Queenstown is known for stunning scenery and adventure tourism, but it's also home to some of New Zealand’s best restaurants and food producers.
Innovation and quality produce are the hallmarks of Queenstown’s fine dining scene, earning it a reputation as a world-class culinary destination.
Setting the standard is Amisfield Restaurant(opens in new window). It might have been named as one of the top restaurants in the world, but Executive Chef Vaughan Mabee believes it’s the local ingredients that are the star of the show. He sources from a select group of carefully chosen suppliers to create menus that read like poetry and dishes that look like works of art.
Rātā(opens in new window) continues this commitment to regional excellence, describing its approach to fine dining as “unhurried and deliberate.” This philosophy is reflected in its thoughtfully curated menu that showcases the region’s exceptional sustainable produce.
This focus on sustainability is also central to Sherwood(opens in new window) and Headwaters Dining Room(opens in new window). By creating seasonal menus sourced from their own organic vegetable gardens, they demonstrate exactly why garden-to-table restaurants are the last word on fine dining.
Queentown’s most popular burger spot, Fergburger(opens in new window), is worth the hype. The queues stretching round the block are testament to that. Everything is made in-house, from buns to sauces, and prepared fresh each day. Their signature burger, The Fergburger, is made with prime New Zealand beef and is renowned for both its flavour and its large size.
For excellent Japanese cuisine, head to Kappa(opens in new window). Founded by owner-operator Naoya Higuchi in the early 2000s, the restaurant has garnered a loyal following, including patrons who have been coming since childhood. Standouts include perfect tempura and exceptionally fresh sushi.
Little Aosta(opens in new window) is known for its woodfired pizzas baked in traditional clay and stone ovens – ensuring the bases are perfectly blistered and puffed to perfection. The atmosphere is more relaxed than its sister venue, Aosta, making ideal for families. Entrées are listed under “Waiting for pizza,” and one of the most popular options, The Pizza Bowl – topped with garlic butter, chilli, mozzarella, and tomato – is simply divine.
Queenstown is fortunate to have one of New Zealand’s finest wine-growing regions on its doorstep, with more than 100 wineries located within a 40-minute drive. The Otago region’s climate – marked by cold frosts and hot, dry summers – produces vivid Pinot Noirs and crisp white wines that reflect the extremes of the landscape. Among the standout cellar door restaurants nearby are Gibbston Valley Winery(opens in new window), known for its wine and cheese caves; Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen(opens in new window), which serves dishes made from scratch using the region’s best sustainable ingredients; and Mt Difficulty Wines(opens in new window) in Bannockburn, where exceptional food and wine are paired with sweeping views of the surrounding terrain.
Beer aficionados are spoilt for choice in Queenstown with some of the best craft beer and breweries in New Zealand. At the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains, Glenorchy Brew Co(opens in new window) offers premium craft beer made with fresh artesian water from nearby glaciers and mountains. Atlas Beer Café(opens in new window) is a firm favourite with locals and visitors, find it situated on the lakefront in central Queenstown - try their selection of seasonal craft beers, delicious tapas, and famous steak. Inspired by their motto of 'search, seek, evolve', you'll be sure to find something new and exciting on one of the 18 taps at Searchlight Brewery(opens in new window).
Experience the epic Queenstown nightlife in one of the many bars and nightclubs. Doubling as a pizza bar and one of Queenstown's best nightclubs, Winnie's(opens in new window) is the spot with awesome entertainment, local DJ's and live bands. At Below Zero ice bar(opens in new window), everything is made of ice. The walls, bar, furniture, sculptures and glasses that cocktails are served in.
