Queenstown has got a vibrant dining scene, allowing visitors to get a real good taste of New Zealand’s fresh local produce, seafood and meat. Wondering where to eat in Queenstown? Go stroll around the charming city centre and the options are plentiful. Here are some Queenstown restaurants you will definitely want to check out when your belly starts to rumble, including 1 incredible restaurant in nearby Arrowtown:
1. Fergburger
When travelling in New Zealand, you probably have already heard about the famous ‘Fergburgers’ on South Island – You just got to come down to Queenstown and order one of these babies to know what all the fuss is about. Staying in Queenstown? Even better! You can come here more than once and try out several burgers on the menu. Don’t be surprised if you have to line up! This place is probably the most popular food hot spot in town! In fact, eating a Fergburger is more like a ‘thing to do in Queenstown’ rather than a place to eat. Want to skip the line? Come here late in the evening, before diving into the nightlife of adventurous Queenstown.
Must-try dishes: Ferg Deluxe Burger
Fergburger
Address: 42 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Contact: +64 3 441 1232
Opening hours: 8 am – 5 am
2. Atlas Beer Cafe
In the mood for steak, chips and cold crafts beers? Atlas Beer Cafe is the place to go! This friendly crafts beer bar has got an easy-going ambience with a fireplace and lovely views of the lake. They serve up some pretty decent bar food. It is right here at Atlas Beer Cafe you can get a bite of the best steak in town. Atlas Beer Cafe opens at 10 am in the morning for breakfast and they stay open till late at night. Locals, expats and holidayers come here for the cosy ambience and the affordable food cooked freshly on premises. This bar-and-restaurant is located in the back of a Steamer Wharf and it is also a cool place to come for crafts beers and snacks.
Must try dishes: steak and a pint of Atlas crafts beer!
Atlas Beer Cafe
Address: Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown Town Centre 9300, New Zealand
Contact: +64 3 442 5995
Opening hours: daily from 10 am to 2 am
3. Rata
For authentic New Zealand Cuisine in the centre of Queenstown, overlooking ancient trees and historical buildings, head over to Rata. This modern eatery is inspired by New Zealand and their excellent chefs cook with fresh organic products from local farms following sustainable farming practices. The goal of Rata Restaurant in Queensland is to take all the guests on an unforgettable food adventure. It is celebrity Chef Josh Emett taking you on this journey, and you can be sure it will be a thrilling one! Pair up with the perfect wine (they’ve got an extensive wine list from the region and beyond) and you’re all set for a perfect fine dining experience in Queenstown.
Must try dishes: slow-cooked lamb rump
Rata
Address: Te Nuku, 43 Ballarat St, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand
Contact: +64 3 442 9393
Opening hours: every day from 12 pm – 11 pm
4. Botswana Butchery
Another high-end restaurant pick is Botswana Butchery. Yes, the price is quite steep, but the experience is so worth your money! Keep this one for a special evening out! Your chef is Vicky Wong, Hong Kong born and raised with years of cooking experience trained under chefs at the Mandarin Oriental. This lakefront restaurant is chic and sophisticated with log fires inside and outside. Influenced by the Asian, French and New Zealand cuisine, Botswana Butchery in Queenstown promises a unique gastronomic journey ahead. Tantalising cuts of meat, melt-in-your-mouth seafood, grilled fish, you’ll have a hard time deciding on what to pick for your meal! They’ve got a dedicated wine cellar, too, with 1800 bottles of excellent wines. Waiters are very knowledgeable and friendly and desserts are also superb!
Must-try dishes: Cardrona Merino High Country Lamb
Botswana Butchery
Address: 17 Marine Parade, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Contact: +64 3 442 6994
Opening hours: every day from 12 pm – 11 pm
5. The Bunker
The Bunker is not only a great restaurant but also a live music venue hidden away at the end of an alley in the centre of Queenstown. Dimmed lights, cosy and sophisticated, this restaurant features Kiwi and European cuisine made with local produce. You are in for a lovely rustic fine dining evening out. Guests have given plenty of praises for the staff here, so don’t hesitate to ask for their help and recommendations!
The Bunker
Address: 14 Cow Lane, Queenstown, New Zealand
Contact: +64 3 441 8030
Opening hours: 5.00pm – 4.00am. Dinner Reservations 6.00pm – 10.00pm
6. The Grille by Eichardt’s
At The Grille Eichardt’s, you get unique, authentic tastes of New Zealand’s South Island. All dishes on the menu are created by executive chef Will Eaglesfield. This modern and stylish lakefront eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, cooking and grilling fresh local meat, fish and veggies to perfection. To make the most out of those lake views, come here for lunch and enjoy the bistro New York style setting, the friendly services and the tasty food.
Must-try dishes: everything chargrilled
The Grille by Eichardt’s
Address: 9 Marine Parade, Queenstown, 9300, New Zealand
Contact: +64 3 441 0444
Opening hours: Every day from 7.30 am to 11 pm
7. Bespoke Kitchen
For a healthy, organic breakfast, brunch or lunch, pay a visit to Bespoke Kitchen. This trendy cafe is all about healthy, raw and real food presented beautifully. Bespoke Kitchen is located in a quieter area of town and it features lovely views of the bay and the Remarkables Mountain Range. Pancakes, porridge, granola, smoothie bowls, egg benedict with free-range eggs, soup, house fries, are you getting the idea? This is a great spot to recharge and get your healthy energy fix for the day. Bespoke Kitchen also serves the healthiest juices as well as chai lattes and kombucha and they’ve got plenty of vegan options on the menu. Love it!
Must-try dishes: pure gold smoothie bowl with mango, banana, pineapple and turmeric | Vegan benedict.
Bespoke Kitchen
Address: 9 Isle St, Queenstown, 9300, New Zealand
Contact: +64 3 409 0552
Opening hours: 7.30 to 5 pm
8. La Rumbla Arrowtown
Ranked #1 as best dining venue in Arrowtown (a quick 20-minute drive from Queenstown), La Rumbla is a tapas restaurant and it is all about sharing at this place. Inspired by the late-night dining and street culture of Catalonia in Spain, the menu is influenced by the cuisine of Spain, the Mediterranean and Latin America. La Rumbla is colourful, lively and lovely with beautiful murals, delicious food, a great atmosphere and excellent wine and cocktails. A great place to come with a group of friends or your family – it’ll be a lovely dining experience and very unique, unlike any other restaurant in Queensland!
Must-try dishes: fried NZ calamari, patatas bravas and basically everything on the menu!
La Rumbla
Address: New Zealand, 54 Buckingham St, Arrowtown 9302, New Zealand
Contact:+64 3 442 0509
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 4 pm till late
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