Cover image credit: Kika
Tucked away amidst the snowy mountains and home to the large, luminous Lake Wakatipu, South Island is truly a gem. If you’ve got your eyes on the best to book in vast New Zealand, start with none other than beautiful Queenstown.
This top tier list is proof that there is more to the city than stunning shore to peak views. There is no shortage of world-class dining experiences, from stellar fine dining in a sustainable hotel to warm nights out by the pizza oven.
Top Restaurants to Book Now in Queenstown, New Zealand
Venues are listed in no particular order.
1. Blue Kanu
For soulful nights out in Queenstown, this funky venue is non-negotiable. Expect tapas that flaunt unique flavours, the Hula hut style bar ready with cheery cocktails alongside the unmistakable warmth of a welcoming team. The menu’s a vibrant collision of Asian and Pacific flavours, with sharing plates to spread out the moreish bites or hearty fare from the Big Kahuna menu for mains.
Location: 16 Church Street
Hours: Daily 4 – 10pm
2. Boardwalk
For those sunny days when the weather beckons you outdoors— we have Boardwalk in our books for a laidback meal in historic Steamer Wharf. Beautiful starters like creamy white wine mussels, chowder and crab cakes lead this menu, as well as your heartier steak and fish and chips options for mains. It’s the kind of relaxed, welcoming spot that fits the bill for a boardwalk hang.
Location: Steamer Wharf 1/88 Beach Street
Hours: Daily 3 – 10pm
3. Ayrburn
A delightfully daring food and wine playground, Ayrburn delivers a dream of multiple top venues rolled into one delicious destination. Bistro-style dining? Head to The Woolshed. Wine flights and shared plates? The Manure Room awaits. Elegant dining? The opulent Billy’s is right there. This multi-venue precinct is must on any Otago itinerary, and one you’ll return to for its excellent array of restaurants, bars, gardens, galleries, and experiences.
Location: 1 Ayr Avenue
Hours: Daily 9am – 12am
4. Mora
A welcome addition to the all day wine and dine list — Mora’s best hits out in the vineyard tucked just right outside of Arrowtown. The quaint cellar door and artisan kitchen opens out into a lush garden and cottage-like setting that we can get used to. On the table, dukkah-kissed halloumi, cauliflower arancini and braised short ribs and a curated glass of Pinot Noir to boot. This is one locale to linger on at way past lunch hour.
Location: 265 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road
Hours: Daily 9am – 5pm
5. Bella Cucina
Wood-fired pizzas and hearty pastas are a staple at Bella Cucina, but this authentic Italian kitchen that’s had its doors open since 2008 offers so much more. Located in a character building in the charming Brecon Street Dining precinct, walk through the doors and be instantly warmed by the classic hospitality. The daily changing menu features the freshest produce through true flavours of Italy. This is a venue to book whether it’s a classic date night or an easy solo meal you’re out for.
Location: 6 Brecon Street
Hours: Daily 12 – 2:30pm; 5 – 10pm
6. Rata
Drawing on over a decade of culinary experience under the helm of Chef Josh Emett, this modern eatery hits the mark for a fantastic dining experience that embraces the flavours of New Zealand. The approach is unhurried and deliberate, with a fresh menu daily showcasing the seasonal produce of South Island. From ‘cranky’ soft cheese to bluff octopus, things can get a little eclectic in here but in the absolute best way.
Location: 43 Ballarat Street
Hours: Daily 5 – 9pm
7. Winnie's
An iconic Queenstown institution for pizza, music and wonderfully casual vibes with warm hospitality. The family-friendly menu at Winnie’s has got something from everyone, from nachos, salad and buffalo wings to every pizza topping you can dream up. Move through the bar and shoot some pool, relax on the sofas by the fireplace, or step out onto the balcony overlooking the central mall. Either way, make sure to stick around and watch Winnies transform into one of Queenstown’s buzziest nightclubs.
Location: 7-9 Queenstown Mall
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 4 – 11pm;
Thursday to Saturday 4pm – 2:30am
8. Sherwood
Inside what’s deemed the most sustainable hotel in New Zealand, the two-hatted restaurant and bar delivers a different yet delicious kind of win. Sherwood Hotel gets our vote for Chef Chris Scott at the helm, dishing luminous plates featuring the freshest produce off their vegetable gardens and sustainable grocers. Another winning secret at Sherwood? Local wine and beer from the tap, bottled on the spot.
9. Kika
Despite being an hour’s drive away in Wānaka, this #Worlds50Best Discovery honouree Kika earns a spot on our Queenstown spotlight. The simple, stone-hewn dining room overlooks a creek in the snowcapped region with lakeside views. The contemporary fare is embraces a sharing-style dining philosophy with seasonal dishes starring produce from their own kitchen garden—simply sublime.
Location: 2 Dunmore Street, Wānaka
Hours: Daily 5:30 – 9pm
10. Sunfire
Perched right on Queenstown’s lake edge at Steamer Wharf, Sunfire is where casual dining meets incredible flavours (on fire) in one of the most stunning settings in town. The magic happens in their state-of-the-art Josper charcoal ovens, where everything gets that perfect smoky sear while applewood-smoked bacon, salmon and tomatoes add depth to every dish. The lakefront location delivers those postcard-perfect Lake Wakatipu views that never get old, while the relaxed vibe makes it equally perfect for a quick coffee, a leisurely lunch, or dinner as the sun sets behind the Remarkables.
Location: Steamer Wharf Ground Floor, 88 Beach Street
Hours: Daily 8:30am – 10pm
11. Pub on Wharf
Another Steamer Wharf entry, Pub on Wharf is the epitome of a quintessentially laid back Kiwi pub that locals and visitors have been flocking to for years. Pouring New Zealand craft beer with ample indoor and outdoor seating, this waterfront favourite delivers proper pints and great meals at fair prices while keeping the atmosphere refreshingly unpretentious. With live music Thursday to Sunday featuring local musicians and all the big sports games playing live and loud on multiple screens, it’s the kind of place where your mates can gather again, and again.
Location: Steamer Wharf Ground Floor, 88 Beach Street
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am – 11pm;
Friday and Saturday 11am – 1am
12. The Grille by Eichardt's
The Grille captures the essence of refined lakefront dining with sophisticated interiors reminiscent of New York City bistros and genial French brasseries with comfortable booths. Steak gets star billing showcased alongside iconic dishes crafted with premium local ingredients. Whether you’re after a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a celebratory night out, The Grille combines the heritage of the renowned icon of the 1860s with a modern yet relaxed dining space that celebrates the best of New Zealand local cuisine.
Location: 9 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Hour: Daily, 11am – 9pm
Best Queenstown Restaurants with Top Tier Views
1. Nest Kitchen & Bar — For a love letter five course degustation meal
2. Finz Seafood & Grill – For one of Queenstown’s most scenic seafood spots
3. Grazie – For Italian fare with uninterrupted views
4. Fino Wine Bar – For the jewel of Queenstown Marina
5. PJ’s Bar & Grill — For a proper local favourite
6. Public Kitchen & Bar – For inviting Italian hospitality in the heart of Queenstown
7. SODA – For vibrant Mediterranean flavours dockside
8. Frankton Arm Tavern – For pub classics in an extraordinary setting
FAQs about Dining Out in Queenstown
What is the most popular restaurant in Queenstown right now?
Queenstown has many wonderful venues to offer, from the Southern alps’ seasonal produce to the best of Central Otago. Now Book It’s top restaurants in Queenstown includes the soulful Blue Kanu, food and wine playground Ayrburn, sunny wharfside Boardwalk, Chef Josh Emett’s brainchild Rata, and many more.
Are there any award winning restaurants in Queenstown?
Yes, Queenstown is home to many hatted restaurants including Rata, Nest and the Blue Kanu.
What is the best way to book a restaurant in Queenstown?
Top Queenstown restaurants trust Now Book It to take reservations, whether it’s online on their website and social media, or via phone calls with Sadie the 24/7 AI Receptionist. The best way to book a restaurant in Queenstown is through their website—there are no additional fees and you will receive timely reminders about your bookings.
If you’re a venue looking to fill your tables with fresh reservations, book a demo today with Now Book It to learn how.
