Cityscape of queenstown with lake Wakatipu from top, new zealand, south island
Queenstown, a small city on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is full of restaurants you’ll want to visit. Whether you’re skiing or going on a Lord of The Rings adventure, you’ll need some good food to refuel before heading out on your next outdoor adventure.
With cuisines from all over the world, the best places to eat in Queenstown have all put in some serious effort to win over the town’s 3.3 million annual visitors. That’s a lot of mouths to feed!
If you’re heading to the adventure capital of New Zealand, we’ve put together this list of the best restaurants in Queenstown so that when your stomach starts rumbling, you’ll know where to go.
If you’re not hungry now, you will be in a few minutes!
1. Fergburger
From wild Fiordland deer and N.Z. beef to tempura tofu and South East Blue cod, burgers don’t get better than they do at Fergburger. It’s no surprise then that you’ll usually find the line snaking down the street.
Fergburger’s incredible burgers are huge and will hit the spot when you need to refuel. It doesn’t matter what time you get hungry, because this place is open seven days a week, 21 hours a day.
There are few places we’d stand in a long line to eat at but patience is a virtue here. Wait your turn and soon you’ll sink your teeth into the best burger you’ve ever had.
2. Kappa
This Japanese restaurant is a local favorite that serves delicious sushi and local ingredients. The standards here are high, and you’re guaranteed a great meal whether you opt for a bento box or a bowl of udon noodle soup.
Kappa’s has a simple and non-ostentatious decor. You can tell they put all their effort into the food. Try prawn tempura, miso soup, or salmon sashimi and savor those wonderful flavors.
The wine list is also impressive, or you can go straight for the sake if you want to truly embrace the experience.
3. V Know
If it’s pizza you’re after, V Know will blow you away. Their pizzas feature mouthwatering meats with exceptional vegetables.
This restaurant serves up more than pizza. They also have a wide variety of local and international foods from N.Z. fish to Asian and Italian dishes. It’s not the cheapest place in town but the taste makes it worth paying for.
V Know has an outstanding wine list as well if you’re looking to try a new glass. Ask the waiter for a recommendation and remember to inhale that scent before you sip.
4. Ivy & Lola’s Kitchen & Bar
Right on Steamer Wharf, Ivy and Lola’s is a relaxed hipster restaurant that you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Queenstown. They specialize in seasonal local ingredients with a brunch menu that’ll have you set up for the day.
If you want to try the New Zealand delicacy of green-lipped mussels, there’s no better place than here. Choose your broth and tuck in. Dinner options are inspired by cuisines around the world, and you’ll struggle to choose with so many wonderful options.
The only solution is to come back again for more.
5. The Cow Restaurant
Dedicated to pizza and spaghetti, the chefs at the Cow Restaurant have got their dishes down to a fine art. You can find them on Cow Lane in Queenstown, although you could just follow the scents of fresh pizza until you arrive at their door.
Their menu might be short and simple, but every item is packed with flavor and you’ll get serious food envy when you look at the dishes on other tables around you. This is a great place to sample New Zealand’s craft beers, which provide the perfect pairing with a 14-inch pizza.
6. Botswana Butchery
When you’re looking for a restaurant with some serious style, Botswana Butchery on Marine Parade should be your top choice. This elegant restaurant serves an elegant lunch and dinner with local ingredients and beautiful presentation.
You’ll find local fish, lamb, goat, and rabbit on the menu, giving a full show of New Zealand’s finest meat. If the words ‘slow roast’ make you want to grab a fork, Botswana Butchery won’t disappoint.
The price reflects the restaurant’s incredible quality. If you need a venue to hold a special occasion, the Botswana Butchery is a great option. Check out the details of their venue space and others in the town.
7. The Bunker
Going to the Bunker feels a lot like entering a secret world because of its back alley location. The interior is warm and cozy, making it the perfect place to enjoy heavenly dishes and exceptional craft beer. On sunny days, the rooftop deck is a great place to enjoy your food and relax.
They like to call their style ‘rustic fine dining’ and bring local ingredients together with European dishes. From venison and beef to snapper and pork, there are plenty of options to choose between, but that’s okay because you can get another cocktail to help you decide.
The Bunker’s cocktail bar is a local favorite in Queenstown, and you won’t be disappointed no matter which drink you choose. The bar staff makes amazing cocktails. You can chill out in front of the roaring fireplace and plan your next day.
Enjoy the Best Places to Eat in Queenstown
If you were only planning on spending a couple of days in this lakeside town, you’d better extend your trip. There are so many outstanding places to eat in Queenstown that you need to make a concerted effort to get to them all.
Local seafood is a must while you’re here, but there are lots of local meats to sample too. Vegetarians won’t have a problem finding a delicious meal, and even the hungriest of skiers will fill up on Queenstown’s wide-ranging menus.
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