When it comes to eating out, Queenstown’s constantly evolving gastronomy scene is one to watch, and of course, enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful spot to refuel after a day full of activities or a fine dining establishment to celebrate a special occasion, our adventure capital has a whole host of world-famous restaurants in Queenstown that won’t disappoint.
I've done my due diligence (and by that, I mean seriously overindulged) to bring you this list, so without further ado, and in no particular order, read on for my pick of the best, must-visit restaurants in Queenstown.
Jump to:
- Fine Dining With Breathtaking Views
- Local Favourites
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Brunch And Breakfast Worth Getting Up For
- Restaurants With Stunning Wine Lists
- Sustainably And Locally-Sourced Dining
- Best International Cuisines In Queenstown
- Dining With Dietary Restrictions
Fine Dining With Breathtaking Views
The Grille By Eichardt's
9 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Image credit: The Grille By Eichardt's | Facebook
Part of the iconic Eichardt’s hotel, The Grille is one of the top restaurants in Queenstown with lake views—just steps from Lake Wakatipu with a seriously stunning outlook. Inside, it’s all stylish New York bistro vibes, warm service, and a menu packed with local flavour. From their legendary seafood chowder to chargrilled Otago meats, every dish is a standout. Want the full experience? Go for the ‘Taste the region’ set menu with perfectly paired wine.
Boardwalk
Level 1 Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Boardwalk | Facebook
If you're wondering where to eat in Queenstown, then head to the iconic Steamer Wharf and dine at Boardwalk, a restaurant that has been making waves on the Queenstown fine dining scene. With stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, it’s one of the top restaurants in Queenstown with lake views. From fresh-shucked oysters at the walk-up bar to beautifully plated seafood, local meats, and a full vegetarian menu, this spot has it all, topped off with a front-row seat to the majestic TSS Earnslaw gliding across Lake Wakatipu.
Nest Bar & Kitchen
139 Fernhill Road, Fernhill, Queenstown
Image credit: Nest Bar & Kitchen | Facebook
It may not be classed as fine dining, but it is home to breathtaking views. Perched high above town, Nest Bar & Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Queenstown with lake views—and what stunning views they are. This elevated gem serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu that changes with the seasons and is made from locally sourced produce from trusted farmers, growers, and fishermen. With a curated bar menu featuring local gins, Japanese whisky, and Central Otago wines, it’s the perfect spot to feast and soak up the scenery.
Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
Skyline Queenstown
Image credit: Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar | Facebook
For a meal with a view that’ll have your jaw on the floor, Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar is a Queenstown must-do. Perched at the top of the Skyline gondola, this buffet-style restaurant serves up global flavours alongside panoramic lake and mountain views. It's not fine dining, instead, the vibe is relaxed, the food is plentiful, and the setting is next level. Looking for the best things to do in Queenstown? Check out our guide here.
Local Favourites
Margo’s
26 Ballarat Street, The Mall, Queenstown
Image credit: Margo’s | Instagram
Step through the colourful archway at Margo’s and you’re instantly hit with a fiesta of flavour, colour, and good vibes. This Mexican-inspired gem is one of the top restaurants in Queenstown and is very popular with the locals. Dishing up soul food with roots across Mexico—think queso fundido, and coconut shrimp with Valentina mayo. Plus, many of the ingredients are imported straight outta Mexico, which explains why the food tastes so darn good! And let’s not forget the m word: margaritas. Their mixologists shake up wild, wonderful creations with Mexican Tequilas, Mezcals, and more. Add in street-art-covered walls, quirky decor, and electric energy, and you’ll be looking for excuses to stay all night.
Botswana Butchery
17 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Image credit: Botswana Butchery | Facebook
A Central Otago icon, Botswana Butchery is hands-down one of the best restaurants in Queenstown—and for good reason. Set inside the charming Archer’s Cottage, with crackling fires and lake views, it’s got that cosy-luxe vibe that makes you want to settle in for the night. The menu is stacked with standouts like wagyu eye fillet, slow roast lamb shoulder, and fresh local seafood (don’t miss the flash-fried NZ pāua with garlic and lemon). Pair it all with a drop from their 1800-bottle wine cellar and you’ve got yourself a dining experience like no other. Looking for a post-dinner tipple? Check out the best bars in Queenstown.
Bella Cucina
6 Brecon Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Bella Cucina | Facebook
Bella Cucina easily earns its place on this list of the best restaurants in Queenstown with its daily-changing menu, great vibes, and endless amounts of carbs. Whether you're on a romantic date, a solo foodie mission, or just craving the best pizza and pasta in Queenstown, Bella Cucina has your back (and your belly). Buon appetito, baby
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Budget-Friendly Eats
Fergburger
42 Shotover Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Fergburger | Facebook
If you’re looking for a spot to refuel after a big day of activities, or a big night out (I'm not judging) go straight to Fergburger. If you haven’t heard of this one, you may just be living under a rock, as it’s not only New Zealand’s but one of the world’s favourite burger joints and it’s right here in our backyard—and as such no self-respecting list of best Queenstown restaurants would be complete without it. Make sure you bring your appetite, as the burgers are no small feat, and with With Fergbaker, Mrs Ferg Gelateria and Fergbar right next door, you’ve pretty much got everything you could ever need in one spot.
Winnies
7-9 The Mall, Queenstown
Image credit: Winnies | Facebook
If you’re hunting down the best pizza in Queenstown, look no further than Winnies, a legendary pizza restaurant, where locals and tourists unite over gooey cheese and crispy bases. It’s one of those Queenstown restaurants that doesn't take itself too seriously, but still serves up seriously good food. With the motto first pizza, then party, you'll be in for a grand ol' time. Check out the best bars in Queenstown to continue the fun!
Brunch And Breakfast Worth Getting Up Early For
odd saint
1 Earl Street, Queenstown
Image credit: odd saint | Instagram
It’s all in the name… odd saint, is well, a little odd, and I'm 1000% here for it. This joint has just been nominated for Best Cafe in Queenstown for its day offering, so I'm pumped that the doors are now open in the evenings too. Co-owner and executive chef, Matt Tobin (of sister restaurant, Margo’s) and head chef Anton Walden are killing the game with a complete culinary adventure on offer—cajun spiced prawns, brekkie buns, and a chicken karaage roll to name a few. Pull up a seat inside the low-lit bistro or enjoy the heated garden courtyard, and order a cheeky cocktail or two.
The Bathhouse
38 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Image credit: The Bathouse | Facebook
If you're looking for the perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner spot where you're guaranteed a view, then look no further than The Bathhouse. Tucked right on the lakefront in the cutest little heritage building you ever did see, this gem serves up breakfast, brunch, and bites with panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. It’s easily one of the dreamiest Queenstown breakfast spots—serving classics with a nostalgic British twist, think a good ol' fashioned bacon butty with a side of jaw-dropping scenery. Check out the other Queenstown cafes here.
Restaurants With Stunning Wine Lists
Toast And Oak
15 Shotover Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Toast and Oak | Facebook
If you’re on the hunt for a great Queenstown fine dining restaurant, Toast and Oak is a total hidden gem. Tucked away on Shotover Street, this sleek spot delivers serious flavour with a menu that’s big on bold, seasonal ingredients and beautifully plated dishes. It’s quickly carving out a name for itself among the best restaurants Queenstown has to offer, and it’s easy to see why. Known as both a wine bar and restaurant, this spot guarantees top-notch wine. The wine list is extensive, but the goal is simple: ask questions, explore, and leave having tasted something completely new. Speaking of trying new things, why not explore some of the best bars Queenstown has to offer?
Amisfield
10 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Frankton, Queenstown
Image credit: Amisfield | Facebook
If you’re after a next-level dining experience, head straight to Amisfield. Voted the World's Best Chef Dining Experience at the Best Chef Awards 2024, Executive Chef Vaughan Mabee brings a touch of magic to every dish. The seven-course degustation is a must, showcasing Aotearoa’s native ingredients like paua, crayfish and kawakawa in ways you’ve never tasted before. It’s nostalgic, creative, and uniquely Kiwi. And, as Amisfield is an award-winning specialist producer of pinot noir and aromatic white wines, you’d be silly not to add the wine pairing to top off the experience—each wine perfectly matched and just as perfectly presented by the in-house sommelier.
Sustainably And Locally-Sourced Dining
The Sherwood
554 Frankton Road, Queenstown
Image credit: The Sherwood | Facebook
There’s something special about dining at a restaurant and knowing that so much care goes into every dish well before it reaches the plate. The Sherwood is a restaurant at the heart of sustainable practice, and with a mad respect for nature, not only does all of its produce come from the organic kitchen garden, local growers and producers, but 100% of its organic waste is returned to the kitchen garden. The ever-so-creative seasonal menu offers flavours, colours, and textures that reflect the current season, bringing the landscapes right outside the door to your plate.
If you need a thirst quencher, the bar operates under zero-waste principles too, with 60% of wine bottled in-house. Thoughtfulness goes well beyond the plate at Sherwood, and if I had to keep eating at one Queenstown restaurant again and again, this may have to be it.
Rātā
43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Rātā | Facebook
You can’t write a top restaurant list in Queenstown without including Rātā, it just wouldn’t be complete. The brainchild of legendary celebrity chef Josh Emett, this eatery is one I recommend everyone try at least once. The deliciously inventive menu, which changes daily, celebrates New Zealand in all its glory, from the freshest produce to locally sourced organic ingredients that are preserved, fermented, and dehydrated to bring the flavours of the south year-round.
Best International Cuisines In Queenstown
Blue Kanu
16 Church Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Blue Kanu | Instagram
With a vibrant blend of Pacifica and Asian cultures, Blue Kanu dishes up some of the best international cuisine in Queenstown. It’s all about fresh, flavour-packed soul food in a space as bold and colourful as the menu. Think tuna poke nachos, Korean fried chicken, Fijian seafood curry—and cocktails that hit just right. Whether you’re perched at the Hula Hut-style bar or soaking up the good vibes inside, Blue Kanu delivers a cultural feast that’s healthy, exotic, and totally unforgettable. No wonder it’s one of Queenstown’s best restaurants.
Tanoshi Teppan And Sake Bar
Skyline Arcade, Queenstown
Image credit: Tanoshi Teppan And Sake Bar | Facebook
Tucked away in Queenstown Mall, Tanoshi Teppan and Sake Bar is a cosy hidden gem and easily one of the best Asian restaurants Queenstown has to offer. Chef Tatsuhito Sasakura’s teppan grill menu is packed with flavour—from sashimi and crispy tempura to dumplings, skewers, and ramen that hits the spot. With warm, authentic service and a stellar sake and Japanese whisky list, it’s the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to.
Flame
88 Beach Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Flame | Facebook
Meat lovers, rejoice! Flame is bringing the heat in more ways than one. Using their very own secret South African BBQ recipes, this eatery is serving up some of the best sticky ribs and steaks in Queenstown and I can’t get enough. From the freshest seafood plates to burgers, vibrant seasonal salads, and their famous creamy Mozambique prawns (a serious must-try), there’s something to please everyone. Oh, and make sure to come hungry as their portions are generous, to say the least.
Dining With Dietary Restrictions
Yonder
14 Church Street, Queenstown
Image credit: Yonder | Facebook
Yonder is that effortlessly cool spot that nails breakfast, brunch, dinner, and cocktails. If you’ve got dietary restrictions, no stress, Yonder caters for all. It’s got that laid-back, slightly hipster vibe (in the best way), live music nights, and a menu that lets vegans, veggies, and meat-eaters all live in delicious harmony. From miso tacos to roasted cauliflower bowls, Yonder should be at the top of your where to eat in Queenstown list.
Want to dine further afield? Then head to Arrowtown and check out the best restaurants there. All that munching got you thirsty? Hit up one of Queenstown's best bars.
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Main image credit: The Dining Room | Supplied
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