Enjoy an unforgettable bite at one of these top-notch eateries.

When you think of Queenstown, outdoor pursuits involving crisp mountain vistas, scenic waterways, and epic ski runs might come to mind, but New Zealand’s adventure capital has some pretty exciting options for foodies too.

From cosy pub-style fare and the best burgers in town to artisan degustation experiences showcasing the finest modern New Zealand cuisine, these are the Queenstown restaurants that will have you rushing indoors.

Amisfield Restaurant and Cellar

Best for: Fine dining gem, paddock-to-plate, wine list

We’ll start at the top. Amisfield is Queenstown’s best example of modern New Zealand fine dining for good reason. The restaurant and cellar door that rests on the shores of Lake Hayes has earned a string of accolades, including a place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list last year. With a philosophy that celebrates the craftsmanship of those who bring the land to your plate, executive chef Vaughan Mabee’s dishes are culinary works of art, capturing the essence of Central Otago. Expect to pay $395 per person for a lunch tasting menu, while dinner starts at $595 per person for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

• Cuisine: Modern New Zealand fine dining
• Price guide: $$$$$
• Atmosphere: Refined, artisan
• Location: 10 Lake Hayes Road, Queenstown

Nest Kitchen and Bar

Best for: views, date spot

Known for having Queenstown’s highest alfresco dining, Nest Kitchen and Bar provides panoramic views over Lake Wakatipu. Positioned within the Kamana Lakehouse Hotel, the art deco styled restaurant’s modern menu is inspired by local produce and the seasons, with mains like Fiordland red deer loin, Lumina lamb, and miso-glazed eggplant. Set menus start at $115 for 3 courses.

• Cuisine: Modern New Zealand
• Price guide: $$$
• Atmosphere: Refined, Scenic dining
• Location: 39 Fernhill Road, Fernhill, Queenstown

Fergburger

Best for: casual eats, most Instagrammable, late-night dining, budget-friendly

Good food doesn’t always mean fine dining and that’s the case with Fergburger. This popular cult eatery has gained worldwide attention and is famous for its burgers made with winning flavour combinations and quality local produce. The classic Fergburger made with prime New Zealand beef will set you back $17.20, while specialty offerings like Sweet Bambi – a venison burger made with wild Fiordland deer, blue cheese, boysenberry, and caramelised onion chutney are a few dollars more. Pair with thick shakes made with locally sourced gelato.

• Cuisine: Fast food
• Price guide: $
• Atmosphere: Casual
• Location: 42 Shotover St, Queenstown

Queenstown Wharf Bar

Best for: views, large groups, casual eating, hottest new opening

This stunning restaurant and bar, which opened in December last year is Queenstown’s newest food and beverage offering. Perched on the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu, Wharf Bar, with its lofty floor-to-ceiling windows, mixes Italian-inspired share plates with woodfired pizzas, creative cocktails, and chilled local vibes.

• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Average price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 88 Beach St, Level 1, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown  

Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen

Best for: Outdoor dining, family-friendly spot, wine list

Perhaps one of the prettiest places for brunch through to late afternoon, Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen in nearby Arrowtown offers cottage and courtyard dining with dishes made from sustainable South Island ingredients. Whether you’re lingering over a grazing board or opting for the Chef’s Selection four-course tasting menu – which features mains like roast free farm pork belly or cedar wood Mt Cook alpine salmon – food here is paired with their award-winning range of wines.

• Cuisine: Modern New Zealand, sustainable
• Average price: $$-$$$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, elegant
• Location: 265 Arrowtown – Lake Hayes Road, Arrowtown

Rātā Restaurant

Best for: Fine dining, special occasions, paddock to plate  

This much-loved Queenstown restaurant, whose name comes from the native Rata tree, pays homage to the land and sea. Michelin-starred chef Josh Emett’s modern seasonal fare ensures the freshest South Island ingredients possible with Rātā’s menus changing daily. Asian fusion style dishes here might include a starter of Ruakaka kingfish crudo, followed by Southland venison with rhubarb and caramelised pear, and finishing with dessert such as Zenkuro sake kasu ice cream sandwich with roasted white chocolate and miso.  

• Cuisine: Modern New Zealand
• Average price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Refined
• Location: Te Nuku, 43 Ballarat St, Queenstown 

Blue Kanu

Best for: large groups, date night, vegetarian options

Blending Asian and Pacific flavours, local favourite Blue Kanu blends exotic flavours and a fun atmosphere with its colourful art and decor. Describing their dishes as ‘Polynasia’ in style, expect shared offerings like tuna poke nachos, and Fijian market fish Kododa, with mains like Vietnamese shaking beef, and sticky duck pancakes. For drinks – it’s cocktails and beer. With a separate veggie menu, there are good options for vegetarians and vegans too.

• Cuisine: Modern Asian fusion
• Average price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, fun
• Location: 16 Church St, Queenstown

Cardrona Hotel

Best for: Hidden gem, family-friendly spot, paddock to plate

If you’re in the mood to explore a little further, this traditional, rustic pub, 45 minutes north of Queenstown comes highly recommended by in-the-know locals, and lovers of home-grown comfort style food. One of New Zealand’s oldest, most iconic pubs, Cardrona Hotel offers hotel guests, visitors and locals alike a selection of meals with fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from quality local producers. Pair mains like Royalburn lamb rump, or spring greens risotto with top drops from Central Otago’s wine region.

• Cuisine: New Zealand
• Average price: $$
• Atmosphere: Casual dining
• Location: 2312 Cardrona Valley Rd, Wanaka