Best Restaurants In Queenstown New Zealand (Cafe’s, Brunch, Fine-Dining and Cocktail Bars)
For a relatively smaller city, Queenstown is a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide range of delicious restaurant options to suit every preference. In fact, one of my favorite things about Queenstown is the food!
I have spent quite a bit of time in and around Queenstown – it’s the perfect launching point for some incredible adventures, including Milford Sound (my favorite place on earth). That also means I’ve explored many of the best restaurants in Queenstown New Zealand and I’m sharing my menu notes with you!
Here are some of the best restaurants in Queenstown to try during your next visit!
Best Coffee In Queenstown
If you’re looking for the best coffee in Queenstown NZ look no further! Queenstown has some stellar cafe’s, in my opinion, and there’s something on this list for every traveler.
The Boatshed Cafe
The Boatshed Cafe is located just outside of town heading towards the airport and has some of the best coffee in Queenstown. They also offer a great breakfast menu.
Marmolada Cafe
Stop by Marmolada Cafe and try their matcha latte! This is a great place to spend the morning and offers an airy coffee house vibe.
Bespoke Kitchen and Vudu are also some of the best coffee in Queenstown, and are included on my brunch recommendations below!
Brunch In Queenstown NZ
Do not sleep on brunch in Queenstown! There are some knock-out options to choose from. If you’re looking for a sit-down, relaxed brunch in Queenstown head to Bazaar. Or, if you’d prefer a counter service option with delicious food try Bespoke Kitchen or Vudu Cafe.
Bazaar
Bazaar is located in the Rydges Hotel and is one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. I also really enjoyed my hotel stay here, too, but that’s besides the point. This is a great brunch in Queenstown to add to your list even if you’re not staying in a room here. They offer a breakfast buffet, or you can order off the menu.
Bespoke Kitchen
At the base of the Luge is Bespoke Kitchen, and it was one of my favorite brunch places in Queenstown. The food is incredible, fresh, and they have a great outdoor space. This cafe is from the same creators as Vudu – another great spot for breakfast.
Vudu Cafe
Located in the heart of Queenstown, Vudu offers a vibrant atmosphere, with a diverse and creative menu to match. The restaurant is famous for its all-day breakfast, featuring dishes like eggs benedict and pancakes with a unique twist. I also enjoyed a lighter breakfast of chia pudding. Vudu also offers an array of lunch and dinner options, including salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes.
The restaurant uses locally-sourced and organic ingredients wherever possible, and caters to a range of dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Best Lunch Queenstown NZ
There are a variety of options for lunch in Queenstown, including many of the restaurants on this list for best brunch or dinner restaurants in Queenstown. These are a few additional options!
Erik’s Fish & Chips
Erik’s Fish & Chips is a great lunch spot for traditional Kiwi fish & chips – and they also offer gluten free options! They’re located near the lake, so consider take out so you can enjoy your lunch by the water.
Public Kitchen & Bar
Public Kitchen & Bar is another one of the best Queenstown restaurants for lunch, and it’s right on the water. Try the braised beef cheeks, roasted fish, or delicious baked pork belly. They’re also open for dinner, but I highly recommend a reservation because they get really busy in the evenings.
Best Restaurants For Dinner In Queenstown
When it comes to best restaurants in Queenstown for dinner you have choices! If you only have a few nights in town I recommend prioritizing Fergberger and Blue Kanu.
Nest Kitchen & Bar
Nest is a great option for fine dining in Queenstown. They have wonderful water views, a comprehensive wine list from local New Zealand wineries and menu highlights include wagyu bavette and spiced cauliflower kofta.
Blue Kanu
Blue Kanu is one of my favorite restaurants in Queenstown. The vibes here are incredible. It’s a great mid-priced option serving Pacific and Asian fusion menu choices. We arrived without reservations and were able to sit at the bar right away. This is also a great option for cocktails (I think it’s one of the best espresso martini’s I’ve ever had) and it’s centrally located in town.
Pedro’s House of Lamb
New Zealand is known for their lamb, so you should definitely make time to check out Pedro’s House of Lamb on your trip to Queenstown. They slow-roast they’re locally sourced lamb for hours and I recommend trying the slow roast lamb shoulder.
Rata
Rata is a cozy and contemporary New Zealand upscale dining experience. It’s renowned for its locally-sourced ingredients and unique flavor combinations. The duck is highly raved about and one of Rata’s top dishes.
The Bunker
The Bunker is a fine-dining restaurant located in the heart of Queenstown, and specializes in premium meats and seafood, paired with an extensive wine list.
The Stratosfare Restaurant
The Stratosfare Restaurant is located at the top of Skyline Queenstown, which means it has some of the best views of Queenstown and The Remarkables. The draw here is the scenery, and while the food is good, it’s not something I’d rave about unless it were paired with views.
Botswana Butchery
With a prime waterfront location, Botswana Butchery is known for its upscale ambience and exceptional meat dishes, including its signature 1kg ribeye steak.
Amisfield Winery & Bistro
A short drive from Queenstown in Arrowtown, Amisfield Winery & Bistro offers a farm-to-table dining experience, featuring seasonal produce and wines from their own vineyard.
Madam Woo
For a taste of Malaysian street food, head to Madam Woo, which offers flavorful dishes like nasi goreng and crispy pork belly.
Best Burger Queenstown
Fergburger should be on your must-do list for visiting Queenstown NZ. It’s a popular burger place for a reason! The prices are modest and the servings are huge. I skipped this on my first trip to New Zealand and that was a mistake I was sure to remedy on my second trip! They also offer vegan options.
Pizza In Queenstown
The Cow has very cozy vibes and delicious pizza and pasta. The rustic tavern is a great ambiance for a quiet dinner with friends, and it’s centrally located so popping into another bar for an after-dinner drink is convenient. Gluten free options are available.
Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza Bar is a fun night out. It features pizza, a live DJ and dancing. I recommend the cranberry and brie pizza. They also serve delicious cocktails and have a full bar.
Italian Restaurants In Queenstown
Giovi Fine Food is a hidden gem and arguably the best Italian restaurant in Queenstown! They serve pasta, pizza and gelato for dessert.
Best Queenstown Bars
There is such a variety of Queenstown bars to suite any evening itinerary. I recommend starting your evening with a low-key vibe at The Bathhouse or Blue Kanu before venturing over to Barmuda or World Bar for dancing.
World Bar
If you’re in the mood to dance World Bar is a great bar in Queenstown to have a wiggle on the dance floor! This bar caters to a younger crowd and gets quite lively after dark.
Barmuda
Conveniently located near most of the Queenstown hostels, Barmuda is a great place to meet up for a round of drinks before exploring the rest of Queentowns nightlife. It gets louder at night (which isn’t really my scene), but it was the perfect place to make some new friends before exploring the rest of the bars in Queenstown.
Attiqa & The Sundeck Rooftop Bar
Attiqa was recommended to me by a local and did not disappoint! They have great live music and a rooftop deck. With it’s low-key vibe this is a bar the locals prefer, and is a great place to meet new friends.
Blue Kanu
If you’re looking for craft cocktails and an eclectic vibe then Blue Kanu is a great Queenstown bar to start your evening. They make one of the best Espresso Martini’s I’ve ever had. Blue Kanu gets my vote for best cocktail bar in Queenstown NZ.
Harry’s Pool Bar
Harry’s Pool Bar is a great local hangout and a great place to meet up with friends, shoot some pool and have a low key night out. It’s a fun “dive bar” vibe and a cool way to meet the locals.
The Bathhouse
The Bathhouse is a rustic little restaurant sits right on Lake Wakatipu and you can drink Veuve while the sun sets and you bury your toes in the sand. It’s a perfect way to end a busy day of adventuring. I loved this restaurant so much I visited almost daily during my last trip to New Zealand.
Gluten Free Queenstown Restaurants
- Fergburger – must be ordered gluten free
- The Cow – gluten free pizza available
- Erik’s Fish & Chips – gluten-free options including calamari rings and pineapple fritters
- Vudu – offers a variety of gluten free options for brunch or lunch with take-away choices, too
Vegan Queenstown Restaurants
- Fergburger – vegan options on menu
- The Cow – vegetarian pizza available
- Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza Bar – offers vegan pizzas
- Vudu – has many vegan and vegetarian choices on their menu
Tipping In New Zealand
Tipping in New Zealand isn’t a common practice, nor is it typically expected. However, in Queenstown, where tourism and hospitality play such a big role in the local economy, tipping has become more common in recent years. You’ll probably spot tip jars on café counters around town. Personally, I believe that great service deserves a little extra, but I also understand that New Zealand can be a pricey destination. I recommend tipping when you can—it’s always appreciated!
