Queenstown, renowned for its stunning mountains, lakes, and nature walks, is also home to awesome restaurants catering to every palate. Queenstown’s culinary scene is diverse and abundant, from upscale fine dining to all-you-can-eat buffets and affordable eats.
Queenstown restaurants take pride in showcasing the region’s natural bounty. Whether you seek delicious international food or contemporary New Zealand fare made with the freshest local produce, choosing the best restaurant in Queenstown is impossible! Visitors will find loads of great options for singles, couples, and families to suit any mood and budget. Let’s explore the best restaurants in Queenstown.
Image Credit – Culture Trip
1. Botswana Butchery
Located in the historic Archer’s Cottage on Marine Parade, this popular restaurant exudes elegance and warmth, enticing guests to linger all night. With intimate fires and picturesque lake views, you’ll never want to leave. Enjoy the epitome of luxury as you savour exquisite food, ranging from the finest cuts of delicious wagyu eye fillet and slow-roasted lamb to an extensive seafood selection. Don’t miss the flash-fried New Zealand Paua with garlic and lemon! Visit Botswana Butchery for lunch or dinner and enjoy wine recommended from the restaurant’s exclusive cellar.
Image credit – The Queenstown Wedding Blog
2. Sherwood Queenstown
Step into a restaurant where great care is taken in every aspect of the culinary experience long before your food reaches the table. Located in the Sherwood Hotel on Frankton Road, the chefs hold a deep reverence for nature, sourcing ingredients from the organic kitchen garden and local growers and producers across Central Otago. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the ever-evolving seasonal menu brings the surrounding landscapes directly to your plate. To enhance your dining experience, select a main course and complement it with an array of tasty sides. The bar operates under a zero-waste principle, with an impressive 60% of its vino bottled in-house.
Image credit – sherwoodqueenstown.nz
3. Stratosfare Restaurant
The Skyline building on Brecon Street is a great spot to enjoy a day full of fun with plenty of activities for the entire family. Skyline’s activities and great food and beverage selection are unrivalled, allowing for consistent family entertainment.
Take the Skyline Gondola to reach Bob’s Peak. Here, you can indulge in a world of epicurean delights, starting with breakfast, brunch and lunch at the Market Kitchen Café. Later in the day, the buffet opens at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, serving delectable dishes from midday until late. As you dine, enjoy the captivating ambience of breathtaking 220-degree panoramic views. Afterwards, head to the Luge for some fast-paced fun and follow it with a walk around Skyline’s Loop Track.
Image credit – Skyline Queenstown
4. Margo’s
Meet Margo’s, the exciting new face of Mexican food in Queenstown. Its location on Ballarat Street boasts a vibrant and lively space where bold colours and unique decor set the stage for an intimate dining experience. Dine on masterfully crafted dishes brimming with authentic Mexican flair. From tantalising tacos to mouthwatering enchiladas and a great drinks menu, every bite and sip at Margo’s is a tribute to the gastronomic traditions of Mexico. Vegan options are available. ¡Provecho!
5. Fergburger
When it comes to an iconic Queenstown institution, Fergburger stands out as one of the city’s best restaurants. Located on Shotover Street, Fergburger has gained international acclaim for its legendary mouthwatering gourmet burgers. With a focus on quality ingredients, Fergburger has perfected the art of burger-making, catering to meat lovers and vegetarians. From the classic Fergburger with prime New Zealand beef to their Southern Swine burgers, every creation is a masterpiece. For those looking to unwind and enjoy a drink, plates to share or a vegan snack, Ferg’s Bar next door is the best place to begin your Fergburger experience.
6. Eatspace
Nestled in the heart of Queenstown on Camp Street, Eatspace is one of the top foodie destinations. This unique concept features international cuisines and fresh food experiences from brunch until late evening. Visit Casseta to savour delicious pizza, antipasti and pasta. Souvla entices with its delectable Greek street food like Souvlaki and Loukoumades. If you have a hankering for fresh seafood, make The Sushi Platter your go-to place. Head to Urban Botanica for renowned New Zealand wines and one-of-a-kind cocktails.
7. Blue Kanu
Blue Kanu on Church Street stands out as one of the best restaurants in Queenstown, with its unique fusion of Pacific Rim flavours and Asian influences. This restaurant offers a lively and contemporary setting, with friendly servers decked out in striking floral shirts. Asian cuisine with a twist is celebrated through the artful presentation of dishes – from golden shrimp and whole fish to duck nachos and ‘Polynasia’ tapa-style plates. Every meal showcases a harmonious blend of flavours, textures and spices.
8. Farelli’s by Giovi
Farelli’s Trattoria, located at the Steamer Wharf, transports diners to the charming streets of Italy. This authentic Italian restaurant prides itself on serving traditional Italian cuisine crafted with passion and expertise. Enjoy a delightful array of homemade fresh pasta dishes such as clam linguini, spaghetti bolognese and gnocchi carbonara, as well as wood-fired pizza and seafood. Every dish is made with love using the finest ingredients and is complemented by a great selection of Italian wines and attentive service.
9. Nest Kitchen & Bar
With its art deco-inspired setting, Nest Kitchen & Bar on Fernhill Road exudes timeless charm. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer captivating vistas of Lake Wakatipu, adding to its enchanting atmosphere. Diners will discover a menu crafted from foraged herbs, seeds and wild ingredients. Breakfast offerings include most of your favourite dishes, and for dinner, choose from a set three-course or degustation menu. The warm and inviting ambience sets the stage for a memorable experience, whether you’re enjoying date night or eating out with friends.
10. Jervois Steak House
This Queenstown restaurant on Duke Street takes pride in serving the finest cuts of meat, offering an unparalleled dining experience for carnivores seeking perfection. Enjoy a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere where the amazing aroma of sizzling steaks on the grill fills the air. Premium, locally- and internationally-sourced beef ensures that each cut is of the highest quality. Whether you prefer a juicy prime rib selected from 150-day grain-fed Black Angus or a mouthwatering 200-day grain-fed scotch fillet, Jervois delivers impeccable flavours cooked to perfection. Upgrade to a six-course dinner menu complemented by expertly selected wine pairings.
11. Tanoshi
Tanoshi is the 2023 Southern Lakes Hospitality Award winner and promises an unforgettable dining experience. Visit their location on Cow Lane or Grant Road, Frankton, where you’ll discover how the award-winning chef captures the essence of Japanese cuisine with artfully crafted dishes. A must-visit for lunch or dinner, diners can enjoy delicious sushi bowls, ramen, katsu don, gyoza, bento boxes and flavourful tapas dishes. Make sure you sample their extensive selection of sake and Japanese-inspired cocktails. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.
12. Momentos By The Lake
Immerse yourself in a delightful dining experience at Momentos By The Lake on Beach Street. Their menu features a delectable selection of dishes, including hot and cold tapas and their famous pulled lamb. Mouthwatering food, warm hospitality, and attentive service ensure every guest feels welcome and well cared for.
13. The Bunker
The Bunker is an exceptional fine dining establishment hidden down a back alley behind a rustic old wooden door on Cow Lane. The dinner menu showcases a fusion of contemporary and classic New Zealand flavours. Enjoy cosy fire-side dining as you taste meticulously crafted meals using the finest local and seasonal ingredients. From tantalising appetisers to exquisite mains and decadent desserts, the chef-inspired creations at The Bunker are a true delight for the senses.
14. Erik’s Fish & Chips
Indulge in a quintessential Kiwi experience at Queenstown’s Fish and Chip shop, where the beloved tradition of fish and chips is taken to new heights. Nestled near the waterfront on Earl Street, this iconic eatery invites you to immerse yourself in a chilled and laid-back atmosphere as you savour the combination of crispy battered fish and golden chips. But this isn’t just any fish and chips – Queenstown’s Fish and Chip shop takes pride in serving blue cod, a local speciality that promises an unrivalled taste. Don’t forget to pair your feast with their handcrafted kumara wedges, lovingly prepared to perfection.
15. The Grille by Eichardts
The Grille by Eichardt’s is located in Eichhardt’s Private Hotel on Marine Parade and takes a more sophisticated approach to fine dining. Locals and tourists are greeted with a warm welcome and a captivating ambience at this New York-themed bistro. As you settle into your seat, you’ll instantly be captivated by the breathtaking views of picturesque Lake Wakatipu. Make sure you try their double beef & blue cheese burgers, crispy pork belly or house-cured Stewart Island Salmon for a taste explosion.
