Botswana Butchery© Botswana Butchery
Botswana Butchery

10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Queenstown

© Botswana Butchery

Luxury Dining Experiences in Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the very limited towns in the South Island where you will find a choice of fine dining experiences. Be sure to make the most of it, whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion or “just because”. Most fine dining restaurants in Queenstown offer a local affair, where you’ll dine on locally-sourced food prepared by award-winning chefs. On top of that, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery or enjoy rustic settings to reflect Queenstown’s alpine-meets-rural vibe. We’ll go through some of our favourite dining experiences in this list of the best fine dining restaurants in Queenstown.

For more ways to complement a luxury stay in Queenstown, see The Luxury Guide to Queenstown. You might be also interested in The Foodie Guide to Queenstown.

1. The Bunker

Located down an alley behind a large wooden door is the rustic restaurant and late-night venue of The Bunker. In the early evenings, this restaurant offers divine cuisine to enjoy beside a crackling log fire. Try their game meat, red meat and local specialities, as well as an Otago wine or a cocktail off their extensive drinks menu. Later into the evening, the bar livens up as an upmarket nightclub playing house music.

Location: Cow Lane

The Bunker Queenstown© The Bunker Queenstown

2. Amisfield Winery & Bistro

Escape the hustle and bustle of the town by dining at the Amisfield Winery & Bistro in Lake Hayes. The winery specialises in all things Otago, from its award-winning wines to its cuisine made with local and seasonal ingredients. Should you not know what to indulge in, there’s a “Trust the Chef” degustation menu to cope with the analysis paralysis. See more wineries worth visiting in 10 Wonderful Wineries in Queenstown.

Location: 10 Lake Hayes Road

Amisfield Winery & Bistro© Amisfield Winery & Bistro

3. Jervois Steakhouse

Meat-lovers, don’t miss this town centre steakhouse showcasing some of the top lamb and beef producers in the area. The hearty food at the Jervois Steakhouse is complemented by an authentic setting with exposed timber and brick interior creating a warm and earthy environment. Aside from red meat, there are some succulent chicken breast and seafood dishes to enjoy.

Location: Brecon Street

Jervois Seakhouse Queenstown© Jervois Seakhouse Queenstown

4. The Millhouse

Based on a five-star resort, The Millhouse at the Millbrook Resort is certainly something to save for a special occasion. Enjoy impeccable-presented plates of South Island specialities, such as Southland venison and Cardrona merino lamb. The menu changes seasonally, reflecting the local produce sourced for their meals. Diners will also enjoy a rustic setting of exposed brick walls and timber framing for that farmhouse feel, while alfresco dining overlooking the Mill Pond is an idyllic way to spend a summer evening.

Location: Malaghans Road, Arrowtown

The Millhouse at the Millbrook Resort© The Millhouse at the Millbrook Resort

5. Rata

A true foodie experience awaits at this restaurant run in collaboration with a Michelin Chef and Celebrity Masterchef judge, Josh Emett. Rata’s ever-changing menu aims to showcase the best of Central Otago’s produce and vineyards, presenting international travellers with a chance to indulge in true New Zealand flavours.

Location: 43 Ballarat Street

Rata Dining Queenstown© Rata Dining Queenstown

6. Botswana Butchery

Boasting one of Queenstown’s best lakefront locations, Botswana Butchery is well worth considering for a special night out. Diners are treated to a wealth of cuisine, from seafood fresh from the New Zealand coast to meat dishes from the nearby high country stations. Stay cosy in winter by the log fires or dine alfresco with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu.

Location: 17 Marine Parade

Botswana Butchery© Botswana Butchery

7. Tatsumi

For something a little different, be transported with the tastes of Japan at Tatsumi. The fine-dining Japanese restaurant offers a contemporary menu of European-based Japanese cuisine, as well as traditional favourites like sushi, sashimi and tempura. For those who want to try a little bit of everything, Tatsumi also offers an all-day tapas menu, as well as an eight-course degustation menu. Plus, the in-house fish tank allows diners to order live crayfish and paua for the freshest of sashimi.

Location: 9 Beach Street

Tatsumi Queenstown© Tatsumi Queenstown

8. Lombardi

One of Queenstown’s fine dining experiences inside a luxury hotel, Lombardi is the offering from Hotel St Maritz, which is open to casual diners, as well as hotel guests. The views here are to die for, overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, the surrounding mountains and more. Another thing to excite the eyes is the open kitchen where you can watch chefs working their magic and firing up with wood-fired pizza oven. The restaurant serves up New Zealand cuisine, as well as European favourites. See more hotels with divine restaurants in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Queenstown.

Location: 10-18 Brunswick Street

Lombardi Queenstown St Moritz© Lombardi Queenstown St Moritz

9. Wakatipu Grill

You can hardly dine closer to the lake than at Wakatipu Grill. Book your table before sunset to watch the sun glisten across the lake and dip behind the mountains. Enjoy sundowners from the bar, with a mix of unique cocktail creations and one of the wines from the 1,000+ wine cellar. The seasonal menu offers something for just about everyone with exquisite vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options available.

Location: Peninsula Road

Wakatipu Grill© Wakatipu Grill

10. True South Dining Room

Dine on the shores of Lake Wakatipu at The Rees Hotel’s True South Dining Room. The visually-stunning plates of “True South” cuisine only use ingredients from suppliers located south of Christchurch to assure freshness and encourage sustainable practices. Try award-winning beef and lamb dishes and sample Bordeaux and local wines and craft beers. See more hotels with top restaurants in 10 Best Accommodation in Queenstown for Foodies.

Location: 377 Frankton Road

True South Dining Room© True South Dining Room

Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

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