Our guide on where to eat in Queenstown
From budget-friendly to fine dining, Queenstown has the best restaurant scene in all of the South Island! So it was no easy feat putting a list together of our favorite places to eat in Queenstown. Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind burger or sushi so good people will make a reservation a year in advance, Queenstown restaurants will not disappoint your taste buds. So, in no particular order, our favorite places to fulfil those foodie dreams.
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See our top 10 favorite places to eat in Queenstown
1. Fergburger – Popular Queenstown Burger Restaurant
A Queenstown institution and a must eat in Queenstown, Fergburger tops many foodie bucket lists. Because of their long list of creative and exotic burgers, such as the Sweet Bambi made with Fiordland deer or the Codfather made with local Blue Cod, queues to get your hands on one of these incredible creations can be well over an hour.
But don’t let a queue scare you away; order over the phone in advance to skip the queue. Just beware of the food envy that is bound to come from those nearby.
- Cuisine: Hamburger
- Price: $13-$19
- Opening times: 8am-5am daily
- Address: 42 Shotover Street
- Contact: 03-441-1232
2. Vudu Café & Larder – Queenstown Cafe
An upscale café who is always drawing huge crowds, Vudu Café & Larder is a brunch-goers dream come true. With a cabinet food selection that would make even non-Instagrammers want to snap a pic, Vudu has something on the menu for everyone. Whether you’re after a cheeky flat white and a slice of carrot cake, or their crowd-pleaser smashed pumpkin – your taste buds are in for a real treat.
- Cuisine: Brunch and bakery
- Price: pantry items from $8 and meals from $18
- Opening times: 7:30am-4pm daily
- Address: 16 Rees Street
- Contact: 03-409-0625
3. Taco Medic – Mexican Food in Queenstown
Queenstown’s taqueria and the best place to grab a quick bite on a budget, the Taco Medic caters to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.
Their clever way of combining the fresh and vibrant cultures of both New Zealand and Mexico into one taco really is mind-boggling.
They source all their corn masa tortillas straight from Mexico, which also happen to be gluten-free. “The Bajaman” is one of their most popular choices, but for those who want a bit more indulgence, go straight for the “Mr. Nacho”.
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price: one taco for $8, two tacos for $16 and three tacos for $21
- Opening times: 11am-10pm daily
- Address: 3 Searle Lane
- Contact: 03-442-8174
4. Tatsumi – Japanese Food in Queenstown
Transporting patrons straight to Japan, Tatsumi is one of the best fine dining experience you can have in Queenstown. Many would argue that other than Japan, Tatsumi does Japanese cuisine better than anyone else in the world.
So it’s no surprise reservations book up months, or even a full year, in advance. If you do manage to snag a table, make sure to indulge in their sashimi platter and a sake bomb!
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Price: small plates from $22 and mains from $75
- Opening times: 4pm-10pm daily
- Address: 9 Beach Street
- Contact: 03-442-5888
5. Pedro’s House of Lamb – Queenstown Roast Shop
With only one item on the menu, Pedro’s House of Lamb is an absolute must for a classic Kiwi eating experience. Their lamb shoulder is cooked to well-balanced perfection – being both soft yet firm and tender but also juicy. To top the meal off, the side of potatoes baked with rosemary and garlic will really send your taste buds over the edge!
- Cuisine: Kiwi style roast dish
- Price: $50
- Opening times: 12pm-8:30pm daily
- Address: 47 Gorge Road
- Contact: 03-441-4562
6. Akarua Wines & Kitchen by Artisan – Queenstown Restaurant
A bit of a drive from Queenstown’s town centre, this cosy restaurant in an old cottage boasts both indoor and outdoor seating areas and a charming atmosphere.
Using only locally sourced ingredients and wine straight from their vineyard, Akarua certainly knows how to treat their guests.
There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than sharing one of their hearty cheese and meat platters paired with the perfect glass of Pinot Noir. They also have a “Little People” menu, so all ages are in for a real treat!
- Cuisine: European
- Price: antipasto from $18 and mains from $30
- Opening times: 9am-5pm daily
- Address: 265 Arrowtown – Lake Hayes Road
- Contact: 03-442-1090
7. Balls and Bangles – Donuts & Bagels in Queenstown
Handmade donuts and bagels – need we say more? Tucked in the corner of Church Street, Balls and Bangles offers one of the sweetest ways to treat yourself.
Whether you’re craving something sweet or savoury, Balls and Bangles has you covered. Always a crowd-pleaser is their hangover cure breakfast bagel, crème brûlée donut and the ultimate chocolate shake and peanut butter donut combo.
- Cuisine: Bakery and Dessert
- Price: desserts from $6 and combos from $12
- Opening times: 8am-9pm Sunday-Thursday + 8am-9pm Friday-Saturday
- Address: 15 Church Street Contact: 03-442-7999
8. Muskets and Moonshine – BBQ Restaurant in Queenstown
This place really is as cool as it sounds. An American themed restaurant whose owners are of the selected few that hold the secrets to the 6 hour BBQ ribs recipe, Muskets and Moonshine is completely inspired by the Deep South cuisine in the USA.
Meat eaters will fall in love with the rum steak and chocolate chilli sauce, while vegetarians and vegans will be delighted with their plant-based jambalaya. And while it’s no surprise moonshine is on the cocktail menu, the real hit is the daily espresso martini happy hour from 10-11pm.
- Cuisine: American BBQ
- Price: starters from $12 and mains from $32
- Opening times: 4pm-12am daily
- Address: 10 Brecon Street
- Contact: 03-442-4144
9. Pub on the Wharf – Kiwi Pub in Queenstown
This Queenstown restaurant offers a traditional Kiwi dining experience with amazing views of Lake Wakatipu. They have a strong reputation for being the best value in all of Queenstown, as they sit in a prime location in the town centre but with over $20 on their menu. With classics like fish pie or pork belly & beer, Pub on the Wharf will satisfy the needs of everyone in your hungry group!
- Cuisine: Classic Kiwi pub dishes
- Price: starters from $13 and mains from $20
- Opening times: 10am-2am daily
- Address: 88 Beach Street
- Contact: 03-441-2155
10. Amisfield Winery – Queenstown Winery
Amisfield Winery is the best place to splurge on a culinary experience. Not only do they have the best Rosé around, but their food is also next level.
With menu items such as zucchini on flatbread or their homemade donuts, Amisfield is one of the best food and wine experiences in Queenstown.
The best way to fully enjoy this dining experience is to go for the five-course “trust the chef” menu, in which your eyes and stomach alike will be equally delighted with each course that is served to you.
- Cuisine: European
- Price: antipasto from $15 and mains from $60
- Opening times: 12pm-8pm daily
- Address: 10 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road
- Contact: 03-442-0556
Are your taste buds already salivating for a dining experience in Queenstown? Check out our Queenstown holiday homes now and start planning your next food-filled trip!
