Description
Big Lizard
A buzzing Vogel Street cafe serving thoughtful brunch, lunch, and cabinet food in Dunedin's warehouse precinct.
About Big Lizard
Big Lizard is a cafe on Vogel Street in Dunedin's creative warehouse quarter, opened by the team behind the much-loved Side On cafe. The name is new but the DNA is familiar — generous portions, inventive flavours, quality coffee, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than you planned.
Set in a character-filled space with high ceilings and an industrial-meets-cosy fit-out, Big Lizard draws a crowd of regulars from across the city. It's become a go-to for Saturday brunch, midweek lunches, and the kind of cabinet food that disappears well before closing time.
What to Expect
The Menu
Big Lizard's kitchen works with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The menu changes regularly but always delivers on flavour and substance. Expect creative twists on brunch classics — think slow-cooked proteins, house-made condiments, fresh greens, and dishes that feel considered without being fussy. The cabinet food is a standout: filled rolls, salads, slices, and baked goods made fresh daily.
Coffee
Great coffee is non-negotiable here. Big Lizard serves specialty-grade beans with care and consistency — flat whites, long blacks, and filter options for those who want to slow down. The baristas know their craft and the output is reliably excellent.
The Space
Vogel Street's warehouse aesthetic is part of the appeal. Big Lizard makes the most of its setting — exposed brick, natural light, and enough space to breathe. There's seating for groups as well as solo diners, and the atmosphere is warm without being noisy. Dog-friendly outdoor seating too.
Why Locals Love Big Lizard
For many Dunedinites, Big Lizard fills the gap that Side On left — and then some. The team brings the same commitment to quality and hospitality that earned Side On its cult following, applied in a new space with fresh energy. The Vogel Street location puts it at the heart of one of Dunedin's most interesting precincts, surrounded by studios, galleries, and independent businesses. It's the kind of cafe that feels like it belongs exactly where it is.
Get in Touch
- Address: 22 Vogel Street, Central Dunedin, Dunedin 9016
- Website: biglizard.co.nz
