Queenstown – famous for its epic ski fields, incredible hiking trails and of course the one and only Fergburger. There’s one thing that makes Queenstown such a great year-round destination for visitors, and that’s the impressive food and drink scene.
It’s one of New Zealand’s most popular towns in the South Island for good reason, with endless activities for you to try. But no matter what the weather, you won’t be disappointed by what’s on the menu. Here is your guide to the best food and drink in Queenstown…
When looking for the best food and drink in Queenstowm, there are options ranging from $15 cheap eats to equistive degustation menus. Meaning there’s something for you no matter what your budget.
After many hungry visits, we’ve tried and tested quite a number of the restaurants and bars of Queenstown. Here’s what we discovered during our search for the best food and drink in Queenstown…
Head straight to our top picks and we promise you’ll be in for a treat.
Fine Dining in Queenstown ($$$)
The Nest
Luxurious dining with the best views in Queenstown
Heading just a 5 minute drive from Queenstown sits The Nest, high up on the slopes of Toms Peak, within the grounds of Kamana Lakehouse.
We first saw The Nest on instagram and decided we had to budget for a visit and are so pleased we did – that view!
The floor-to-ceiling windows allow for beautiful panaromic views overlooking Lake Wakatipu. Be sure to book before sunset so you can admire the snow capped mountains and the lake right from your dinner table before it gets dark. If visiting during the summer months, their balcony makes for stunning alfresco dining.
Not only is the food exquiste, but it is a true culinary experience. The waiters are seriously passionate about the food, educating us on the Central Otago influence of each and every dish. Then asking our thoughts in return for feedback to the chef.
Unlike most degustation menus, dishes at The Nest are a reasonable size, so you certainly won’t be leaving hungry. The relaxed timing in between each course, paired with the ambient settings makes for a perfect romantic evening with a loved one.
If you have other plans for dinner, be sure to still swing by their Cocktail Lounge for Happy Hour. This runs 5-6pm – perfect for watching the winter sunset.
Ferg’s Bar
A speakeasy-style bar with a surprisingly impressive menu
First there was Fergburger, then there was Fergbaker, and now completing their stake on the street, we have Ferg’s Bar.
Just like it’s siblings, you can expect nothing but the best of what they have to offer. The intimate ambience, creative cocktail list and mouth-watering share plates rival that of a fine dining resturant. This little cocktail bar exceeds all expectations.
Not only does Ferg’s Bar come with brilliant service and a dreamy menu, it doesn’t have a huge price tag either. The cocktails are an average of $20, and the share plates varying in size range from $15-30.
Like The Nest, their generous with their servings, so just a few share plates and you won’t be walking away hungry. You must try the venison and duck dishes. Perfectly cooked meats, combined with fresh ingredients and full of vibrant flavours.
The chilled out speak-easy vibe makes for a perfect date night or dinner with friends.
Mid-Range Restaurants in Queenstown ($$)
Yonder
Queenstown’s best spot for brunch
If you’re heading out for breakfast or brunch, head to Yonder and you won’t be disappointed.
They pride themselves on a diverse menu catering for vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy free visitors – but this doesn’t mean the dishes aren’t delicious. Yonder offers a range of international inspired dishes with a vibrant twist – be sure to try the turkish eggs or pork benny.
As well as their great menu, Yonder offers great vibes. It’s the perfect destination for a group of friends to catch up in their heated, undercover garden with fairy lights and instagrammable decor galore.
Not only are they open for brunch from 8am, but they also offer lunch and dinner too, with live music on weekends. Better yet, Yonder have two Happy Hours (3-6pm & 9:30-11pm) on all tap beers and cocktails to kickstart your evening!
It’s an unmissable stop on your Queenstown itinerary.
Saigon Kingdom
A taste of Vietnam by the mountains
Queenstown is expensive, there’s no doubt about it. There are some mid range priced restaurants though, serving up fantastic food. Saigon Kingdom in Steamer Wharf is one of those.
Cooking up traditional Vietnamese share plates in an authentically desgined restaurant, the food here is great and it won’t break the bank.
Saigon Kingdom is highly popular, so we’d recommend booking your table in advance – they rarely take walk in visits.
The Blue Door
Arrowtown’s hidden gem
Just 20 minutes outside of Queenstown is the charming village of Arrowtown, steeped in history from its gold rush past. Once you have finished exploring, look out for a hidden underground bar called The Blue Door.
As it’s name suggests, down an inconspicuous alleyway you will find an unmarked bright blue door. Open it up and you will be lead down a few steps to a small, quirky cocktail bar. With just a few tables and the log fire roaring, it feels incredibly intimate and a thowback to a prohibition era speakeasy.
Little Blackwood
The best bar in Queenstown
Outstanding Bar of the Year 2021
queenstown hospitality awards
Since our first visit in 2018, we’ve fallen head over heels for this little cocktail bar on the waterfront.
With fantastic musicians playing live music 7 days a week, the evening starts with tasty sophisticated cocktails, and finishes with dancing to some of the best classics sung by the local talent.
Of everywhere we’ve been in Queenstown, Little Blackwood is the place we just can’t stop going back to, and our first recommendation to anyone who tells us they’re visiting.
I’d go as far as to say it’s probably my favourite night out in all of New Zealand. For us nothing beats great cocktails with fantastic live music.
Queenstown Cheap Eats ($)
Fergbaker
New Zealand’s best pie?
The lesser known sibiling of the better known Fergburger. And if you ask us, actually Fergbaker is far better and without the lengthy queues.
We highly recommend their Steak, Blue Cheese and Mushroom pie. I’m not even a huge fan of blue cheese but my god it was melting in my mouth.
Their Lamb & Kumara, Venison and Pork Belly pies are also pretty damn good, so whatever you do don’t order a classic and try something different. It’ll cost you around $8 for a pie, but they also sell various other yummy baked treats that might take your fancy.
Claims for the best pie in New Zealand are hotly contested all over the country, however Fergbaker surely takes top spot!
Cardrona Hotel
The tastiest mulled wine in a cosy setting
After a day on the Cardrona slopes, or if you’re driving from Queenstown to Wanaka, you have to stop at the Cardrona Hotel.
Full of rustic charm, in a spectacular mountain setting, this is one of New Zealand’s oldest hotels, established back in 1863 during the gold rush era.
Now restored as a restaurant and pub with boutqiue accommodation, this is a lovely place to visit for a bite to eat or a drink or two.
Over several visits to Central Otago, we have ordered many a mulled wine, however this one stands out by a long shot. Get yourself the tastiest mulled wine at The Cardrona Hotel – we’ll be shocked if you can find one to beat it!
Fergburger
Queenstown’s Iconic Burger
Anyone and everyone will tell you, if you’re in Queenstown you need to go to Fergburger. These burgers are a Queenstown icon, voted the best burgers in New Zealand by many.
You should expect a hefty queue when you visit, although it’s a well oiled machine and their efficient staff won’t leave you waiting for long.
We’ve tried the majority of their burgers during the our many visits to Queenstown. Our favourite picks would have to be Cock Cajun, Sweet Bambi or Chief Wiggum.
The chips aren’t all that, but the burgers are huge. So we’d suggest sharing or skipping the sides all together. Burgers range from around $16-20, so its a great cheap eat to save some money after indulging in the rest of Queenstown.
Perky’s – The Floating Bar
Relaxed cocktails on the water
On a beautiful blue sky day, there’s no better place for a daytime drink than aboard Perky’s. Found permanently docked along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Perky’s offers reasonably priced drinks with a fanastic view. Both indoor, outdoor and undercover seating is available for any and all weather.
There’s heaters for the winter and beanbags for the summer. It’s a beautiful spot for planning your next move once you’ve arrived in Queenstown, or to simply sit back and watch the world go by.
Caribe Latin Kitchen
Queenstown’s best cheap eat
Caribe Latin Kitchen is a little hole in the wall type spot, with just a few outdoor tables (with heating!) serving authentic mexican food.
Look no further than their burritos! They’re are big, juicy and delicious – starting from around $15.
The menu is quite extensive given how small the restaurant is. You’ll find authentic dishes from all over South & Latin America. Caribe Latin Kitchen is quick, delicious and won’t break the bank!
If you’re staying down in Queenstown for longer and looking to burn off all those calories consumed, consider hiking the magical Milford Sound Track.
israelnightclub
Itís difficult to find experienced people in this particular topic, but you seem like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks