Quick answers — eating in Queenstown
- Best restaurant overall
- Amisfield Bistro
- Best value
- Flame Bar & Grill (NZD 70-120 / USD 45-75)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Steak & grill, Italian
- Dishes to try
- Fergburger's 'Big Al', Venison Pie, Green-lipped Mussels, Lamb Shank
- Booking window
- For the top fine-dining establishments, secure your table at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons or for weekend dinners, to avoid disappointment.
Booking well in advance, especially for dinner and weekend sittings, is highly recommended for top restaurants. The dress code generally ranges from smart casual to elegant, reflecting the upscale dining experience. Tipping is not customary in New Zealand but is appreciated for exceptional service. Dinner hours typically run from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Queenstown
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Amisfield Bistro
Acclaimed local fine diningModern New Zealand · Lake Hayes, Arrowtown · NZD 180-250 / USD 110-155
Vaughan Mabee
Nestled among vines, Amisfield offers a "Trust the Chef" degustation experience that celebrates regional produce with creative flair. Chef Vaughan Mabee's cooking is minimalist yet impactful, focusing on indigenous ingredients and innovative techniques. The stunning winery setting, with its rustic-chic interior and picturesque views, enhances the refined culinary journey.
Order: Trust the Chef Degustation, Central Otago Lamb
Rātā
Acclaimed local fine diningModern New Zealand · Queenstown CBD · NZD 140-180 / USD 85-110
Josh Emett
Co-owned by celebrity chef Josh Emett, Rātā offers a contemporary take on New Zealand cuisine, featuring premium local ingredients in a stylish, sophisticated setting. The menu draws inspiration from the country's diverse landscapes, delivering dishes that are both elegant and comforting. Its urban garden interior provides a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
Order: West Coast Whitebait Fritters, Southland Lamb
Bespoke Kitchen
Acclaimed local fine diningModern European/New Zealand · Queenstown Hill · NZD 80-120 / USD 50-75 (Dinner)
While renowned for its breakfast and lunch, Bespoke Kitchen also offers a refined dinner experience with a strong focus on fresh, seasonal, and often organic ingredients. The dishes are beautifully presented and flavourful, reflecting a commitment to quality and creative culinary execution. Its airy, stylish space provides a relaxed yet upscale dining environment.
Order: Free-Range Pork Belly, Locally Sourced Fish of the Day
The Bunker
Acclaimed local fine diningModern European · Queenstown CBD · NZD 100-160 / USD 60-100
Hidden down an alleyway, The Bunker offers a dark, intimate, and sophisticated dining experience with a focus on expertly crafted cocktails and modern European cuisine. The menu changes seasonally, prioritizing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Its speakeasy-style ambiance, complete with roaring fireplace, makes it ideal for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Order: Wild Fiordland Venison, Duck Confit
Steak & grill
Best steak and grill restaurants in Queenstown
Grill rooms are about sourcing and fire: ask where the beef comes from, how long it was aged, and order one cut to share rather than two on separate plates.
Botswana Butchery
Acclaimed local fine diningSteakhouse · Queenstown CBD · NZD 120-200 / USD 75-125
Botswana Butchery is renowned for its premium quality meats, focusing on Central Otago lamb and superb Wagyu beef, alongside fresh seafood. The atmosphere is luxurious yet unpretentious, with a rustic-chic interior and a magnificent lakeside setting. It’s a prime destination for an indulgent dining experience, celebrating the best of New Zealand's produce.
Order: Central Otago Lamb Rack, Wagyu Beef Fillet
Jervois Steak House
Acclaimed local fine diningSteakhouse · Queenstown CBD · NZD 100-180 / USD 60-110
Jervois Steak House is an iconic destination for meat lovers, offering an extensive selection of prime cuts sourced from New Zealand and around the world. The restaurant exudes a classic steakhouse charm, with a sophisticated and lively ambiance. Expertly grilled and accompanied by classic sides, the focus is on quality ingredients and masterful preparation in generous portions.
Order: Wagyu Ribeye, Eye Fillet with Truffle Butter
Flame Bar & Grill
Acclaimed local fine diningSouth African Grill · Queenstown CBD · NZD 70-120 / USD 45-75
Flame Bar & Grill brings vibrant South African flavours to Queenstown, specializing in expertly grilled meats and seafood. The atmosphere is lively and buzzing, with a focus on generous portions and a warm, inviting service. It's a popular spot for those craving robust, flavourful dishes cooked over an open flame, offering a unique culinary journey.
Order: Flame Ribs (Pork or Beef), Peri-Peri Chicken
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Queenstown
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
Aosta
Acclaimed local fine diningItalian inspired New Zealand · Arrowtown · NZD 100-150 / USD 60-95
Ben Bayly
Chef Ben Bayly's Aosta brings Northern Italian cooking to the heart of Arrowtown, infused with distinct South Island flavours and ingredients. The menu is a thoughtful blend of traditional techniques and New Zealand produce, creating innovative and soulful dishes. Its intimate, elegant setting perfectly complements the sophisticated yet approachable cuisine.
Order: Fiordland Crayfish Ravioli, Cardrona Merino Lamb Agnolotti
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Queenstown
Fergburger
A Queenstown institution, famous for its enormous, gourmet burgers with creative fillings. Expect long queues but a delicious and satisfying experience. Burgers are around NZD 15-25.
Erik's Fish and Chips
Serving traditional fish and chips with a gourmet twist, using fresh local seafood. They offer gluten-free options and unique sauces. A classic meal costs around NZD 15-25.
Vudu Cafe & Larder
Popular for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent breakfast/lunch options, including wholesome bowls, delicious baked goods, and great coffee. Dishes typically range from NZD 18-30.
Taco Medic
Offers authentic, fresh, and flavourful Mexican street tacos from a permanent food truck. Perfect for a quick, delicious bite. Tacos are generally NZD 7-9 each.
Halo Forbidden Bite
Known for its tasty and generously portioned Asian fusion cuisine, including ramen, bao buns, and dumplings. A filling meal can be had for NZD 18-30.
Local dishes
What to eat in Queenstown
Fergburger's 'Big Al'
This colossal burger is a Queenstown institution, featuring a huge beef patty, bacon, cheese, eggs, beet, and all the fixings. Expect long queues but a truly satisfying, juicy experience. It's a must-try for many visitors looking for hearty, flavourful fast food. Find it at the original Fergburger on Shotover Street.
Venison Pie
New Zealand's wild venison, often from red deer, is lean and flavourful. A venison pie typically features tender chunks of meat slow-cooked in a rich gravy, encased in a flaky pastry. It's a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a cool day after an adventure. Look for it at local bakeries or gastro pubs around town.
Green-lipped Mussels
A New Zealand delicacy, these large, succulent mussels are distinctive for their bright green shells. Often steamed with white wine and garlic, or served in a creamy sauce, they offer a fresh taste of the sea. They are known for their health benefits and delicious, plump texture. Enjoy them at seafood restaurants or gastropubs.
Lamb Shank
New Zealand is renowned for its high-quality lamb, and a slow-cooked lamb shank is a popular dish. The meat is incredibly tender, falling off the bone, often served with rich gravy and seasonal vegetables. It's a comforting and robust meal, showcasing the country's excellent agricultural produce and culinary tradition.
Whitebait Fritter
A seasonal delicacy, whitebait fritters are small, transparent fish (juvenile native fish species) lightly bound with egg and flour, then pan-fried into a patty. They have a delicate, slightly sweet flavour and are often served simply with lemon and fresh bread. Look for them in spring and early summer at local eateries.
Pāua Fritter
Pāua (pronounced 'pah-oo-ah') is a species of abalone, a large sea snail. Pāua fritters feature minced pāua mixed into a savoury batter and fried, often served with a squeeze of lemon. The texture is firm, and the flavour is distinctly oceanic, a true taste of New Zealand's coastal bounty and Māori culinary heritage.
Hāngi (Modern Interpretation)
Traditionally a Māori method of cooking food in an earth oven, modern hāngi-inspired dishes reinterpret these flavors. Expect tender meats like lamb or chicken, root vegetables, and stuffing, often smoked or slow-cooked to replicate the earthy, smoky essence. It's a taste of indigenous culinary traditions adapted for contemporary dining.
Māori Boil Up
A comforting Māori stew featuring meat (often pork or corned beef), potatoes, kūmara (sweet potato), and watercress or other green vegetables, simmered together. It’s a simple yet deeply flavourful and hearty dish, reflecting communal cooking traditions. Look for it at specific Māori cultural centres or local eateries during special events.
How to book a table in Queenstown
- · For the top fine-dining establishments, secure your table at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons or for weekend dinners, to avoid disappointment.
- · Be prepared for potential deposit requirements or credit card guarantees for high-demand restaurants, which help prevent no-shows and ensure the restaurant's operational stability.
- · Consider booking a lunch seating at some high-end restaurants; it often provides a similar culinary experience to dinner but typically at a more accessible price point and with easier reservation availability.
- · Familiarize yourself with the cancellation policy. Many fine-dining venues have strict no-show or late-cancellation fees, usually charged to the card held for the booking.
FAQ
Queenstown restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Queenstown?
Amisfield Bistro in Lake Hayes, Arrowtown is the benchmark table — Modern New Zealand, led by Vaughan Mabee, acclaimed local fine dining, around NZD 180-250 / USD 110-155 per person. Order the Trust the Chef Degustation, Central Otago Lamb
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Queenstown?
Amisfield Bistro in Lake Hayes, Arrowtown is the modern European table to book in Queenstown (NZD 180-250 / USD 110-155 per person). Other strong options: Rātā, Bespoke Kitchen, The Bunker.
Where is the best steak and grill restaurant in Queenstown?
Botswana Butchery in Queenstown CBD is the steak and grill table to book in Queenstown (NZD 120-200 / USD 75-125 per person). Other strong options: Jervois Steak House, Flame Bar & Grill.
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Queenstown?
Aosta in Arrowtown is the Italian table to book in Queenstown (NZD 100-150 / USD 60-95 per person).
Where can I eat well in Queenstown without spending a fortune?
Flame Bar & Grill is the best-value table on this list at roughly NZD 70-120 / USD 45-75 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Fergburger, Erik's Fish and Chips, Vudu Cafe & Larder.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Queenstown?
For the top fine-dining establishments, secure your table at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons or for weekend dinners, to avoid disappointment. Be prepared for potential deposit requirements or credit card guarantees for high-demand restaurants, which help prevent no-shows and ensure the restaurant's operational stability.
What food is Queenstown famous for?
Fergburger's 'Big Al', Venison Pie, Green-lipped Mussels, Lamb Shank, Whitebait Fritter — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. This colossal burger is a Queenstown institution, featuring a huge beef patty, bacon, cheese, eggs, beet, and all the fixings. Expect long queues but a truly satisfying, juicy experience. It's a must-try for many visitors looking for hearty, flavourful fast food. Find it at the original Fergburger on Shotover Street.
Planning the rest of Queenstown?
The full Queenstown guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Queenstown travel guide