Seasonal Ingredients and Local Flavours: Behind Grand Casino’s Menu

When you think of a night out at the casino, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the thrill of the tables, the clinking of glasses, and the buzz of anticipation. But there’s another experience that’s just as exciting—what’s being served on the plate. At Grand Casino in Dunedin, dining is more than just a side note. It’s an experience that celebrates the richness of New Zealand’s seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you’re a returning guest or planning your first visit, the food at Grand Casino is a reason to stay a little longer. In this blog, we'll take you behind the scenes of the casino's kitchen to show how local flavours shape the menu and why it matters to diners who value freshness, quality, and a strong connection to the place.

The Role of Seasonal Ingredients in the Kitchen

Every season brings something new to the kitchen. At Grand Casino, the chefs build their menu around what’s in season—making sure you get ingredients at their freshest and most flavourful.

Here’s why this matters:

• Seasonal vegetables are picked at peak ripeness, giving dishes better texture and taste
• Local fruit is used when it’s naturally sweet—no need for extra sugar
• Fresh meat and seafood are easier to source responsibly when they’re in season

Because the menu changes throughout the year, there’s always some new great food to try. In summer, you might enjoy a light seafood dish with zesty citrus. In winter, expect slow-cooked meats with hearty root veg. The result? A dining experience that’s always fresh, never repetitive.

This approach also cuts down on food miles, so it’s a win for the planet as well as your plate.

Why Local Ingredients Matter at Grand Casino

What sets Grand Casino apart from other restaurants is how closely it works with local suppliers. Whether it’s a farmer just outside Dunedin or a seafood provider along the Otago coast, each ingredient is carefully selected for quality and freshness.

Here are a few examples:

• Fish and seafood are often caught locally, meaning they go from ocean to kitchen in a matter of hours
• Lamb and beef come from trusted South Island farms with high welfare standards
• Cheeses, yoghurts, and creams are sourced from regional dairies with a reputation for excellence

This approach isn’t just about supporting the local economy—it ensures traceability, reduces environmental impact, and keeps flavours honest. When you eat at Grand Casino, you’re tasting the best of what New Zealand has to offer.

Top Dishes You Must Try at Grand Casino

At Grand Casino Dunedin, dining is more than just a meal—it's an experience that celebrates the best of New Zealand's seasonal produce and local flavours. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to highlight the freshest ingredients, ensuring each dish tells a story of the region's rich culinary heritage. Here are some standout dishes that showcase the essence of Kiwi cuisine:​

Manuka Hot-Smoked Akaroa Salmon

Sourced from the pristine waters of Akaroa, this salmon is delicately hot-smoked with native manuka wood, imparting a subtle, smoky flavour that enhances its natural richness. Served atop a horseradish-spiked potato salad, the dish is complemented by a soft-boiled egg, crispy salmon crackling, and capers, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. It's a dish that pays homage to New Zealand's coastal bounty. ​

Rigatoni of Braised Venison Ragu

This hearty dish features tender venison, slow-cooked to perfection and tossed with rigatoni pasta. The ragu is enriched with red wine, cranberries, and a hint of chocolate, offering a depth of flavour that's both comforting and sophisticated. It's a modern take on a classic, showcasing the robust flavours of New Zealand's game meats. ​

Roasted Leelands Lamb Loin

Celebrating one of New Zealand's most iconic meats, this dish presents succulent lamb loin, roasted to highlight its natural flavours. Accompanied by celeriac purée, celeriac crisps, and a plum chutney, it's finished with a rich madeira jus. The combination of sweet and savoury elements creates a balanced and memorable dining experience. ​

Seared Scallops with Kimchi and Miso Butter

A fusion of flavours, this dish pairs perfectly seared scallops with sautéed kimchi and edamame, all brought together with a luscious miso butter. Topped with a nori crisp, it offers a delightful interplay of textures and a nod to the diverse culinary influences present in New Zealand cuisine. ​

Chef's Pie of the Day

A comforting classic, the Chef's Pie of the Day features a flaky pastry crust encasing a hearty filling that changes regularly, reflecting the freshest seasonal ingredients available. Served with whipped potatoes and buttered greens, it's a dish that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Kiwi dining. ​

How Grand Casino Values Kiwi Culture Through Our Dishes

At Grand Casino, the food isn’t just something you eat between games—it’s a way to experience Kiwi culture on a plate. Every dish on the menu is a nod to the flavours, traditions, and ingredients that define New Zealand’s rich food scene. This is what sets casino dining here apart from the rest.

The Grand Casino menu is carefully built around seasonal ingredients and inspired by what’s grown, raised, or caught in the region. But it goes further than that. The kitchen team isn’t just sourcing fresh produce—they’re telling stories through food.

You’ll taste this in the use of:

• Native herbs like kawakawa or horopito, which bring a unique local twist to sauces and marinades
• Game meats and seafood that reflect the country’s rugged land and rich waters
• Classic ingredients like kumara, manuka, and Central Otago fruit, used in ways that feel both familiar and elevated

Even the wine list reflects Kiwi pride, with bottles from local vineyards matched to the flavours on your plates. It’s thoughtful, it’s intentional—and it gives every meal a sense of place.

This approach is about more than just local ingredients. It’s about showcasing who we are as New Zealanders. The result? The result is a menu that not only tastes good, but also feels right. Whether you’re visiting from across the street or across the world, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for what makes dining in New Zealand truly special.

When you sit down to eat at Grand Casino, you’re not just enjoying top-quality food. You’re experiencing a celebration of Aotearoa, brought to life through every detail on the plate.

Experience a Dinner to Remember at Grand Casino Restaurant

At Grand Casino, dining is more than a meal—it’s part of the experience. With a menu shaped by seasonal ingredients and local flavours, every dish reflects the best of New Zealand’s South Island food culture. Whether it’s a casual night out or a special occasion, the warm service and carefully crafted plates make it memorable from the first bite to the last.

Ready to taste the difference? Book your fine dining table today and enjoy Kiwi-inspired casino dining that celebrates local produce, bold flavours, and a unique Dunedin atmosphere.