Firefighters are battling a blaze inside a popular Bluff restaurant.

Emergency services were called to the Oyster Cove Cafe and Bar just after 3pm.

It's believed the fire started in a dryer in a laundry room although that has yet to be confirmed.

The majority of damage is at the back of the building, where the laundry and kitchen are.

Up to 30 people were in the restaurant at the time fire broke out.

All were evacuated without injury by co-owner Lynda Jackson.

The restaurant is at Stirling Point at the end of State Highway 1, which is a popular tourist spot.

Several fire appliances from Invercargill were deployed to the scene, supporting Bluff crew.

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