Fugue St Clair

24 Esplanade, St Clair, Dunedin 9012, New Zealand
+64 3 242 3069
$$$ Cafe , Restaurant
(127 Reviews)

If you find yourself on the picturesque Esplanade in St. Clair, Dunedin, make sure to stop by Fugue St Clair, a delightful beachfront cafe that's quickly earning a reputation as a culinary treasure. With its inviting atmosphere and a menu that expertly blends innovative twists with local flavors, this cafe is the perfect spot for both casual brunches and intimate dinners.

The ambiance at Fugue is warm and welcoming—an ideal backdrop for the tantalizing dishes that grace their menu. Whether you're craving a sumptuous breakfast or a beautifully curated dinner, this cafe delivers an experience that's hard to forget. Guests have raved about the originality of the breakfast selections, with standout dishes like their homemade rosti/hash browns, which one reviewer describes as "to die for." It's easy to understand why returning guests keep coming back for more!

The menu brims with fresh, mouthwatering options—a build-your-own gourmet platter lets you choose from choices like the delicate Scallops or the vibrant Black Tiger Prawns, paired perfectly with their exquisite sauces like Pomegranate Jus or Mint Pea Puree. Vegetarian options are equally enticing; the Cheese Selection with house-made relish and pickled vegetables offers a delightful taste of local ingredients. And let's not forget the Plant & Dairy selections, which tempt the palate with unique flavors such as the Gochujang Butter and Pinoli Pine Nut Cream Cheese.

For those seeking an elevated dining experience, Fugue St Clair’s attention to detail is evident not just in the dishes, but also in their service. Patrons like Elaine Hipkins commend the team for providing both attentive and friendly service, turning a meal into a memorable occasion. Couples have found it to be a wonderful spot for date nights, thankful for the staff's recommendations on portion sizes and food pairings. The cafe's relaxed vibe along with its breathtaking ocean views make it a splendid choice to unwind and enjoy good company.

Fugue St Clair isn’t just a cafe; it’s a whole experience, where each visit offers something cherishable. Whether it's the rich scent of freshly brewed coffee greeting you in the morning or the visually stunning plates of gourmet seafood served up for dinner, this cafe is about crafting memories along with delicious food. So when you're next in Dunedin, treat yourself to a meal at Fugue St Clair—it's not just eating out; it's savoring the moment right by the beautiful shores of St. Clair.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Small plates
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

,

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

127 Reviews
Julie Ward

01 Oct 2025

Wonderful breakfasts, original twists on the classic breakfast menu. The homemade rosti/hash browns were to die for, it's worth going just for them! After dinner there a couple of nights ago (the best I've had in forever!) this breakfast feast did not disappoint! Love the place!

Elaine Hipkins

15 Sep 2025

This is honestly one of the best meals we have had in nz. Such a great beach front cafe/restaurant . Food was amazing but the best part was the service,,we loved.

Matthew Wallis

12 Sep 2025

It has taken us awhile to get round to visiting Fugue as we didn’t like the previous cafe at this site but we have been blown away with how fantastic the food and service was. This is a real treasure and we will definitely be returning soon. All the food is fresh and made from scratch. The salmon was define and I the bread in my eggs Benedict was very moorish.

Jack Wynne

20 Aug 2025

We went here for a date night to try something new, and we are so glad that we did. The restaurant has a lovely feel to it, and very friendly service from the staff. Happily explaining how it all works here, and roughly how much to get for 2 people. The food is a build your own gourmet platter. (which explains why the food prices seem low) You get a wide variety of small servings of some of the most delicous food in Dunedin. Going to be bringing people back for sure, and telling anyone who will listen! Thank you Fugue!

STEK TAN

10 Aug 2025

A very nice place for breakfast facing the ocean. Portions are large and tasty. The big breakfast was nice with alot of variety. Coffee is decent too. Was surprising quiet though.

Monique Beaumont

06 Aug 2025

I love this restaurant! I feel like it's a hidden gem in Dunedin. This evening was our fourth visit and once again we had an exceptional meal. We love the sharing platters and the delicious variety of food. The owners are absolutely lovely. We 100% recommend this place

Therese Manning

10 Jul 2025

Try the gastronomic delights of FUGUE St Clair its the real deal. Eggs Benne was a dream, creamy delicious with perfect runny eggs. The staff were delightful, courteous, funny and quick! Made the trip out to the beach again the morning we were leaving Dunefin. It was the day of the PINK concert and even though the place was mental we snaffled a table for 3 as someone left. I wasn't disappointed, staff were frantic but never missed a beat. The atmosphere in the cafe is friendly, easy going and unpretentious.

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