People eating outdoors in central Queenstown
Eat and drink

Best restaurants in Queenstown

Guide by Roxanne de Bruyn

Last Updated 6 April 2023

In Queenstown, you'll find a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste and occasion.

Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly eatery after a day filled with activities, or a more upscale restaurant to celebrate a memorable event, this lively adventure town is home to an impressive selection of renowned dining establishments.

We've put in the hard work (and enjoyed every bite) to curate this list for you. So, without further delay and in no specific order, here are the top must-try restaurants in Queenstown.

Blue Kanu

Fusion restaurant in Queenstown

A plate with squid and salad at Blue Kanu

Experience Asian fusion at Blue Kanu, combining Asian and Pasifika-style cooking in a fun and lively setting.

Enjoy fresh, vibrant flavours, beautiful presentation, and cocktails in the heart of Queenstown. Open for dinner only.

Ivy & Lola's Kitchen & Bar

Family-friendly restaurant on Queenstown Wharf

Food and wine at Ivy & Lola's in Queenstown

Located downtown Queenstown on the wharf, Ivy & Lola's Kitchen and Bar has a warm atmosphere and outdoor dining options. Enjoy breakfast cocktails and mulled wine on cold winter nights.

Serving a typical NZ brunch and lunch menu, the dinner options include delicious smoked meat selections. Ivy & Lola's also has a kids' menu. Note that the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Caribe Latin Kitchen

Latin American food in Queenstown

Plates of food at Caribe Latin Kitchen

Caribe Latin Kitchen offers Latin American food and cheap eats in the heart of Queenstown. Enjoy takeaway or delivery with dishes like tapas, quesadillas, tacos, burritos, and arepas.

Grab a beer, margarita, or tequila to accompany your meal, and satisfy your sweet tooth with churros.

Fogo Brazilian BBQ

Brazilian restaurant in Queenstown

A selection of food from Fogo Restaurant

This kid-friendly Brazilian restaurant in central Queenstown is a meat lover's dream. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat BBQ feast, featuring 13 types of meat, platters, tapas, and more.

This place is perfect for carnivores, however there are some vegetarian options availanle. The restaurant also offers a kids' menu and great cocktails - try the "make your own Brazilian cocktail" option.

Giovi Restaurant

Italian restaurant in Frankton

Plates of swirls of pasta at Giovi Restaurant in Frankton

Giovi is a local favourite Italian restaurant in Frankton. With a pasta bar featuring on-site made pasta, fresh sauces, and homemade ravioli and gnocchi, you're sure to have an authentic experience.

The restaurant also offers pizza and Italian wine from the owner's family vineyard. Open for lunch and dinner, and you can even buy pasta sauces to cook at home.

Sherwood

Restaurant at the Sherwood Hotel

Plates of food at Sherwood Restaurant in Queenstown

This hotel restaurant emphasizes locally-sourced, homegrown, or foraged ingredients. Inspired by the location and landscapes, Sherwood Queenstown offers seasonal menus, sharing plates, and a "leave it to us" chef's recommendation option. Relax in the rustic ambiance with stunning mountain and lake views.

I love KIMCHI

Korean restaurant in Queenstown

A bowl of seafood noodle soup at I love Kimchi in Queenstown

Easily the best Korean restaurant in Queenstown, I Love Kimchi offers delicious dishes like bibimbap, Korean BBQ, noodles, and fried chicken. With good service and a central location, this popular spot is perfect for walk-ins. The kitchen is usually open relatively late, but be aware that you have to order sides separately.

Lokal Kitchen & Bar

Casual restaurant in Fernhill

Pizza with lemon wedge at Lokal Kitchen and Bar

A local favourite in Fernhill, Lokal Kitchen and Bar offers great food, local craft beers, and a casual atmosphere.

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this family-friendly restaurant is known for its burgers and hand-rolled pizzas.

Public Kitchen & Bar

Casual restauant in Queenstown

Food and drinks on a barrel at Public Kitchen

Located in downtown Queenstown on the lake's edge, Public Kitchen and Bar offers dishes designed for sharing in a relaxed and informal setting.

Enjoy premium food, a chef's menu, live music, and an ideal location for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Pedro's By The Lake

Tapas restaurant in Queenstown

Tapas at Pedro's by the lake

Experience lakeside views and Spanish tapas-style food at Pedro's by the Lake. With a great ambiance, delicious roast lamb shoulder, and friendly staff, this restaurant is perfect for a night out. Pedro's also serves sangria and cocktails, and there is a kids' menu.

Nest Kitchen & Bar

Restaurant at Kamana Lakehouse hotel

A beautifully-presented dish at Nest

For fine dining with stunning views, visit Nest, located at Kamana Lakehouse in Fernhill. Enjoy their set menus and tasting experiences, with meals incorporating foraged herbs and seasonal ingredients. if the weather is warm enough, sit on the terrace and admire the fantastic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range while you eat.

True South Dining Room

Restaurant at the Rees Hotel

A meal with a view at True South Dining Room

This small hotel restaurant at the Rees Hotel offers beautiful lake views, high-quality food sourced south of Christchurch, and a tasting menu.

Enjoy the extensive Bordeaux wine collection and all-day food options, complemented by excellent service.

Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen

Winery restaurant in Lake Hayes

Wine and food at Mora in Lake Hayes

Mora (formerly Akarua), a family-friendly winery restaurant, serves delicious food and local wines in a beautiful Lake Hayes garden setting. Enjoy shared plates, breakfast, and a children's menu. With a cellar door on-site, indulge in local ingredients and a delightful atmosphere.

Fergburger

Burgers in Queenstown

The Big Al burger from Fergburger

No list of restaurants in Queenstown can be complete without mentioning Fergburger. A Queenstown icon since 2001, this is your chance to treat yourself to massive, gourmet burgers in a lively atmosphere.

With cheerful staff and limited outdoor seating, it’s worth calling ahead to order and skip the queue. And yes, the experience lives up to the hype.

Jervois Steak House

Steakhouse in Queenstown

Steak and accompaniments at Jervois Steakhouse in Queenstown

Indulge in authentic, premium steaks at Jervois Steakhouse in central Queenstown. Eat your fill of the locally-sourced cuts, or try the seafood, chicken, and vegetarian options. A comprehensive drinks list and a six-course degustation menu add to the experience.

Farelli's by Giovi

Italian restaurant in Queenstown

Pizza from Farelli's in Queenstown

Farelli's offers a casual, family-friendly dining experience with a menu of Italian classics. Relish in simple, rustic, family-style pizza and pasta dishes, with vegan options available.