A Folded South Island Dining Room

The interior of Refined Menu is conceived as a sculptural dining room, where paper-like architectural surfaces in alpine ivory and pale oak create a sense of calm and precision. The folded surfaces echo the tasting-menu spine, with overlapping planes that suggest layers of flavour and experience.

Natural daylight from George Street is softened by textured plaster and linen, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere at 41 George Street, Dunedin Central.

Material Palette

The Materials That Shape the Room

Alpine Ivory & Pale Oak

The primary surfaces are flat, paper-like planes in alpine ivory and pale oak, creating a warm, neutral backdrop that lets the food and people take centre stage. Alpine ivory is used for walls and large editorial fields, providing generous daylight. Pale oak appears in table surfaces and architectural panels, adding depth without heaviness.

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Glacier-Blue Glass & Manuka-Green Upholstery

Cool glacier-blue glass panels and manuka-green upholstery introduce subtle colour accents that reference the South Island landscape. Glacier-blue glass is used for dividers and caption overlays, never competing with food photography. Manuka-green chairs and banquettes provide a deep, natural contrast to the pale surfaces.

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Persimmon Ceramic Accents

Persimmon-orange ceramic details appear in tableware and small decorative elements, adding warmth and a handcrafted feel. The accent colour is used sparingly for actions and emphasis, echoing the brand's persimmon rule. Ceramic pieces are locally sourced where possible, supporting Dunedin artisans.

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Main Dining Room

An Asymmetric, Light-Filled Space

The main dining room is arranged asymmetrically, with tables set at varying angles to create intimate pockets while maintaining a sense of openness. Seating includes manuka-green upholstered chairs and banquettes, with pale oak tables that can be reconfigured for larger groups.

Large windows along George Street provide natural light during the day, transitioning to warm, low-level lighting in the evening. The room seats approximately 60 guests, with natural daylight supplemented by warm pendant lights.

Detail of a pale oak dining table with a persimmon ceramic plate and a folded alpine ivory wall surface

Private Dining & Bar

Distinct Spaces Within the Venue

Private Dining Room

A separate private dining room offers an intimate setting for small groups, with its own folded-paper ceiling detail and a dedicated service entrance. The room seats up to 12 guests and can be configured for boardroom or celebration styles. A pale oak feature wall with subtle embossing echoes the brand's folded-menu motif.

The Bar

The bar area features a glacier-blue glass counter and brushed-steel details, offering a relaxed space for pre-dinner drinks or casual dining. Bar seating is upholstered in deep merlot leather, adding a touch of evening sophistication. The bar menu includes a selection of New Zealand wines and signature cocktails, with seating for 8 stools.

A real physical blackjack table inside Refined Menu with a professional dealer and adult guests playing face-to-face

The Real Casino Inside

A Warm, Material-Rich Extension

Beyond the dining room, Refined Menu houses a real physical casino with genuine poker, roulette, and blackjack tables. It is designed as a warm, material-rich extension of the evening, not a separate virtual product. The casino area features gaming-felt green surfaces, merlot leather edges, and low, wide table geometry that subtly shifts the folded architecture.

Adult guests participate face-to-face with professional dealers, creating an authentic, social atmosphere. The casino is physically connected to the restaurant, allowing diners to transition naturally from dinner to play.

Evening Atmosphere

From Daylight to Candlelight

As daylight fades, the interior shifts to a warmer, more intimate character. Pendant lights cast soft pools of light over tables, while the glacier-blue glass panels take on a subtle glow. The folded ceiling planes create interesting shadow patterns that change throughout the evening.

The casino area becomes more prominent, with the felt-green tables illuminated to invite play. Background music is curated to complement the dining experience without overwhelming conversation, supported by warm LED pendants with dimming control.

Design Details

Details That Reward a Closer Look

Folded Surfaces & Embossed Edges

Folded paper-like surfaces are used in the ceiling, wall panels, and even the bar front.
Embossed edges are highlighted with a 1px linen-white top line and a 1px alpine-stone bottom shadow, giving a tactile quality.
The effect is subtle, visible only when light moves across the surface.

Hairline Rules & Brushed Steel

Fine hairline rules in brushed steel and alpine-stone separate spaces and add a refined, architectural touch.
Hairline rules are used on table edges, menu boards, and as dividers between seating areas.
Brushed-steel details appear in light fixtures and door handles, providing a subtle metallic contrast.

Visit the Interior

See It for Yourself

The best way to appreciate the Refined Menu interior is to visit us in Dunedin. Join us for dinner and see how the space transforms from day to night. We are located at 41 George Street, Dunedin Central.

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Call +64 3 929 5846.

Make a Reservation