Moons Restaurant and Bar

About Moons Restaurant and Bar

Moons Restaurant and Bar is an inviting dining venue located at 286 Princes Street in The Exchange area of Dunedin Central. Centered around relaxed dining with big flavour, Moons combines an inventive, thoughtfully prepared food menu with an extensive craft beer lineup and an active gig guide featuring live entertainment. The setting caters to casual catch-ups, dinner gatherings, and late-night drinks alike.

The kitchen presents an eclectic array of sharing plates, pizzettas, hearty mains, and house sweets. From savoury bites like blue cheese arancini and pulled pork croquettes to satisfying options such as the Moons Famous Burger, slow-braised beef bourguignon, and fresh market fish, every dish emphasizes quality ingredients. Complementing the dining offerings is a vibrant venue space that regularly hosts music and community events in the heart of Dunedin.

Moons Restaurant and Bar: Relaxed Dining, Craft Beer, and Live Entertainment in The Exchange

Located in Dunedin’s historic precinct at 286 Princes Street, Moons Restaurant and Bar brings a refreshing blend of lively hospitality, craft brewing culture, and flavour-forward dining to The Exchange. Defined by a philosophy of relaxed dining and big flavour, the venue effortlessly bridges the gap between an easygoing neighbourhood bar and a culinary destination. Whether stepping in for an afternoon craft beer or settling down for a full dinner accompanied by live acts from the gig guide, guests find a space designed around community, comfort, and creative food.

A Menu Driven by Big Flavour and Great Ingredients

The culinary programme at Moons strikes a careful balance between elevated bar snacks and comforting, well-executed mains. Diners looking to share small plates can choose from house specialities such as hot crumbed fried gherkins paired with mustard salt mayo, slow-braised pulled pork croquettes with parsley crème fraîche, and rich blue cheese arancini garnished with fig paste and shaved parmesan. House-baked breads paired with fresh hummus and spreads provide a lighter start to the evening.

Pizzettas form another highlight of the kitchen's offerings, made with distinct flavour profiles that move well beyond the standard fare. Options range from the Napoli-based Lamb Kofta topped with haloumi and tzatziki to Romesco-sauced salami with capers and anchovies, or garlic cream cheese topped with smoked salmon, pickled fennel, and sorrel crème fraîche. Vegetarians are equally well looked after with options like the roasted cauliflower cheese pizzetta dressed with blue cheese, rocket, and toasted almonds.

Mains, Local Brews, and Sweet Finishes

Those looking for a fuller meal can turn to the signature Moons Famous Burger, built around a prime New Zealand beef patty, locally cured bacon, house-pickled onions, and spiced barbecue sauce on a house-made milk bun. Classical cooking shines through in the red wine beef bourguignon, served tender alongside rich buttered mash and glazed carrots. Seasonal market fish is paired with house-made rösti fries and loaded ranch, while plant-focused diners can enjoy the spiced roasted butternut served over chickpea and tomato cassoulet.

Desserts provide a fitting conclusion with thoughtful local touches, such as the Chocolat Cremino made with Whittakers chocolate hazelnut custard and torched Italian meringue, a tart and silky rhubarb and apple crème brûlée, or warm dark gingerbread accompanied by roasted spiced pear and classic hokey pokey ice cream.

The Experience: Dunedin’s Creative Gathering Place

Beyond its food and tap selection, Moons operates as a creative hub with its dedicated gig guide and private venue facilities (+venue). Operating Wednesday through Saturday from mid-afternoon until late, and opening on Sunday evenings, it serves as a central destination for weekend socialising, live music performances, and casual dinners in Dunedin.

Signature items

• Moons Famous Burger
• Beef Bourguignon
• Smoked Salmon Pizzetta
• Blue Cheese Arancini
• Chocolat Cremino
• Spice Roasted Butternut

Menu

Sweets

• Chocolat Cremino — Whittakers chocolate hazelnut custard, vanilla ice cream, torched italian meringue, almond biscotti
• Rhubarb Brulee — Rhubarb and apple creme brulee, caramelised sugar top, sable biscuit (GF)
• Warm Gingerbread — Dark ginger cake, spiced roasted pear, hokey pokey ice cream, candied pecan (V)

Pizzetta

• Lamb Kofta Pizzetta — Spiced Napoli base, mozzarella, haloumi, lamb kofta, tzatziki dressing
• Salami Pizzetta — Romesco sauce base, salami, capers, black olives, anchovy and mozzarella
• Cauliflower Cheese Pizzetta — Cheese sauce, roasted cauliflower, artichoke, blue cheese, mozzarella, rocket leaves toasted almonds (Vegan option available)
• Smoked Salmon Pizzetta — Garlic cream cheese, smoked salmon, mozzarella, capers with pickled fennel and rocket salad, sorrel creme fraiche
• Margherita Pizzetta — Napoli tomato base, mozzarella

Featured Dishes

• Curried Fish Naan — Curried fish served on flat naan bread
• Butchers Pizzetta — House-crafted specialty meat pizzetta
• Valentines Baklava — Specialty layered sweet pastry
• Coconut Sago Custard — Sweet custard dessert crafted with coconut and sago

Mains & Large Plates

• Moons Famous Burger — 100% NZ Beef patty, locally cured bacon, house pickled sliced onion, house made mayo and spiced barbecue sauce, rocket, cheese on a house made milk bun
• Beef Bourguignon — Slow braise of beef with bacon, mushrooms and shallots in red wine sauce, with buttered mash, glazed carrots
• Big Business Salad — Smoked olives with creamed feta, artichokes, pickled beetroot and toasted pepitas, mesclun leaves, sherry vinaigrette and tortilla crisp (GF, DFO, VO; optional harissa grilled chicken)
• Spice Roasted Butternut — Roasted butternut pumpkin, chickpea and tomato cassoulet, seeded salsa fresca (GF, DF, V)
• Market Fish — Crumbed market fish, fried and served with house made rosti fries, fresh salad and loaded ranch (subject to availability)
• Side of Miso Glazed Vegetables — Side dish of vegetables glazed with miso

Small Plates & Bites

• Shoestring Fries — Served with truffle mayo (GF, DF)
• Crumbed Fried Gherkins — Five hot crumbed gherkins with mustard salt mayo (DF)
• Blue Cheese Arancini — Four blue cheese arancini with fig paste and parmesan
• Pulled Pork Croquettes — Slow braised pulled pork croquettes (3) served with mustard and parsley creme fraiche
• Bread and Spread — Hummus and house dips served with a selection of house made breads (DF, V)
• Cheese Plate — Cheese, chutney, crackers, house crisps

Frequently asked questions

Where is Moons located?

Moons is located at 286 Princes Street in The Exchange district of Dunedin Central, New Zealand.

What are the opening hours for Moons?

Moons is open Wednesday through Saturday from 3:00 pm until late, and on Sunday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Are there vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options available?

Yes, the menu clearly identifies gluten-free (GF), dairy-free (DF), and vegan (V) dishes, including gluten-free bases for pizzettas and vegan pizzetta alternatives.

Can I bring my own celebration cake?

No, Moons has a policy of no BYO cakes. However, celebration cakes can be arranged through their kitchen with advance notice by emailing hello@moons.nz.

Does Moons host live music or events?

Yes, Moons features an ongoing Gig Guide and has a dedicated venue space (+venue) for events and functions.

How do I book a table or enquire about private venue hire?

You can book or enquire by emailing hello@moons.nz for dining reservations, venue@moons.nz for venue hire, or by phoning (03) 262-1028.

Tips

• {"body":"Check the Moons gig guide ahead of your visit if you want to catch live music or local performances during dinner or evening drinks.","title":"Plan Around the Gig Guide"}
• {"body":"If you are dining gluten-free, all pizzetta flavours can be ordered on an optional gluten-free base.","title":"Try the Pizzettas with Gluten-Free Bases"}
• {"body":"Outside cakes are not permitted on premise, so contact the kitchen via email beforehand if you need a cake prepared for an event.","title":"Order Celebration Cakes in Advance"}
• {"body":"Moons is open from 3pm until late Wednesday through Saturday, making it a popular spot for both afternoon craft beers and late dinner.","title":"Reserve Early for Weekend Evenings"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Clear menu markings for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets; GF pizza bases available."}