The city is set to host four pool matches, including three involving the England team.
The Christchurch earthquake and decision to revise the match schedule had resulted in increased interest in Dunedin, Tourism Dunedin chief executive Hamish Saxton said.
Cafes such as Potpourri ("try its delicious apple crumble"), Governors ("catering for hungover students since 1977") and Strictly Coffee, with its "retro vibe", get glowing endorsements.
Other places mentioned include the Otago Polytechnic restaurant, Technique (a "bargain"), and Plato ("if you want to splash out"), where the visiting journalist sat near All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
Accommodation picks ranged from On Top backpackers to Larnach Castle's Camp Estate ("very expensive"), but "for a real treat stay at the St Clair Beach Resort, a new luxury hotel in a swanky suburb southwest of the centre".
"It was the best place I stayed in New Zealand by a big margin."
Those in search of the Dunedin nightlife were urged to check out ReFuel, Mou Very, upstairs at the Captain Cook Tavern and Chicks Hotel in the "bohemian Port Chalmers".
"Ash and the Matadors are an up-and-coming local band."
Tunnel Beach, the royal albatross colony and Taieri Gorge Railway also gain favourable mentions.
Mr Saxton said the article was just one from the dozens of visiting print and television media who have visited the city pre-World Cup.
Hosted by the regional tourism organisation, industry partners and Tourism New Zealand, media profiles offered the city a chance of maximum exposure and was cheaper than advertising.
To date, the city had hosted journalists from Britain's ITV, The Independent, Sunday Express, The Mail on Sunday, as well as Australian, Irish and Italian media.
Coverage had been overwhelmingly positive, with interest centred around the new stadium and what to see and do in the city, he said.
