Where to eat in Clyde: local favourites for lunch, dinner, and a good glass of Pinot
Clyde is small, historic, and quietly confident in its food scene. You can wander the stone streets, work up an appetite on the rail trail, then choose between long lazy lunches, proper dinners, and places that do a fantastic job of both. Here are the Clyde spots locals rate and visitors remember.
1. Olivers Restaurant
If you want one “special meal” in Clyde, make it here. Olivers is set in a heritage building and leans hard into seasonal Central Otago produce, with a menu that changes through the year. Expect beautifully handled local meats, clever vegetable dishes, and a wine list that makes choosing a bottle feel a journey down Central Otago wine roads and very much part of the fun.
Good for: date night, celebratory dinners, guests who love food and wine pairing.
Little tip: book ahead in peak summer and autumn.
2. The Old Clyde Bank
An excellent, relaxed bistro that celebrates the region’s ingredients in a more intimate yet informal way. The Old Clyde Bank describes itself as a “culinary paradise”, and its menu is always impressive (and the creator of much indecision!). Plus, there’s a scarcity about the place because they’re only open a few evenings a week. The warm, owner-led service is a highlight as is a strong Central Otago wine line-up alongside some global favourites if you’ve already overdone the pinot noir!
Good for: long lunches that drift into afternoon, groups, and anyone who wants a quality meal without fuss.
3. Paulina’s Tapas & Pizza Bar
A lively, welcoming spot in the heart of Clyde, that’s open seven days. Think share plates, pizza, and a buzzy atmosphere that works for families and friends alike. There’s a good amount of outdoor seating too Rock up post-work on a Friday and you might even find yourself amidst a traditional Kiwi meat raffle!
Good for: casual dinners, something easy after a big day outside, and sharing a few dishes over local wine.
Little tip: the 42-seat cinema next door (with it’s uber-comfy leather armchair-style seats) is owned by the same people and you can order-in for the movie from Paulina’s menu!
4. Post Office
Locally owned and set just off the main street towards the bridge, the Post Office is an easy all-rounder with an extensive menu and partially shaded garden. Big menu, good coffee, and a solid line-up of local wines and beers, the front part is heritage café more akin to a railway station. Open all day depending on your hunger pangs.
Good for: families, rail-trail riders, and anyone who likes lots of choice.
5. Dunstan House
A beautiful heritage hotel with a café and restaurant that’s open to the public on Clyde’s main street. The menu is versatile (think all-day brunch, fabulous salads, high tea, and a deliciously tempting selection of slices), and they cater well for dietary needs - you wouldn’t know their cheese scones are gluten free.
Good for: a decent lunch in a historic setting, or coffee and a slice in the sunshine.
Little tip: in the summer months, there’s often a musician playing from the first floor balcony on the weekends
6. Orchard Garden Café (between Clyde and Alexandra)
A garden café that feels like a little English country oasis in the basin. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday for coffee and lunch - the food is delicious and I think they make the best cheese scones in town!. This is a cute stop if you’re driving between towns or cycling the Otago Central Rail Trail - there’s a gorgeous tree-lined avenue between the trail and the car park.
Good for: brunch or lunch on a scenic drive or combined with a Rail Trail meander.
Little tip: no booking needed for small groups, but arrive early on sunny weekends.
7. A note on timing
Clyde is popular in summer, autumn, and during rail-trail season. If you’re planning dinner out from December through to March, it’s worth locking in a reservation earlier in the week (even locals struggle to have spontaneous dinners out in high season).
Staying at Kaihanu Lodge? We’re always happy to help with restaurant bookings or recommend the best time to go. We also offer a range of dining options including BBQ packs and hosted dinners.