Are you wondering about the best Queenstown restaurants? I’ve got you covered!
Queenstown, New Zealand is a foodies paradise with tons of options from cheap and cheerful to fine dining. In this blog I’m sharing my top 5 Queenstown restaurants you won’t want to miss during your next visit.
There are so many great places to eat in Queenstown and I’ve been working my through them during my frequent visits to this beautiful town (it’s a tough job but someone must do it).
This article focuses on restaurants, but I’ve covered a range of other food options including casual takeaways, like the famous Fergburger, to decadent desserts in my Queenstown top 15 best places to eat food guide.
After a day of adventure and exploration you’ll be spoiled for choice on where to refuel. Many restaurants use locally sourced fresh ingredients with menus that change with the season.
If you visited Queenstown before you already know how stunning the views are in this unique alpine region and restaurants are no exception.
You can choose dining options that have peaceful lakeside views to a spectacular bird’s eye view high above Queenstown and surrounding mountain ranges.
So let’s get to it, here are my top Queenstown restaurants that are worth considering during your next visit.
» Planning a trip to Queenstown? You might also like our comprehensive Queenstown travel guide to learn all the best things to do, places to stay and so much more.
Top 5 Queenstown Restaurants
1. Flame Bar & Grill
88 Beach Street
Flame Bar & Grill is our favorite place for dinner in Queenstown. We usually eat here at least a couple of times when we visit. They specialize in NZ & South African-style meat dishes, and their signature ribs are the best! I’ve tried several of their dishes and it is consistently good food every time.
They are conveniently located near the lake in Queenstown Center and a short walk from many of the popular central Queenstown accommodation options. As you approach the restaurant you’ll be greeted with mouth watering aromas and a warm modern ambiance. We’ve always had top notch service here as well. It can get pretty busy at peak dining times so a booking is recommended to ensure you don’t miss out.
Flame takes number one on our top 5 Queenstown restaurants for its signature food, warm ambiance and great service.
2. Rata
43 Ballarat Street
Rata is a fine dining restaurant centrally located on Ballarat Street and surrounded by native trees offering a tranquil backdrop. We dined at Rata for a special occasion meal and the food was excellent, fresh and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is modern and comfortable and we had great service.
Specializing in New Zealand cuisine, Rata uses fresh organic and locally sourced ingredients from the region. This really came through in the unique, well presented dishes that were light and flavourful. They also have an extensive wine list featuring some of the region’s best wines.
For top notch New Zealand cuisine in a warm vibrant atmosphere with exceptional service I highly recommend giving Rata a try.
3. Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
53 Brecon Street
The Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar is located at the top of Skyline Queenstown, the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest gondola. You can catch the gondola to the top from its base on Brecon Street. Perched high above Queenstown, the Stratosfare Restaurant offers a spectacular birds eye view over Queenstown.
Stratosfare is a buffet style restaurant with sitting times for lunch or dinner. Sittings are for 90 minutes and bookings can be made directly on the Skyline Queenstown website. There is a premium option which comes with a house drink and a table by the floor to ceiling windows showcasing panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains.
They also offer package deals that include the gondola and other Skyline activities such as the luge ride to really make a day of it.
If you are looking for something more casual, The Market Kitchen Café is also located at the top of Skyline and is the perfect spot to grab a coffee or light bite to keep you fuelled for a day of activities. It offers all the favorites including pizza, burgers, pies and more in a casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options complete with those stunning views.
The Stratosfare Restaurant makes the list for its spectacular views and bonus ride in the gondola to reach the restaurant location.
4. Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar
7-9 The Mall
Winnies Gourmet Pizza Bar is located right in the very heart of Queenstown and a great casual dining option. 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, soak in the sunshine and watch the people strolling through The Mall below.
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.
Winnies is an ideal choice for warm cozy vibes, awesome pizza and my winter favorite…mulled wine!
5. Public Kitchen & Bar
Steamer Wharf, Beach Street
Public Kitchen & Bar is the ultimate in casual lakefront dining. Perched on the wharf right alongside Lake Wakatipu it’s a great option to dine with friends and family. They offer sharing plates in various sizes made from locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce.
They have indoor and outdoor seating options making it a great option for all seasons and any weather. Cocktails hours and live music make for a fun atmosphere, great for socializing and enjoying great kiwi food.
Public Kitchen & Bar makes is one of the top Queenstown restaurants for its social atmosphere and incredible lakeside location offering stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.
Wrapping Up
From fine dining to cozy and casual, these are our top 5 Queenstown restaurants you won’t want to miss on your next visit. Queenstown has such a variety of dining options there really is something to satisfy every craving. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
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.