The Best Places to Eat in Queenstown for Food Lovers
Surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges and glacial waters, Queenstown brings you the best of adventures and cuisines. Whether you’re planning a holiday or are a lucky local, there are plenty of places to eat in Queenstown that you must tick off. To save you some culinary planning time, we’ve put together a list of our favourite restaurants along with some popular menu picks.
Fine dining in Queenstown
Flame Bar & Grill
Location: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown
Flame brings you the best of South African Braai to Queenstown! Famous for their juicy ribs and steaks, there’s more to their fame than just grilled meat. From their creamy Mozambique prawns, skewered fragrant lamb and crispy buffalo wings, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s palate – and even the pickiest of food lovers! Oh, and make sure you book in advance, or you’d be looking to have a very late dinner as their waiting list is always full. Otherwise, you can avoid the wait and take the famous Flame platters home – order from their website for pick up.
Rata
Location: Te Nuku, 43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown
We would definitely recommend Rata if you’re looking for a local New Zealand cuisine experience, prepared with the freshest quality produce and ingredients that bring you the true flavours of the South Island. Lemon sole, Black Origin oyster blade, and Remarkable Fungi are some of the unique must-tries on the menu. Their menu is also always changing, so you’ll never know what’s cooking in the chef’s pot until you dine in – something very mouth-watering for sure.
Jervois Steak House
Location: 8 Duke Street, Queenstown
Discover one of the best restaurants in Queenstown, Jervois Steak House. Located within Sofitel, this renowned steakhouse offers perfectly cooked steak and lamb with style and authenticity. From the Signature Prime Rib, the Jervois cut eye fillet on the bone, the red king crab, and the oysters, it’s a fining dining experience with hearty food and exquisite wine from the region. Make sure you come with an empty stomach for a feast.
Family-friendly places to eat in Queenstown
Saigon Kingdom
Location: 88 Beach Road, Queenstown; 12 Hawthorne Drive, Queenstown
Let Saigon Kingdom bring your tastebuds on a tour of Vietnam. Serving traditional dishes like noodle soups Pho Bo and Pho Ga, you’d find all the most popular Vietnamese street food at this eatery.
Blue Kanu
Location: 16 Church Street, Queenstown
One of the most loved places to eat in Queenstown, Blue Kanu blends Polynesian and Asian cultures together to create their own ‘Polynasia’ cuisine that’s healthy, fresh, and exotic with ancient spices. Some of the favourites on the menu are the Fijian market fish Kokoda and the golden shrimp. If you’re not a seafood fan, then the ribs, jungle curry and the duck nachos are just for you. And who can say no to the amazing cocktails from their Hula hut style bar?
Yonder
Location: 14 Church Street, Queenstown
Inspired by their travels around the world, Yonder brings the best coffee, baked goods, sunny brunches, craft beer and cocktails to the table for every diet including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free. Whether you’re craving French toast, corn & jalapeno fritters, a beef bao, or something else to share, there’s a range of healthy and indulgent delights to pick from.
Stratofare Restaurant & Bar
Location: Skyline Queenstown, Brecon Street, Queenstown
Where would you find the best view of Queenstown with a sumptuous buffet dining experience? At Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar! With plenty of roast meats, seafood, sushi and salads, make sure you save some space for their desserts. Their pavlova is one of the best and most authentic desserts. Take the gondola ride up Bob’s peak and enjoy your meal over the breath-taking view of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables, and Cecil Peak. Don’t forget to book a window seat so you can watch the pink sunset in winter or the starry night sky in summer – they are definitely Instagram worthy!
Cheap eats on the go
Fergburger
Location: 42 Shotover St. Queenstown
Without a doubt, Fergburger has the best burgers in Queenstown, just look at the long queue that floods the footpath at peak hours. Our hint: make a phone order or go before the busy lunch hour to avoid the crowd. We love the classic Fergburger with blue cheese and fries, complemented with a cold thickshake. But if you’re around town for a couple of days, then you should make an effort to try as many burgers as possible on the menu – Southern Swine, The Bullseyes, Bombay Chicken, and Chief Wiggum are all popular picks.
Fergbaker
Location: 40 Shotover St. Queenstown (next door to Fergburger)
With Fergbaker right next to Fergburger, you’re pretty much sorted for breakfast, lunch, or any time you’re feeling a bit peckish. Whether savoury or sweet, you’d definitely find something delicious. Our favourite savouries are the Ferg & cheese pie and ham & cheese croissant, and for those with a sweet tooth, the almond croissant and Boston cream donuts are a must.
Fergbar
Location: 44 Shotover St. Queenstown (next door to Ferburger)
A newly opened bar by the Ferg group, Fergbar sits right next to the famous Fergburger. While you wait for your burger, get yourself a glass of their Signature Cocktails or a glass of their very own Ferg’s Gin. A pint of beer and plate of tapas to share makes the perfect combo after a long day of adventures in Queenstown.
Taco Medic
Location: 3 Searle Lane, Queenstown; 19 Grant Road, Frankton
Did you know that traditional Mexican tacos are made with corn tortillas? Taco Medic knows! Grab a fish or prawn gluten-free taco, or try their vegetarian and vegan options – we promise that meat-lovers will love these too! And if you can’t get enough of their tacos, good news for Aucklanders, Taco Medic has recently opened a branch on Ponsonby Road.
Desserts
Patagonia Chocolates – Ice Creamery & Chocolaterie
Location: 2 Rees Street, Cnr of the Mall, Queenstown
Famous for their chocolate, gelato, and other sweet offerings, be sure to make a quick stop to Patagonia Chocolates. Waiting time is around 10-15 mins at peak hours around 7-8 pm, but their ice cream and hot chocolate are worth the wait.
Thanks for much for reading up to this point! You must be a foodie like us. If you’re feeling a little hungry after reading this article and wanting to try these eateries for yourself, don’t wait, book your flight and accommodation now and you could be in Queenstown tomorrow.