As New Zealand’s adventure capital and tourist hotspot there is no shortage of great places to eat in Queenstown.
We visit Queenstown often and enjoy sampling the variety of food on offer. With so many options we’ve put together this Queenstown Best Eats guide to help narrow down the selection. We’ve eaten at each and every place mentioned below (it’s a tough job but someone must do it) and these are the places we go back to most frequently.
We’ve included a mix of restaurants and cafes located in central Queenstown and Frankton, the two most popular areas for accommodation in Queenstown and generally near where most visitors will be staying.
From famous burgers to fine dining, decadent desserts and the best spot for coffee here are our top 15 picks for the best places to eat in Queenstown.
15 Best Places to Eat in Queenstown
1. Ma Boulangerie (Best coffee)
Location: Remarkables Park Town Centre, 2D/12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
Ma Boulangerie is an authentic french bakery located in Frankton. They have the best coffee and a selection of freshly made bread, pastries and sandwiches. Highly recommend their almond croissant.
It’s a take out establishment so there isn’t any seating inside. We also recommend getting there early to avoid a line out the door. Yes it’s that good!
2. Pantry by Frank’s (Best fresh donuts)
Location: Ground Floor, Wyndham Gardens Hotel, 32 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
Pantry by Franks is a cafe style bakery located in Frankton, offering a nice atmosphere with plenty of seating and a cabinet full of delicious food. They also have a breakfast and lunch menu as well as freshly baked goods on offer.
The coffee is good along with a cinnamon donut fresh out of the oven.
3. Odelay Café (Best for brunch)
Location: 10/5 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
Odelay is a comfortable cafe offering good food from locally sourced fresh ingredients. They have a selection of cabinet food in addition to a breakfast and lunch menu.
They are located near the airport with views out to the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. It’s a great spot for brunch before heading out to explore the Queenstown area.
We’ve always found the food to be fresh and delicious. You also have the option of ordering a half portion if you prefer a lighter meal.
4. Fergburger (Best burgers)
Location: 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300
Ok let’s just say it…Fergburger. If you’ve been to Queenstown, talked about Queenstown or read anything about Queenstown chances are you already know about Fergburger, Queenstown’s famous burger joint. It’s internationally known and visitors line the street to try one of these gourmet burgers.
The first time we visited Queenstown I was sceptical given the hype and we ended up at a different burger joint that was much less crowded and satisfied our tastebuds (more on that below). Later, I experienced a bit of FOMO so on the next visit to Queenstown Fergburger was a must try.
I needed to know for myself if it really is a good burger or just a tourist trap. Well…it was totally worth it and my expectations were high! So yeah, I definitely recommend giving the famous Fergburger a try for yourself. If you can go in between main meal times it may be a little less busy.
5. Fergbaker (Best pies)
Location: Next to door to Fergburger
Next door to Fergberger is Fergbaker and they have the most delicious pies. If you’re a fan of pies then we highly recommend you try one! We’ve tried several different flavours and they are all good.
If you’re not in the mood for a pie, don’t worry, they also have an assortment of freshly baked pastries, wraps and sandwiches.
6. Devil Burger (Good burgers without the line)
Location: 5/11 Church Street, CBD, Queenstown 9300
Another great option for a good burger and a favourite amongst the locals. We ended up here after skipping the queues at Fergburger and left very satisfied. It has an edgy but calmer atmosphere than Fergburger but can also get busy during peak meal times.
They have a nice range of gourmet burgers from beef, chicken, lamb and even venison to fish and vegetarian options. They were cooked well, full of flavour and the ingredients were fresh.
Their sides were also very good. We especially liked the magic mushrooms which are whole button mushrooms crumbed and fried to perfection with an aioli dipping sauce. So yum! Portions are generous so bring your appetite.
7. Balls and Bangles (Best gourmet donuts, shakes & bagels)
Location: 62 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300
A fun and vibrant café specialising in sweet treats and bagels. My sweet tooth could not resist trying one of their Instagram worthy specialty freak shakes. I also really rate their bagels. They are my go to lunch to stock up on for hikes.
They have a full menu of hot and cold bagel sandwiches you can choose from or just the simple bagel and spread of your choosing. Their donuts are insane with so many unique flavour combinations to choose from. Truly a work of art.
8. Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar (Best pizza and atmosphere)
Location: 7-9 The Mall, Queenstown 9348
Located right in the mall with a cozy atmosphere, good pizza and my favourite…mulled wine! Winnies is an iconic institution known for their gourmet pizza by day and a place to let loose by night. The exposed brick and functioning fireplace creates a relaxed and cozy atmosphere in winter.
There is also a rooftop area which is a great spot to sit and soak in the sunshine. The evenings are transformed into a lively atmosphere with DJs and dancing. We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere. Highly recommend trying one of their gourmet pizzas.
9. Flame Bar & Grill (Best ribs)
Location: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
The best ribs and a place we go back to whenever we are in Queenstown. Their dishes focus on NZ & South African style meat dishes and they are known for their signature ribs. I’ve tried several different dishes here including the fish and they deliver every time.
Good service and consistently delicious food right in the heart of Queenstown. It does get busy so I would recommend making a reservation so you don’t miss out. The ribs are some of the best we’ve had!
10. Rata (Best fine dining)
Location: Te Nuku, 43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown 9348
Rata is a fine dining restaurant offering modern New Zealand cuisine and wine menu, conveniently located in the centre of Queenstown. It’s surrounded by native trees creating a relaxed and tranquil backdrop. We dined at Rata for a special occasion meal and the food was excellent, fresh and cooked to perfection.
Rata is a bit pricier compared to the other places I’ve mentioned and more upscale. The atmosphere is modern and comfortable, and we had great service.
My only comment would be that the tables felt a little too close together. That may have been down to the particular area where we sat which was a table for two.
If your after top notch New Zealand cuisine in a warm vibrant atmosphere with exceptional service then definitely give Rata a try on your next visit to Queenstown.
11. Saigon Kingdom (Best Vietnamese)
Location: Two locations – Steamer Wharf in central Queenstown and 12 Hawthorne Drive, Frankton
For deliciously authentic Vietnamese we highly recommend Saigon Kingdom. Try the lemongrass vermecelli and pho, both are delicious. We also really enjoyed the saigon summer rolls.
Saigon Kingdom offers a nice atmosphere, delicious food and good service.
12. Remarkable Sweet Shop (Best selection of sweets from around the world)
Location: 23 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
I hope you saved room for dessert! Set up like an old fashioned candy store with sweets from around the world, this cute little shop in the heart of Queenstown is worth a visit. And my goodness the fudge! They make handmade fudge in an assortment of flavours which you can sample to help with your selection.
If you’re a fan of aniseed I highly recommend trying the liquorice sherbet bombs. If you’re pressed for time and can’t make it to the Queenstown centre shop, don’t worry, they have a little store in Queenstown airport as well.
13. Patagonia Chocolates (Best artisan chocolates)
Location: 2 Rees Street, Queenstown 9300
Patagonia Chocolates is located right across from Lake Wakatipu in the heart of Queenstown. If you happen to be visiting in the cooler months their hot chocolate is the best! Visiting in summer, no problem, they have a great selection of award winning ice cream and sorbet in the the most delicious and unique flavours to choose from.
Their handmade artisan chocolates on offer are great in any season. Perfect to bring home as gifts, and always a big hit.
Tip: Patagonia Chocolates also has a shop in Arrowtown if you’re planning a visit to this cute little town.
14. Pedro’s By The Lake (Best tapas)
Location: 50 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
The perfect location right by Wakatipu lakefront. It’s a great place to sit outside with a coffee or mulled wine and watch the people go by.
Specialising in Tapas it’s also the ideal place to grab some friends for a great meal in one of Queenstown’s most idyllic locations.
15. Blue Kanu (Best unique fusion experience)
Location: 16 Church Street, Queenstown
The Blue Kanu is a fusion of Asian and Pacifica style cuisines in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The dishes may be a little different but the food is absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect place to try something new and enjoy a unique food experience.
If you’re up for trying something a little different, this is a food experience you won’t want to miss. The flavors are incredible!
16. Three Sixty (Special mention for best cocktails)
Location: 93 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300
Best cocktails
Located inside the Crown Plaza Hotel is the Three Sixty Restaurant. We didn’t try the food but I am giving them a mention for their awesome bar service and cocktails. After a long day filled with activities we stopped in for a quick drink before heading up to our room and had the best time interacting with the bar staff and sampling new cocktail creations.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a round up of our Queenstown best eats. There truly are so many options it can be overwhelming trying to choose where to eat. I hope this helps you narrow down some of the amazing places to try during your visit.
Travel Planning Guide
🚗 Where should I book my rental car?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.
🚐 What about a campervan?
Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic, which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.
🎟 Where should I book my tours?
Tours are a great way to experience New Zealand’s top attractions while learning about the area and culture through local guides. We always use Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best tours.
🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?
For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.
🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?
For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com.
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.