The Local Bite / Filipino and local restaurant

35 Kelvin Street, Invercargill 9810, New Zealand
+64 3 218 3561
$$$ Cafe
(132 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to The Local Bite, a delightful Filipino café nestled in the heart of Invercargill at 35 Kelvin Street. This charming establishment is a must-visit for anyone eager to explore the rich and vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine, all while enjoying a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Local Bite is celebrated for its authentic dishes and quality coffee, seamlessly blending traditional Filipino flavors with local ingredients. Step inside and let the inviting aromas of sizzling garlic and savory spices envelop you. The menu features a range of popular offerings, with standout dishes like the Topsilog, featuring succulent beef paired with garlic rice and a fried egg, and the Pancit Palabok, a rich and flavorful noodle dish that's sure to tantalize your taste buds. Don’t miss their famous tilapia, which customers rave about for its freshness and exquisite flavor.

The ambiance is equally inviting—quiet yet cheerful, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal or a cozy coffee break. Patrons have described the café as having a “warm, welcoming vibe,” enhanced by the ever-friendly staff who are dedicated to providing excellent service. Customer Andrew Pirie emphasized the delightful transition from The Good Fix, noting the remarkable coffee quality that remains a highlight. Meanwhile, Dewi Putri greatly appreciated her delightful lunch of Pancit Palabok and Chai Latte, further showcasing the café’s ability to cater to diverse tastes with warmth and skill.

As you enjoy your meal, you might be lucky enough to be served by the lovely mother/owner, as mentioned by Harirewa Tairaki, whose passion for quality shines through in every dish. The café operates daily until 5 PM, and they even accept bookings beyond regular hours—making it a great option for evening gatherings or special celebrations. Customers like MJ Cagande have emphasized that a visit to The Local Bite is not just about the food, but an enriching experience that reflects the heart and soul of Filipino hospitality.

Whether you're a local or just visiting Invercargill, The Local Bite is not to be missed. With its inviting atmosphere and delectable offerings, it promises to be a highlight of your culinary exploration—all are welcome to come and enjoy every exquisite bite!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves happy-hour food
Serves organic dishes
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

132 Reviews
Andrew Pirie

09 Oct 2025

Authentic and well presented Filipino food and great coffee. Great to see a new foreign cuisine restaurant keep up an authentic menu. I was pleasantly surprised to see the excellent coffee carry over through the change from The Good Fix. Quiet place, friendly staff, I enjoyed the Topsilog!

dewi putri

19 Sep 2025

Tried a Filipino restaurant for lunch and loved everything about it! I had the pancit palabok and a chai latte — both were absolutely delicious. The noodles were rich and flavorful, and the chai was a perfect cozy touch. The place had a warm, welcoming vibe, and the staff were super friendly. Can’t wait to come back next time to try their famous tilapia! ????????

Harirewa Tairaki

02 Sep 2025

Absolutely beautiful meal! Great quality & big quantity Also lovely service from the beautiful mother/owner. I can tell both owners are hard workers

MJ Cagande

13 Aug 2025

Everything is good for me. The food and service is above and beyond. If ever you’re in Invercargill, do not forget to visit them. They also have coffee for those who want a coffee break. Open everyday until 5pm only. However, they do accept bookings after 5pm.

Anna Le Danois

04 Aug 2025

Really good we took scrambled and poach evh on toast it was cooked perfectly ! Nice people as well !

Lena Kleinhans

13 Jul 2025

I went here for lunch with my daughter, staff is lovely and friendly, food is delicious and perfectly spiced, atmosphere is light and warm. Feels like walking into a friendly family dinner, favorite place for lunch 100% reccomend.

Wahyuni Tjeu

09 Jul 2025

Delicious food & friendly customer service. Ordered fried fish with egg plants, okra and special Local Bite sauce from their specials. Big platter of pork ribs, well marinated and very satisfying. Great to see The Local Bite supporting other local businesses, such as this delicious custard pie from A’s.

Mez OBrien

25 Jun 2025

Really tasty Goto (Congee) with super soft delicious tripe and crispy pork pieces on the side. Tasty soup of the day and nice buffalo wings. Super friendly and helpful staff. Definitely want to go back and try more items from their authentic Filipino menu. Looking forward to returning soon.

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