Queenstown has cemented itself as a top destination for foodie travellers. It is literally a paradise for the taste buds, with its fresh, local produce and trendy eateries. There is a wide range of eating options around this New Zealand hub to suit everyone’s budget and style. Whether you’re in town for skiing and need a hearty, winter’s meal to keep you energised for the slopes, or you’re celebrating a hen’s weekend with your gal pals, and need gourmet food paired with wine, this Queenstown food guide will help decide where to eat in Queenstown to ensure you have a satisfying stay.
Sophia Lazarides takes has your foodie tour through the New Zealand city of Queenstown sorted. Image © Sophia Lazarides
Where to Eat in Queenstown
Fergburger
If you asked anyone who has visited this gorgeous town where to eat in Queenstown during your stay, Fergburger will most likely always be one of the first places they’ll recommend. When you see the line outside this joint you will definitely think to yourself, “Nah, I’ll give it a miss this time”. Let me tell you, it’s worth the wait! The burgers here are world-renowned and very worthy of the praise. All the patties are made from 100 per cent, prime New Zealand beef, plus there are scrumptious chicken, tofu, falafel and even venison options.
Run, don’t walk to Fergburger, Queenstown. A must-try on your foodie hit list. Image © Sophia Lazarides
The iconic Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza Bar is a must try during the your Queenstown foodie tour. Image © Sophia Lazarides
Jervois Steak House
I enjoyed the best steak I have ever eaten at Jervois Steak House and I’m not even much of a red meat eater. Spoil yourself and get the Wagyu Sirloin.
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Flavourful food and local wines make for a delicious dining experience at and Botswana Butchery, Queenstown. Image © Sophia Lazarides
Botswana Butchery
Botswana Butchery is one of Queenstown’s most popular restaurants, so be sure to book a table well in advance. It sits right on the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, giving it a beautiful ambience. The menu is changed seasonally and focuses on strong flavour with fine-cut meats and locally-sourced produce.
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The Bunker, Queenstown: A hidden culinary gem. Image © Sophia Lazarides
The Bunker
The Bunker dining experience was possibly my favourite during our recent stay in Queenstown. One of the features that surely helps its ranking as one of the best Queenstown restaurants in the fact that it is so intimate. Hidden in a secret alleyway and behind a rustic, old, wooden door, with log fires and dim lighting adding beautiful ambience. Like the other two eateries in this category, the menu at The Bunker specialises in red meat and local produce.
The Cow Restaurant
The Cow is a Queenstown institution and the long wait for a table proves it. As soon as you enter the restaurant, your nose will be completely overwhelmed by the delicious scent of wood fired pizza. They haven’t changed their menu since they opened nearly 40 years ago. It’s not just pizza on the menu, they are well-known for their spaghetti too. Be warned; it’s a tiny place, so be prepared to get to know your eating neighbours very well!
Queenstown: Where beautiful scenery, gourmet food, fine wines & adventure awaits. Image © Sophia Lazarides
Winnie’s Gourmet Pizza Bar
Another iconic pizza restaurant with a fun, vibrant atmosphere and lots of beer. There are some different pizza options on the menu, such as the ‘Mexican Fiesta’ including corn chips. They can open the roof if it gets a little stuffy inside, and it’s also a great place to go if you want to kick on dancing and drinking after dinner.
Lone Star Cafe & Restaurant
The heading for this section might as well be, “BEST RIBS IN TOWN”, because the ribs here are to die for. Not to mention huge. The menu at this family-friendly pub has lots of variety, from burgers, to a delicious garlic prawns dish and burritos. Plus, there’s a really decent kids’ menu and in true Queenstown fashion, the produce is high quality.
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There are two Vudu Cafe locations in Queenstown serving up fresh, delicious breakfast fare and great coffee. Image © Sophia Lazarides
The perfect way to start the day at Vudu Cafe, Queenstown. Image © Sophia Lazarides
Vudu Cafe
There are actually two Vudu Cafes, the original one in the centre of town and the other overlooking Lake Wakatipu. We ate at the original, which was obviously a good choice because it was super busy! The coffee was fantastic (we had two each) and the food perfectly fitting for a cold winter’s morning. We tried the Eggs Benedict and ‘Gibbston Agria Hash with Chilli Fried Eggs’.
Fergbaker
The sibling to Fergburger, Fergbaker bakery serves up great, early-morning coffee, as well as pastries and pies perfect for on-the-run, if you’re keen to get up onto the ski slopes quickly. The breakfast burrito is pretty darn good too.
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Colourful Eggs Benedict stacked high at Vudu Cafe, Queenstown. Image © Sophia Lazarides
Breakfast burrito from Fergburger’s sweet sibling, Ferbaker. Image © Sophia Lazarides
Sophia Lazarides is a Melbourne-based journalist and newsreader on NOVA, for Kate, Tim & Marty. Away from the microphone, Sophia is on a mission to live the stylish life. You can catch her indulging in all the magnificent things life has to offer on her lifestyle blog, Luxe for Less Blog It’s a collection of travel, fashion, health, food and beauty tips as well as an enviable photo diary. You can follow Sophia’s stylish adventures on Instagram @luxeforlessblog
