The 9 Best Queenstown Restaurants

Image from Sherwood

By Ruby Singh

Settled on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a stunning city with harbour views, snowy mountains, and picturesque landscapes.

Although a small city, it punches above its weight when it comes to restaurants. Be it wholesome or indulgent food, there are many options you can choose from.

Whether you’re living in or are visiting Queenstown for a few days, our list of the best Queenstown restaurants can guide you in making the right choice. Note that we split them up into casual and fine dining options for your convenience!

The Best Casual Dining Restaurants in Queenstown

If you’re ready, here are the best Queenstown restaurants for casual dining!

1)   Taco Medic

This eatery is the brainchild of two Kiwi cousins who went to Mexico. Taco Medic aims to bring people together through great-tasting tacos while respecting Mother Earth.

Now, if you take a look at their menu, you’ll find that it has land, ocean, and soil categories.

For instance, the Fisherman Taco uses newly caught fish along with rubbed spice, onions, and coriander, whereas their Shepherd Taco uses lamb, carrot, and parsnip.

Their menu is designed to be 100% gluten-free and has vegetarian and vegan options, with the goal of providing tacos that can be eaten by anyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Also, you can partner their food with Pete’s Natural Organic Soda or Coconut Water to cool you in the summer heat.

Customer Reviews

Taco Medic proves to be one of the leading Queenstown restaurants where the locals are concerned. With incredible taste, their tacos easily crush their rival companies and other vendors.

Petrovinvers shared his experience with Taco Medic:

“After leaving the pub stumbled across the Taco Medic. Being peckish thought we would get a couple, got a fish one and a chicken one forgive me they do have more descriptive names but they were both delicious.”

Here’s another review from a satisfied customer:

“Oh my goodness, words can’t describe the delicious meal I ate here. They have a great variety of tacos, I got a lamb taco, pork taco, and veggie taco and ate the all within minutes. They were so easy that I barely had time to admire the look and perfection as I gobbled them down. So yummy and a perfect taco fix after lockdown! Eat here, because it will be the best dinner you can get in Queenstown in an alleyway.”

2)   Bella Cucina

Italian food is hands-down one of the best cuisines in the world. At Bella Cucina, you get to experience this fully as they offer true Italian flavours.

You will be enamoured by their warm decor, white table sheets, and elegant chandeliers.

Their bread is baked fresh and their meats are cured in-house every day. The menu reflects the seasons so you know you’re getting the freshest and most flavourful food.

Their wood-fired pizzas are a must-try, such as the Porchetta (slow-cooked pork belly with tomato and walnuts) or vegetarian Margherita (with parmesan, mozzarella, and basil).

And for the pasta, they serve up superb Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare and Lamb Ragù Pappardelle, whether you like the pasta in the traditional or al dente style.

Customer Reviews

With excellent food made from local and seasonal ingredients, divine desserts like panna cotta, and wonderful staff, customers say this great Italian restaurant is a dream.

Here’s Alex weighing in about the restaurant:

“The staff have been one of the most switched on staff I have seen in many years, the pizzas were simply perfect, panna cotta was to the point! (We ordered a second round of desserts, never done that before- ever!)

This is a must visit when in Queenstown!”

Another customer posted this review:

“I’d always walked past this little place but on a rainy afternoon it looked so inviting. Very friendly atmosphere and lovely ambiance. Waitress explained their ethos and how everything is fresh, local and the menu changes every day. Very quick service, lovely food and wine. Went with my daughter but would happily go by myself too. We were served by 3 different ladies and all were very cheerful and helpful.”

3)   Yonder

Are you up for wholesome food and live music? If so, look no further than Yonder. Their menu is filled with favourites from around the world.

Chicken focaccia sandwich with house-made bread—check! Summer veggie hash—check! Healthy grilled nashi pear and pork belly burger with fries—check and check!

Whether you want a vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free meal, they have them. As such, you can keep up with your diet or avoid gluten-related symptoms.

What’s more, since all their bread, sauces, marinades, and sweets are made in-house, they are always fresh and delicious!

Yonder is all about bringing Queenstown good times. It’s one of the best Queenstown restaurants for dining and relaxing with friends over Martinis or cocktail drinks.

Customer Reviews

Clients praised the eatery’s breakfast, ambience, and music events. In addition, they said that it had affordable meals and wonderful staff.

Let’s see one customer’s feedback on Tripadvisor:

“Stopped in for breakfast after a brisk morning walk! Lovely sitting in the sun under the heaters, coffee, hot choc, smashed avo, eggs bacon, pulled pork benny was lovely!!”

Another guest, Chloe, shared this review of Yonder:

“Such a good atmosphere, an amazing acoustic band played in the patio while we had dinner. Great value for money and unreal food. Especially the vegan menu!”

4)   Flame Bar and Grill

Using the secret recipe of South African Braai, Flame Bar & Grill’s succulent steak and ribs are so exceptional that you’ll come back for more.

They pride themselves on their grilled steak and ribs. After all, they bagged the Gold and Silver awards at the 2018 World Steak Challenge held in the United Kingdom.

Additionally, they have a fantastic variety of burgers, salads, and appetisers. From crispy calamari and tasty skewered meats to vegetarian burgers, they have them!

While you’re dining, you can enjoy the picturesque view outside of the sunny dock, the cool blue lake, and the foggy mountain in the distance.

Customer Reviews

According to customers, they had an enjoyable time at the steakhouse, thanks to the  amazing food, friendly servers, and the quaint lakeside view.

One customer named Tyson left this comment:

“So we had the meat for 2, omg we were full with happiness and the food with delicious. Our waiters had such great service

Highly recommended

Thank you.”

Furthermore, Carlien M. said of the steakhouse:

“Food were absolutely delicious and good size portions!!! Definitely recommend this nice grill ”

5)   The Taj Indian Kitchen

Named after the sublime marble mausoleum Taj Mahal, The Taj Indian Kitchen has a large array of Indian dishes made from imported spices and classic ingredients.

Their lunch menu consists of the street foods of India, which are constantly evolving and changing. Just like their enjoyable Dahi Poori, Dosa, Pav Bhaji, and Kebabs.

They have your favourite curries as well, like Ambala Lamb Curry, Subz Diwani Handi (spinach and vegetable curry), and Nilgiri Jhinga (tandoori prawns curry).

If you want to go on a culinary adventure, we recommend their degustation menu or The Taj tasting dishes. You also have the option of Dal Taj or Poppadum bread for both menus.

With trained chefs hailing from India, the food is as authentic and superb as can be. Thus, The Taj Indian Kitchen is among the best Queenstown restaurants to visit!

Customer Reviews

On Tripadvisor, The Taj Indian Kitchen ranks 5th among Queenstown restaurants in terms of ratings. Customers complimented the high-quality food, sizable portions, and friendly and attentive staff.

Ambrish wrote feedback of the Taj:

“I have one of the finest experience while having my dinner with The Taj. It started with entertaining my request to have a table where I have Lake view. We ordered basis dishes (much chicken, Paneer butter masala and Dal Makhani) since we are visiting them for first time.

The curries were amazing and specially dal and murg reminds me my collage days back in Delhi, India.”

And Amrit also commented about the eatery:

“We went to this place for lunch and they had a huge variety of food on both lunch and dinner menu.We ordered from both the menus and the food was amazing. Our server Edita was very good and attentive as well. Will be back soon to try some other dishes.”

The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Queenstown

And that takes care of the more accessible options! Moving forward, let’s proceed with the top fine dining restaurants in Queenstown.

6)   Blue Kanu

Forget about the world by trying Blue Kanu’s “Polynasian” cuisine. Combining Asian and Pacific cuisines have resulted in interesting flavours that will float your boat!

For the mains, you should try out their jungle-style lamb curry with kumara, snake beans, and coconut yoghurt or briny mussels with yellow curry, fruit chutney, and prawn toast.

Feel like sharing? They offer large servings of pork dumplings, tofu, and Korean fried chicken, as well as their heavenly Fijian Chocolate Loaf and pineapple cake dessert.

And of course, they have an array of cocktails to refresh your mind and body. The bold but fascinating The Wahine and the lovely Lychee Petal Martini are perfect for summer.

Customer Reviews

Customers love this funky restaurant in Queenstown. They praised everything about it, from the energetic decor to the faultless service.

Here’s one customer’s feedback of Blue Kanu:

“This restaurant seriously deserves its reputation. The decor, the atmosphere, the service plus the food and drink were spot on. We had the Feed Me, the chef got everything right and we left absolutely brimming with food. Delicious.”

And another diner named Sue shared her experience:

“A perfect spot to enjoy an evening out. We chose a table outside, shaded but superb. The food to be shared arrived in perfect harmony. The wine, Wooing Tree rose, a match made in heaven. Wonderful night, thank you Blue Kanu.”

7)   Rātā

Rātā prides itself on bringing distinct New Zealand flavours to your plate. The ingredients are sustainably and freshly sourced to prepare a delicious range of food.

Surrounded by forest scenery and enduring historic buildings, the restaurant has a calm and relaxing ambience.

For appetizers, we suggest you try their tomato bread and goat cheese profiteroles to whet your appetite. Afterwards, you can proceed to their succulent merino lamb rump and 55-day aged beef fillet mains.

Their wines encompass those from Otago, Greater New Zealand, and abroad. Their Elderflower Parfait with olive oil jelly and blueberry sauce is simply divine.

Customer Reviews

According to clients, the eatery offers a fabulous fine-dining experience with great food and staff. One also mentioned that the 3-course lunch gave value for money.

Alpna, one satisfied customer, wrote this review:

“We had a wonderful time at Rata. It was a great experience with delicious 3 course meal. It was made special by the warm and friendly service by the staff. Enjoyed the tomato bread! The vegan menu was a bonus!”

Also, Steve commented of the restaurant:

“Absolutely amazing Kiwi fine dining. An enhanced, incentive menu featuring local ingredients served in interesting and innovative ways. The lunch menu is incredible value: 3 courses fit NZ$45. They could easily charge twice that. Great wine, beer and spirits list too. A must if you’re visiting Queenstown.”

8)   Tatsumi

Within walking distance of Queenstown Mall, Tatsumi is a great spot to relax and refuel. The restaurant offers traditional Japanese fare with a modern European twist!

Set in a lounge setting, the ambience is cosy and elegant contrary to ordinary Japanese eateries. It has first-class wines displayed on the racks in a beautiful pattern.

They have a wide assortment of fresh nigiri, sashimi, and sushi rolls you can choose from. And if you want something more filling, try out their crispy Karaage Chicken, Merino Lamb Rack Cutlets, or Agedashi Tofu.

For dessert suggestions, we highly recommend their sweet Black Sesame Crème Brûlée, delicious Mango Pudding, and irresistible Green Tea Fondant.

Customer Reviews

Many customers praised their delectable and well-presented food as well as their service. No matter how many times you visit, their food quality never falters, said patrons.

Let’s see Shigelbinks’s review on Tripadvisor:

“Great staff and delicious food. The king prawn gnocchi was sublime! The sashimi was tasty and beautifully presented. I would definitely go back!”

Another customer left this comment:

“From the lovely owners, to the helpful and charming staff, this restaurant never ever disappoints. Impeccable quality of the food, service, drinks, and desserts, sets the bar.

I have made my way through the entire menu a few times over the years and have never been left thinking whatever I sample was only meh. Every dish is made with such care and attention to detail. Balance is always present.“

9)   The Bunker

Food that’s simple and consistently delicious—this is the reason customers keep coming back to The Bunker.

With a homey fireplace and vintage music, the fine-dining restaurant is excellent for a romantic date or family dinner, even late into the night.

Their flavourful lamb, venison, and snapper dishes are perfectly paired with their vast collection of wines, beers, and cocktails. You can also order side dishes, such as truffle mash croquettes and seasonal salads.

The Bunker is situated at 14 Cow Lane in the heart of Queenstown. They also accept private large group dinners for 10 up to 28 people.

Customer Reviews

Customers said that the restaurant had amazing food and service. Also, they greatly enjoyed the degustation course, which lets you try a variety of foods and wines.

One diner stated this of the restaurant:

“Fabulous fine dining . Great service with friendly staff. Venue very cool!! Would definitely recommend for friends.”

Furthermore, DeKoster shared his experience:

“We finally made it. Belated 40th celebration and wedding anniversary. Degustation and wine pairing was enjoyed. Everything was spot on and devine. A hidden little gem. The staff were fantastic and knew their product. Thanks for a great evening. Highly recommend.”

You’ve just read through our list of the best Queenstown restaurants. As you can see, their menus are diverse and will surely make your day.

Did we leave out other fantastic Queenstown restaurants in our list? Send us a message and we’ll check out your recommendations!

Planning to stay at a hotel and enjoy exquisite food? If you are, you might want to read about the best New Zealand hotels.