A Dunedin institution since 1932, BEST Cafe is known for its classic, retro ambiance and a blend of classic Kiwi cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The story began with The Bon Cafe, opened by Mr. Peter Dalessi, who later sold it and opened an identical restaurant two doors down, naming it The BEST Cafe - the two establishments thrived side by side for years.
In the early 1930s, Patrick Collins moved from Invercargill to Dunedin with his wife Delia and their six children, purchasing The BEST Cafe as their family business. His son Kevin took over in the 1950s and transformed it into the seafood specialist restaurant it is today, converting the milk bar into a fish and chip takeaway and focusing the restaurant on seafood. The business always ran its own fish filleting and oyster opening room, a smokehouse, and a potato chipping area. Kevin and Frances retired in 1986 after forty years, selling to Mabel McCormick, who continued its traditions.
Today The BEST Cafe is owned by long-time friends Greg Hay and Andy Brinsley, both regular patrons during their university days, who purchased the cafe together to act as guardians of its legacy. The BEST Cafe has been recognised with a 2024 Good Food Guide Destination Badge and featured in Cuisine magazine in 2024, and it hosts live music and private functions in its retro dining room.
BEST Cafe has been a Dunedin institution since 1932, known for its classic, retro ambiance and a menu that blends classic Kiwi cuisine with fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The story begins with The Bon Cafe, opened by Mr. Peter Dalessi, who later sold it and opened an almost identical restaurant two doors down under the name The BEST Cafe - the two establishments thrived side by side for years.
In the early 1930s, Patrick Collins moved from Invercargill to Dunedin with his wife Delia and their six children, purchasing The BEST Cafe as a family business. After returning from WWII, his eldest son Kevin joined the business and took over in the 1950s, transforming it into the seafood specialist restaurant it remains today. He converted the milk bar into a fish and chip takeaway shop and focused the restaurant itself on seafood dishes, with his wife Frances and her mother Nessie O'Rorke running the waitressing services. In 1977 the takeaway shop closed so the family could concentrate on the restaurant, which was modernised in 70s style. The business ran its own fish filleting and oyster opening room, a smokehouse, and a potato chipping area, ensuring the freshest fish and best chipping potatoes were always set aside.
BEST Cafe has hosted generations of Dunedin life - rugby fans from across the lower South Island filling the tables before heading to Carisbrook during the big rugby days of the 50s, 60s and 70s; judges, juries and lawyers from the courthouse across the road on trial days; farmers in town for the wool sale; and even celebrities brought in by Dunedin's "Mr. Entertainment" Joe Brown, including Howard Morrison, Eddie Low, John Hore and the Irish Rovers.
Kevin and Frances retired in 1986 after forty years in the business, selling to Mabel McCormick, who continued its beloved traditions. Today, BEST Cafe is owned by long-time friends Greg Hay and Andy Brinsley, both regular patrons during their university days, who purchased the cafe together after a chance dinner conversation rekindled their fond memories of the place. They see themselves as guardians of a significant part of Dunedin's culinary heritage.
BEST Cafe is highly regarded for its fish and chips, battered oysters, fishy burgers, paua patties, coleslaw and bread and butter - fresh fish delivered daily includes blue cod, lemon sole, elephant fish, gurnard and tarakihi, alongside the signature Best Café Burger and a classic Fish Sarnie. Gluten free batter is available on request.
BEST Cafe regularly hosts local musicians for live gigs with a seated dinner, fully licensed and equipped with its own PA and mixing desk, hosting up to 80 guests seated or standing. The venue also caters private functions - birthdays, anniversaries, corporate events, retirement parties and reunions - for up to 80 guests reception-style or 55 for a seated dinner.
BEST Cafe is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30am to 8:00pm, at 30 Stuart Street, Dunedin.