Esplanade

The story

Esplanade Italian Dining in Dunedin | Waterfront Pizzeria & Pasta Bar

The kitchen and the coast

Esplanade positions itself as a reliable hub for Italian dining along the Dunedin coastline. Drawing on operational experience from No7 Balmac, Piccolo Bar, and Sorella Gelato, the team treats every service as an all day affair. Fresh dough arrives from the wood oven while staff pour glasses of Central Otago pinot noir alongside local rosés. Guests frequently return for the relaxed pace and consistent attention to detail.

Handmade pasta and wood fired pizza

The kitchen favors straightforward Italian fare that relies on quality ingredients over heavy technique. House made chitarra combines clams and prawns with saffron and white wine, while osso buco ragu coats gnocchi in a rich tomato reduction. Pizza selections rotate between classic margherita and richer builds like the padrino, which layers sicilian pesto with ricotta and crushed pistachios. Every plate finishes with a deliberate balance of acid and fat.

Evening pours and dessert routines

As daylight fades, the bar shifts toward longer pours and structured cocktails. A negroni rests on Lighthouse gin and Cinzano rosso, while the limoncello mezcalita blends agave syrup with fresh thyme. Sweet endings arrive as either burnt lemon tart or flourless chocolate torte with orange zest. This steady rhythm of food and drink earned the venue recognition as a destination pick in the 2026 Cuisine Good Food Guide.