Local's Guide to Eating & Drinking in Queenstown, New Zealand

Breakfast & lunch

Queenstown’s cafe scene can truly rival that of anywhere else in the world. Not only are the cafe's breakfast and lunch options delicious, but they look like works of art. When I moved to Queenstown from Los Angeles, I didn’t think a more bustling brunch scene could exist, but I was quickly proven wrong. If you’re going to have just one meal on your visit to Queenstown, I would make it brunch at one of these four cafes:

Vudu Cafe & Larder has been a Queenstown staple for 30 years, and for good reason. Located right on the lakefront, this small cafe packs a serious punch. They’re open from 7:30am-3:30pm daily and from the moment they open their doors, they are rammed with customers. While the crowds can initially feel overwhelming, the friendly staff has a system in place that makes for an easy experience and will keep you coming back. Vudu offers a well-rounded brunch menu, great coffee, fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies and an absolutely amazing cabinet filled with house-made pastries, sandwiches, and other items perfect to take on the road or to enjoy as a picnic by the lake.

My recommendation: The Pancakes. This menu-staple has rotating seasonal flavors and is as delicious as it is visually stunning.

Bespoke Kitchen is another leading player in the Queenstown brunch scene. Located just below the gondola on the outskirts of town, Bespoke has a slightly more relaxed feel than Queenstown’s more central counterparts. It’s a beautiful cafe with a wrap-around patio that always feels comfortable for groups of all sizes. Bespoke has a brunch menu curated to perfection, as well as a stunning cabinet filled with house-made cakes and sandwiches for every dietary need, as well as excellent coffee and fresh-squeezed juices.

My recommendation: The Vegan Benedict. Vegan or not, this dish is absolutely delicious and is a unique variation from the many standard eggs Benedicts that are offered at most restaurants in town.

Odd Saint - Located in the center of town with a beautiful dog-friendly patio, Odd Saint is the newest arrival to Queenstown’s cafe scene. Odd Saint distinguishes itself with its unique menu offerings, taking inspiration from global cuisine. Rather than standard eggs and bacon, at Odd Saint, you’ll find standout dishes such as their “Corned Beef Carnitas Hash” or “All Day Smashburger.” Whatever you order, you can guarantee Odd Saint will execute it to perfection.

My recommendation: Go to Odd Saint for a long lunch and take advantage of their awesome cocktail menu.

Yonder - In a town full of great patios, Yonder has to be the best. Every corner of Yonder is designed to aesthetic perfection and the ambiance alone is reason enough to have a meal here. Yonder is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even turns into a late-night bar with live music at night, but I recommend heading in for brunch. Their brunch menu is tried and true and their dishes are as picture-perfect as the cafe itself.

My recommendation: The Bacon Butty. A perfect meal for the morning after a big night (they even have the option of adding on a Bloody Mary for $8).

The Boat Shed - This is the only cafe on the list located outside the center of Queenstown, meaning you’ll likely need to jump in your car or an Uber if your hotel is in town. Let me tell you, it’s worth it. Aptly named, Boat Shed is set in an old boat shed right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with perfect views of The Remarkables mountain range. If you sit on their patio, you almost feel like you’re on a boat. Slightly more upscale than Queenstown’s other cafes, Boat Shed boasts a smaller menu that they have down to an art. Their menu changes quite often, but whatever you order is bound to be delicious.

Dinner

Margo’s - For a good time, go to Margo's. Only a few years old, this little restaurant is packed every night of the week, and for good reason. Serving up Mexican food with a trendy twist in a colorful, high-energy space, you’ll be sure to leave full and happy. Perfect for all ages, allergies, group-sizes and occasions, this is a great stop on a Queenstown food tour.

My recommendation: The Nachos. Margo’s often has a variety of nachos to choose from (with one always catering to vegans), and they’re always a crowd favorite. Pair it with a margarita, because why wouldn’t you?

Blue Kanu - Offering what they refer to as “Polynasian” cuisine (Pacific Asian fusion) in a fun, ornately decorated space, Blue Kanu is often considered the best restaurant in Queenstown. Their food is fresh, delicious and highlights flavors you likely haven’t had before.

My recommendation: Try their set menu to get a taste of everything they do best.

Botswana Butchery - For a special meal, head to Botswana Butchery. This luxurious restaurant is located in a historic cottage just off the shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering incredible views in an equally stunning locale. Specializing in locally sourced seafood, meat and wine alongside exemplary service, this is often a favorite of travelers looking for a higher-end dining experience.

Bella Cucina - For excellent authentic Italian food, make yourself a reservation at Bella Cucina. This low-key, easy-to-miss restaurant makes all of their food from scratch and updates their menu daily to showcase their fresh produce. They also have a great wine list that highlights wines primarily from New Zealand and Italy. Their small dining room provides a warm and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a date-night.

The Sherwood is a hotel-restaurant located a short drive outside Queenstown and is absolutely worth making the journey. With its own on-site organic vegetable garden, The Sherwood prides itself on its fresh and seasonal food. Everything on their menu is either homegrown or locally sourced and their beautiful surroundings inspire their dishes. Their space is absolutely beautiful and their food is nothing short of delicious. For a special meal, The Sherwood is always my personal first choice.

My recommendation: Order a bunch of things for the table and share.

Ferg Burger - A trip to Queenstown isn’t complete without a stop at the world-famous Ferg Burger. For over 20 years, Ferg Burger has managed to maintain a line of customers that often wraps around the block. Their menu is huge, their line is huge and their burgers are huge, making eating here a full-blown experience.

My recommendation: Once you’ve ordered, go next-door to Ferg’s Bar for a great cocktail in a far less hectic setting while you wait. The bartenders will tell you when your order is ready.

Additional note

If you head out to Arrowtown for dinner one night (and I suggest you do), my three favorite restaurants there are:

• Aosta - Chic Italian restaurant utilizing local New Zealand ingredients.

• La Rumbla - Delicious Spanish and Latin American inspired tapas.

• Amisfield - Award-winning winery and Michelin Star-level dining

Drinks

Little Blackwood - For a great cocktail, a beautiful view and a good time, look no further than Little Blackwood. A favorite of both locals and tourists (and myself), this buzzy bar is located in Queenstown’s famous Steamer Wharf, right on the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The staff is fun, friendly and super knowledgeable about cocktails- they’ll make you feel like a local even on your first visit. Hosting live music seven nights a week and providing the best cheeseboards in town, you’ll want to keep returning to Little Blackwood every night of your trip.

Lodge Bar is a cozy bar with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. On a snowy winter evening, this is my favorite spot for a romantic wine or cocktail. Curl up by the fireplace in their big leather chairs and you’ll never want to leave.

Ferg’s Bar - Located next to Ferg Burger, this small upscale cocktail bar couldn’t feel more different from its chaotic patty-flipping neighbor. Ferg Bar feels like a hotel lobby bar without the hotel, in the best way possible. This is my go-to for a relaxed after-work drink or a catch up with a friend. They also have a great system in place for you to have a drink at the bar while you wait for your burger to be ready next door. The bartenders are hugely knowledgable and whatever you order, on- or off-menu, is sure to be great.

Little Mez - Located underneath their sister restaurant Margo’s, this hole-in-the-wall mezcal and tequila bar is one of Queenstown’s newest arrivals. Once you descend the stairs and enter, you’ll feel completely transported. Little Mez is cool, cozy and comfortable and their agave-focused cocktails are delicious. Definitely stop by either before or after your dinner reservation upstairs.