Not only does Queenstown have a rep as being the capital center for all adrenaline junkies, it has a wide selection of amazing restaurants, cafes and bars to sustain your appetite.
Ranging from award winning restaurants and fine dining to delicious cafes and quick stop burger stands, Queenstown has restaurants that check off every category of food on your list!
There are over 150 places to wine and dine in the Queenstown region. If food is an integral part of your traveling experience as it is for us, check out these awesome must-see places.
Ventures of the Foodie
Start your day off right at one of Queenstown many cafes. Their wide selection of coffees served both iced and hot accompany every dish perfectly.
The Exchange
Make the Exchange your first stop as you wander into town. Conveniently situated right in between the yoga studio and the local bookstore, it is the perfect place to enjoy a nice book after taking a morning class.
Joe's Garage
Joe's garage mission is simple a place that everybody can go and have fun catch up with friends and enjoy fantastic coffee.
Vudu Cafe and Larder
This is the perfect place for Sunday brunch. Be prepared to plan your day accordingly and cancel any immediate plans because the food coma can last hours. Based in central Queenstown, their restaurant seats people both inside and outside overlooking the beautiful wharf.
Their lamination brioche French toast is served with grilled banana, raspberry cherry chia jam, coconut mascarpone, chocolate soil, maple syrup and topped with matcha pistachio crumbs.
Their buckwheat orange zest pancakes are equally as amazing served with raspberries, poached pears, coconut whip, and layered with pistachio & date pesto.
If you're nothing like the average caffeine addicted coffee lover, like Brendan, Vudu Cafe and Larder serves a mix of delicious juices, chocolate shakes, and smoothies to start your day off right.
Bob's Weigh Cafe
This is a great place for a quick stop breakfast with one of the funniest baristas around. Mimicking a classic American breakfast, this place has everything you need after a late night out in Queenstown.
The Bathhouse
Situated right on the water, the Bathhouse has a wide selection of great breakfasts and lunches.
Fergbaker
Associated with Fergburger, Fergbaker is the place to be whether you want an iced extravagant cappuccino and Nutella filled donut for breakfast or if you want a hot chocolate and gelato night cap.
Discover Queenstown's legendary night life and experience its vibrant evening atmosphere at their cosy wine bars, friendly pubs, or fancy restaurants.
Fergburger
Arguably rated one of the best burgers not only in New Zealand, but the world, Fergburger's legacy did not disappoint. With limited seating within the popular hub, grab a gourmet burger to go and meander to the lakefront to enjoy your meal with a view. We shamelessly went here three times. Everything on the menu is killer and we are guilty of ordering the following:
A. Double Fergburger: Prime New Zealand double beef, lettuce, tomato, red onion, double cheddar cheese, aioli and tomato relish.
B. Ferg Deluxe: Prime New Zealand beef, streaky bacon, cheddar cheese, sweet dill pickle, lettuce, tomato, red onion, aioli and tomato relish.
C. Southern Swine: Prime New Zealand beef, streaky bacon, avocado, Cheddar cheese, tomato, red onion, aioli and tomato relish
D. Mr Big Stuff: 3/5lbs of Prime New Zealand beef, streaky bacon, BBQ Sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and aioli
E. Sweet Bambi: Wild Fiordland deer, (YES DEER) Brie cheese, boysenberry & caramelized onion chutney, lettuce, tomato, red onion and aioli
Devil Burger
If Fergburger isn't living up to your standards, head over to Devil Burger. This place is the local secret for the perfect burger without the crowds and tourism that Fergburger brings.
Ivy and Lola's Kitchen and Bar
More on the expensive side, Ivy and Lola's is a cosmopolitan bistro that serves great cocktails and seafood. Relax with a glass of white wine and a dozen oysters while watching the sun set over mountains of Queenstown.
The Cow
The Cow's superb food, beverages and ambiance continues to attract visitors and long-time locals all year round. The menu remains unchanged from when the restaurant opened its stable doors in 1977. After a long day skiing or hiking outdoors, it is the perfect place to dig in to a hand rolled pizza or pasta dish and dine by the roaring fires.
Pub on the Wharf
With live music performing every week, outdoor fireplaces, a view overlooking the lake and a vibrant bar, pub on the wharf is the perfect place to enjoy a few beers or ciders with some friends. This was actually our first stop when beginning our week long dining adventure in Queenstown, and it was the perfect place to kickstart our adventure.
Rata
Rata is owned and operated by Michelin-starred chef Josh Emett. Since opening, the restaurant has earned a strong reputation for embracing local flavours with a elegantly contemporary twist. This place is perfect for a classic date night or a special occasion in New Zealand.
No matter what kind of cuisine you may be in the mood for, Queenstown’s restaurant scene will always step up to the challenge. Take some time off your jam-packed itinerary to check out what makes this place so special.