’t wait to meet more of you, hear your stories, and create plenty of new memories together.

Pop in, say hello, and be part of the next chapter with us.

Nick & Neisha

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/21st-parties-93yo-birthdays-best-cafe-perfect-fit-downsizing-hospo-couple

Some days call for silver cutlery. Others call for battered blue cod in a paper parcel.

Either way, we do it BEST.

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Going to the Highlanders?

You can’t support your BEST on an empty stomach…

Start game day right with BEST CAFE.

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No visit to Dunedin is complete without Best Café.

Serving Dunedin’s BEST seafood since 1932 it’s a local favourite for a reason.

Experience Dunedin the BEST way.

Book your table today,
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