The Craic Irish Tavern — Restaurant in South Island

Venturing into The Craig Irish Tavern in Dunedin, New Zealand, feels like stepping into a realm where the essence of Ireland blooms in every corner. From the moment you enter, the warmth of a genuine Irish welcome enfolds you, promising an experience that’s as heartening as it is memorable. The staff, with their attentive and jovial service, ensures that every guest feels like part of the family, making the ambiance not just inviting but unmistakably lively, in true Irish fashion.

The culinary journey here is nothing short of spectacular. Each dish, meticulously crafted, is a testament to the tavern's commitment to culinary excellence. The food is not just delicious; it's a visual feast, beautifully presented, capturing the essence of traditional Irish cuisine with a modern twist. The flavors are bold and authentic, leaving an indelible mark on your palate, urging you to savor each bite slowly, to relish the harmony of tastes.

But what truly sets The Craig apart is the seamless blend of exceptional food and the unparalleled service. The staff's dedication to providing a memorable dining experience is evident in their every action, from the warm greetings to the thoughtful service throughout the meal. It's this combination of delectable cuisine and the staff's earnest hospitality that makes a visit to The Craig Irish Tavern not just a meal, but an event to cherish.

In essence, The Craig Irish Tavern is a gem in Dunedin, a place where the spirit of Ireland is alive and thriving. It’s where the food speaks of tradition and innovation, and the service exemplifies the warmth and cheerfulness of Irish hospitality. A visit here is to experience the true essence of Ireland, right in the heart of...

Absolutely disgusted at the way I’ve just been treated at The Craic. Was there for drinks for a mates birthday, (I’m posting this at 1:09am on 16/03/25), me and my mates got drinks and were vibing to the music when i decided to go to the bathroom, when i was approached by an older ish balding guy while waiting in the queue to the bathroom when he says to me “you have to leave” and I said why?I haven’t bothered anyone or done anything wrong and I’m just waiting in the queue for the bathroom”. He said the girl at the bar/counter maintains that I’m too drunk to be at the bar/in the club, at this point I stand my ground and say this is not true and I’m completely fine to be in the bar and that I just need to use the restroom, at this point the “security” or whoever this was this older baldish guy grabs me by my collar of my crew neck T-shirt and drags/shoves me past my friends and through the bar out to the footpath. I was absolutely appalled and disgusted at the way I was treated, I would like an explanation for this behaviour by the Craic as someone who has lived in Dunedin for over 13years and been to The Craic numerous times, I felt humiliated being shoved out like this. I cannot understand the reasoning for this other than “you’re too drunk”, I accept that I may have been a bit inebriated but these are bars that serve alcohol, this is something to be expected, but being kicked/shoved out of the bar for no concrete reason felt absolutely disgusting and humiliating. I hope no one has to go through this at The Craic. I personally will not be going...

Atmosphere only goes down a star because the walls make sound reflect a bit, which can't be helped. The overall vibe was calm and comfortable for out lunch stop. The service was top tier - both attentive and not hovery, but ready when needed - and the food was amazing. While I did pay $49 for a steak, it was legitimately one of the best I have eaten. The rib-eye was cooked to perfection and my preference, with a beautiful smooth flavour that lingered. The fries were an inch wide and half a centimeter thick, crisp and crunchy on the outside, but soft inside. They were not at all oily, and used a minimal amount of salt and oil to bring out the rich tastes. The salad was a delight, using the usual suspects like tomato and carrot, but outstripping other casual salads with the inclusion of fresh mung beans which made for a satisfying crunch. I ended up using the garlic butter mostly as a condiment to the chips rather than with the steak as I normally do. Absolutely...