Whether traveling for business or pleasure, it’s always a good feeling when you find a place where you can stop in for a good, quick snack or a full, sit-down meal. And while traveling unfamiliar roadways in New Zealand, it may be advisable to consider bus hire in Queenstown during your visit. Getting lost in a foreign land can be a harrowing experience. Don’t ruin a glorious dining experience by losing your way in a place so far from home. Now let’s take a look at some of the best places to eat while in Queenstown.
Ivy and Lola’s Kitchen and Bar
Address: 88 Beach St., Queenstown
Classification: this Steamers Wharf situated eatery is an “Oceanian, European, seafood, bistro, bar and restaurant”.
The lovely waterfront location brings together a dynamic bar scene with an all-purpose dining experience. The house specialty is seafood, but from brunch until dinner, all meals are highly enjoyable. One unique menu item, the three-hour slow roast beef, is not only a local favourite but a traditional visitor choice, as well.
Rata
Address: 44 Ballarat St., Queenstown
Classification: serving lunch and dinner in a fine dining atmosphere, the classification for this selection is an “Oceanian, European restaurant”.
Michelin star chef Josh Emmett owns and operates this restaurant. With a contemporary yet elegant twist and embracing local flavours, it has earned a strong reputation. Some of the best wines in existence are emphasized on the wine list here, with special attention paid to the memorable wines from the region of central Otago. The menu is impeccable with cheese-based delicacies and locally sourced meat varieties and seafood.
Eichardt’s Bar
Address: 2 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Classification: Open seven days a week, this place is classified as a “contemporary, Oceanian, European, seafood, restaurant and bar.
This bar/restaurant calls an iconic hotel in Queenstown home. It’s been around since 1867 and is one of the top-most restaurants in the area. Timeless cocktails, tapas, and breakfast can be enjoyed by hotel patrons and passers-by. And for special night-time treats, this place can’t be beat. Not only that, but when it comes to finding a singular glass of Champagne Ballinger, it’s the only place in town.
No5 Church Lane
Address: 3-5 Church Lane, Queenstown
Classification: No5 is classified as a Mediterranean, contemporary, and European restaurant.
Making the most of local flavours with versatile mezze platters (a specialty here), this restaurant is perfect for groups. A diverse offering of craft beers from New Zealand, an extensive wine list, and exquisite cocktails make the bar one of the most renowned in Queensland. A localized twist has been given to the primarily Mediterranean venue – think roasted beet root falafel, tomato and saffron gnocchi, and chorizo pizzas (stone baked, of course).
The Bunker Restaurant and Bar
Address: Cow Lane, Queenstown Central
Classification: No pretentiousness can be found at this vegetarian, Oceanian, contemporary, and European bar/restaurant.
In the town centre, The Bunker is secreted away in an alleyway that is most discrete. This rustic fine dining venue offers a most impressive drink and food menu complemented by a roaring fireplace and an intimate atmosphere. Local seafood delicacies and game meats are the specialties in the restaurant’s lower level. And an elegant rooftop deck and cosy cocktail bar can be found upstairs.
Botswana Butchery
Address: 17 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Classification: This establishment is not only fine dining but also classified as an Oceanian, European restaurant with rooms.
Despite its name, more than just every variation and cut of meat imaginable is served here. Vegetarian friendly dishes and seafood delicacies are also options. The diversified food offerings are complemented by an amazingly comprehensive wine list, all served in a charming cottage style restaurant.
Madam Woo
Address: 5 The Mall, Lower Ballarat Street, Queenstown
Classification: A pet project of Josh Emmett, Madam Woo is classified as a gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, fusion, contemporary, and Asian restaurant.
Working hand in hand with Emmett, a collaboration was born in Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant with Malaysian born Jane Leong – and Madam Woo is the result. Their Asian inspired, special menu was developed with contemporary flavours blended with traditional staples. Incredibly popular are the Hawker rolls. Highly recommended, as well, is a visit to the cocktail bar.
The Cow Restaurant
Address: Cow Lane, Queenstown
Classification: this restaurant is classified as contemporary, Oceanian, and European. Set in a Queenstown Cow Lane cow shed (literally), the setting is casual. The story goes: some 100 years ago, to get to the milking shed, dairy farmers had to walk along this legendary lane. Appropriately, a classic stable door is now the method of access to The Cow Restaurant. Since the 1970s, the menu has remained the same. The pizzas here are now enjoyed by crowds of people from noon until midnight, Monday through Sunday.
Taco Medic
Address: 3 Searle Lane, Queenstown
Classification: this Mexican restaurant falls under the classification of fast food.
For a bite to eat that is budget friendly and fast, this is one of the most popular locations in Queenstown. The use a combination of local produce and seafood create Mexican Staples that are hearty and robust. If, after a day of adventurous expeditions, you’ve worked up an appetite, try some of these freshly made treats: The Stockman Beef Dish (Traditionally Mexican), Runnyman Breakfast (Quintessentially-Kiw), or the Fishermen Tacos.
Ferburger
Address: 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown
Classification: This is classified as a gluten-free, vegetarian, Oceanian, North American, fast food restaurant.
Our list of restaurants would simply be incomplete if the iconic Ferburger wasn’t mentioned. Filling but cheap, these meals put this establishment, bustling with tourists and locals alike, on the map. In fact, in its own rights, it’s a type of tourist attraction all on its own. It is recommended that you order online, particularly during peak meal times, because the line can get extremely long.
And there you have it. Some of the best places in Queenstown to quench your thirst, grab a snack, or sit down to a full, all-inclusive meal. Drive, walk, hire a bus, ride a bike – just make sure to stop in at as many places as you can. And remember that restaurants come and go fairly regularly. So, call ahead to make sure the restaurant of your choosing is still in business, as well as the hours of operation.