Ziff's Cafe & Bar has been a fixture on Dunns Road in Otatara since December 2002, built on a simple idea: dining out should put the customer first. Tired of a restaurant scene drifting toward style over substance, the team set out to serve hearty, flavour-packed meals in generous portions, backed by top-notch service in a space designed for comfort rather than pretension. More than two decades on, that approach has turned a small 60-seat dining room into one of the busiest and most beloved spots in Southland, with multiple awards and a loyal local following.
The kitchen works with quality local ingredients - fresh Foveaux blue cod, local whitebait, seasonal Bluff oysters and tender steaks all feature - and the most popular dish on the menu is the Crispy Chicken Salad, loaded with crispy chicken, bacon, brie, avocado, cashews and aioli. Around it sits a full menu spanning brunch, hearty local favourites, small plates to share, a changing gourmet pizza, proper desserts and a dedicated kids' menu.
There is more than one way to enjoy it: a stylish indoor dining area, covered outdoor seating in lush surroundings, and a wraparound bar stocked with premium wines, beers, spirits and liqueurs. Families are always welcome, delivery is available through Uber Eats and Delivereasy, and gift vouchers can be purchased online or in store.
On Dunns Road in Otatara, a leafy corner of Invercargill, Ziff's Cafe & Bar opened its doors in December 2002 with a clear purpose: to create a dining experience that puts the customer first. At a time when the restaurant industry was drifting toward style over substance - where presentation often outweighed satisfaction - the team behind Ziff's wanted something more genuine: generous, flavour-packed meals, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and service that makes every guest feel valued.
More than two decades on, that philosophy still runs the room. The focus is simple, expertly prepared food made with quality local ingredients, served alongside a fully stocked bar - and it has worked. From a small dining room, Ziff's has grown into one of the busiest and most beloved spots in Southland, picking up multiple awards and, more importantly, welcoming back loyal customers time and time again.
Ziff's seats just 60 people, but every detail of the space, from the layout to the lighting, was designed with comfort in mind, creating something that feels both contemporary and timeless. That intimacy is part of the charm: it is a place for a casual lunch, a family dinner or drinks with friends - never pretentious, always consistent.
As the team puts it, over the years customers have voted with their feet by coming back many, many times. Guests regularly single out the service as well - one reviewer raved about pasta that was creamy, al dente and perfectly salted, travellers from Malaysia declared the seafood chowder and pizza of the day a bomb to their tastebuds, and another visitor called Ziff's the best restaurant of their entire holiday, praising the very fresh oysters.
The menu delivers bold flavours and generous portions, crafted using quality local ingredients. Seafood is a headline act: fresh Foveaux blue cod in a golden beer batter, local whitebait - in a sandwich or plated as a main - rich Foveaux Chowder, and seasonal Bluff oysters when available. Steak lovers are covered too, with a 300g sirloin served on baby spinach with roasted vegetables, mushroom ragout and red wine jus, or an open steak sandwich piled with caramelised onions, bacon and a fried egg.
But the most popular dish at Ziff's is a salad: the Crispy Chicken Salad, loaded with crispy chicken strips, belly bacon, brie, avocado, cashews and tomato on salad greens with beetroot relish and aioli. It is the dish regulars come back for.
Brunch is a big draw as well. The Otatara Special stacks beef sausage, bacon, hash brown, tomato, eggs and farmhouse relish on ciabatta, while Eggs Benedict comes with a choice of bacon, smoked salmon or mushrooms. Hearty local favourites range from John's Winter Hotpot - slow-braised meats in a pot pie - to Banger & Mash and lambs fry & bacon, and the Ziffs Gourmet Pizza changes daily, so check the specials board. Save room for the Bluff Gin & Lemon Tiramisu or the Biscoff Cheesecake, served with ice cream and candy floss.
Ziff's wears many hats. There is a stylish indoor dining area, covered outdoor seating where you can take in the fresh air and lush surroundings, and a wraparound bar for a drink or a light bite, with a wide selection of premium wines, beers, spirits and liqueurs. Small plates to share - pork and prawn wontons, spicy karaage chicken, mac and three cheese arancini - suit the bar stools nicely.
Families are always welcome, with spacious areas designed for comfort and a proper kids' menu featuring mini hot dogs, mac and cheese balls and bangers and mash. If you can't make it in person, Ziff's delivers through Uber Eats and Delivereasy, and gift vouchers can be purchased online or in store and used at any of their locations.
Ziff's Cafe & Bar is at 143 Dunns Rd, Otatara, Invercargill, and opens daily from 10.30am until late. With only 60 seats and a devoted local following, booking ahead is a smart move - reservations can be made online or by phone on 03 213 0501. The menu changes with the seasons and availability, so expect something new each visit.