Eating in Queenstown isn’t the same as dining in other small New Zealand towns. Our population is unusually diverse. People visit Queenstown from around the world. They fall in love with the awe-inspiring setting and warm community, set down roots, and share their cuisine. From fine dining to hearty fuel, Queenstown embraces its multi-cultural influences.
There are over 150 bars and restaurants in town. Last time we counted, Queenstown had more than 25 different cuisines represented from across the globe, including regional specialties. Here’s a taste of the vibrant, international flavours you can experience eating out in Queenstown.
North American Dining
After a big day adventuring outdoors– nothing hits the spot quite like a big plate of down-home US cuisine. With American-style dining options galore in Queenstown, there are plenty of places to get your fix of fried foods, hot dogs and big juicy burgers.
For some of the best burgers in town, try the famous Fergburger. There’s also local favourite Devil Burger. Or sink your teeth into one of the incredible burgers at World Bar, known for its après-ski scene and good honest food.
French Cuisine
Left Bank Bistro is modelled on luxurious Parisian cafes. Currently open for brunch and lunch, you can start the day with croissant and charcuterie or a rustic omelette, or lunch on onion soup and an excellent glass of wine.
La Salon Rouge is a chic, indulgent space decked out in red velvet. They serve afternoon tea inspired by the French childhood tradition of le goûter, a snack served after school. Their evening menu has bistro classics such as oysters, baked camembert, and duck liver parfait.
Mexican Flavours
Queenstown has a choice of fun Mexican inspired eateries. Caribe Latin Kitchen has an excellent selection of well priced, flavoursome and generous proportions of traditional Latino cuisine with a kiwi twist.
Find Baja California on Beach Street Queenstown. Baja is a sunny, relaxed eatery where the flavours of Mexico are paired with excellent local produce like blue cod and crab.
Local favourite Margo’s serves up dishes like popcorn shrimp and nachos. They also have a big vegan selection, a great kids’ menu and a family-friendly vibe.
Italian Restaurants
For a taste of authentic Italian cuisine in Queenstown, head to Giovi in Frankton. Family-owned and operated, Giovi serves fresh Italian food and wine from the family vineyard in Italy. You can pick up homemade pasta to take home and cook yourself. If you're in downtown Queenstown, check out Farelli's by Giovi or Bianca by Giovi in Arrowtown.
Aosta and Little Aosta in Arrowtown bring northern Italian flavours to the region. Their kina pappardelle and risotto alla Milanese with local saffron is sublime. Also expect wood-fired grilled meats, sourdough pizzettas, and wines by the carafe. Bianca is a recent addition to the Italian dining scene in Arrowtown and represents the authentic flavours of Italy in every dish. Make sure you try their creamy pesto pasta next time you visit.
Bella Cucina on Breacon Street showcases simple fresh flavours. You’ll be warmed by the huge wood-fired oven as you walk through the door. For casual, rustic Italian dining and family style pizza and pasta, head to Farelli’s Trattoria on Steamer Wharf.
No.5 Church Lane is a relaxed Italian restaurant with flavours and comfort that feel familiar, even if the recipes are not traditional Italian.
The Cow has been serving up Italian food to Queenstowners since 1977. Expect Italian favourites, and vintage vibes with a pizza menu unchanged since opening day.
If you crave pizza, Winnies is a local legend, home to some of the biggest pizzas in town, with cocktails, DJs, and dancing later on. Fat Badger’s Pizza serves up huge New York style pizzas. While Mrs Ferg Gelateria serves 50 different flavours of gelato, all made right here.
Chinese & Korean Restaurants
Cody's Restaurant on Beach Street is an authentic Sichuan based seafood restaurant owned by locals with Chinese origin.
For heartwarming hand-pulled noodles and excellent dumplings, pop into King Made Noodles on Athol street. This is a little-known hidden gem that locals like to keep quiet.
For authentic Korean flavours, grab a table at I love Kimchi. This friendly restaurant on Shotover Street serves delicious kimchi dishes and Korean beer.
Japanese Restaurants
Queenstown has a number of good Japanese restaurants. If you love sushi and sake, you’ve come to the right place. NZs only sake brewer Zenkuro is based right here in Queenstown, so be sure to ask for this local drop to go with your meal. Local winemakers also recommend pairing Japanese food with Central Otago Pinot Noir, as the vast array of local Pinot
- Tanoshi serve donburi, ramen, bento boxes, Japanese tapas and delicious morsels cooked on the teppan grill. You can find them in Cow Lane or Five Mile.
- Tatsumi offers up a fusion of traditional Japanese flavours and contemporary cuisine in a cosy environment on Beach Street.
- Kappa Japanese Cuisine serves up Japanese staples executed with flair including perfect tempura, fantastic teriyaki chicken, and tangy pork cutlet.
- Goku Shabu Shabu serves Japanese hot pot dishes sukiyaki and shabu shabu made with thinly sliced meats, seafoods, and vegetables served in broth.
- For a fun night out with friends, gather around the Chef's Teppan at Hikari Teppanyaki as they grill up a mouth-watering feast in front of you.
- Kobe Cuisine at Millbrook Resort serves a contemporary interpretation of Japanese cuisine with seasonal sharing menus.
- Cave in Arrowtown serves Japanese tapas in a stylish space. Pair your meal with sake, wine, shōchū, or Japanese whiskey.
Indian Restaurants
There’s a wide selection of delicious Indian restaurants in Queenstown and Frankton offering authentic, flavoursome dishes.
- Centrally located on Beach Street, The Taj Indian Kitchen takes you on a culinary journey, serving premium Indian cuisine and street style eats.
- The Bull is dedicated to serving 100% pure vegetarian Indian food with vegan options.
- Dine at one of two Bombay Palace locations on Shotover Street or in Frankton. Bombay specialties include curries, kebabs and breads that melt in your mouth.
- Experience authentic Indian street food and Kiwi hospitality at Boliwood. Based on Shotover Street and in Five Mile Frankton they do great lunch specials.
- Mirch Masala Indian Eatery & Bar specialises in regional Indian cuisine, offering popular street style dishes and delightful mains.
- In Arrowtown, head to Mantra for fine Indian cuisine in an attractive space. The menu offers a diverse mix of traditional favourites and contemporary flavours.
SOUTH AFRICAN STYLE
A secret South African BBQ recipe wrapped around amazing ribs and steaks is what you'll expect to experience at Flame Bar & Grill. A restaurant that pride themselves on welcoming and enthusiastic service. The 'braai' style menu highlights include flame grilled ribs and boerewors sausages.
Not only is the food droolworthy but the views are also stunning over the Queenstown Waterfront.
Modern New Zealand Cuisine
Modern New Zealand cuisine celebrates our incredible bounty of fresh produce, with a focus on seasonality and innovation. There are plenty of fabulous eateries in the Otago region where you can try contemporary New Zealand dining at its very best.
Botswana Butchery is an atmospheric space lit by log fires. Dishes might include New Zealand green-lipped mussels, Southland rabbit and South Island whitebait.
The team at Rātā create innovative dishes starring the best of New Zealand’s produce from Marlborough salmon and Cloudy Bay clams to Otago lamb.
Amisfield is an organic winery and restaurant overlooking Lake Hayes. Dishes are made with vegetables, herbs, and meat sourced and foraged from the Queenstown area.
Malaysian and Asian Fusion Food
The Komunal Café in Frankton serves authentic Malaysian halal food. They’re known for their beautifully spiced, hearty, homestyle cooking and their friendly welcome. Popular dishes include Nasi Lemak, Chicken Rendang, Karipap, and Teh Tarik.
Fusion food favourite Madam Woo dishes up a contemporary take on traditional Malay hawker dishes. It’s a stylish, buzzy space to order shared plates with friends. Their duck hawker rolls, roti, and beef rendang curry are all local hits.
White + Wong's has an eclectic menu of classic street foods from China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. Don't miss their Peking duck pancakes, bang bang chicken salad, and soft-shell crab.
Polynesian Flavours
Polynesian influence is everywhere in New Zealand. Taste Polynesian flavours at Blue Kanu, where Polynesia and Asia collide in a style the owners call Polynasian.
Expect a fusion menu where Māori dishes like rēwana bun sit beside Fijian kokoda (raw fish salad) and Korean staples like bibimbap are created with wild Fiordland venison.
Thai Restaurants
Eating with friends or family in Queenstown? Thai restaurants’ fragrant, flavoursome dishes are great for feeding a crowd.
Upstairs on Church Street, @Thai Cuisine delivers deliciously authentic Thai cuisine and a friendly, fun atmosphere for the whole family.
My Thai Lounge is Queenstown's premier Thai restaurant. They combine Thai flavours and techniques with fresh New Zealand ingredients, served up with a great view of the lake.
Thai Siam Kitchen has set up a new location next to the Remarkables Park shopping centre in Frankton, offering tasty food for locals and visitors alike.
Experience more of Queenstown's culinary culture
If you're looking for more of the best places to eat in Queenstown, from hidden gems loved by locals to world-renowned restaurants, we've got you and your appetite covered with our award-winning food and drink scene.
