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Queenstown, as the main regional resort, has the widest range of restaurants. Throughout the area, menus focus on local produce, seafood, lamb, and venison. Wine lists often highlight South Island wines, especially those from Central Otago and Gibbston Valley. Cafés and restaurants driven by the summer tourist trade shorten thei
Queenstown, as the main regional resort, has the widest range of restaurants. Throughout the area, menus focus on local produce, seafood, lamb, and venison. Wine lists often highlight South Island wines, especially those from Central Otago and Gibbston Valley. Cafés and
Queenstown, as the main regional resort, has the widest range of restaurants. Throughout the area, menus focus on local
Queenstown, as the main regional resort, has the widest range of restaurants. Throughout the area, menus focus on local produce, seafood, lamb, and venison. Wine lists often highlight South Island wines, especially those from Central Otago and Gibbston Valley. Cafés and restaurants driven by the summer tourist trade shorten their hours in winter. Dress standards are generally relaxed, with jeans or khakis acceptable almost everywhere. At high-end places, particularly in Queenstown, you'll need to reserve a table at least a day in advance.
Outside of Queenstown and Wanaka dining options can be limited. In summer, meals of some sort are available almost everywhere, but outside the high season, there are fewer options in the smaller settlements and they don’t tend to stay open late.
Don't let the modest, homey exterior and laid-back attitude of the staff fool you: this restaurant produces the best meals in Te Anau (it was a favorite hangout spot for the cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings during local filming). The menu is strong on wild game and seafood, and if you stay after dinner, you might get to enjoy live music at the bar. It pays to book in advance.
12 Mokonui St., Te Anau, Southland, 9600, New Zealand
This bright and breezy eatery beside the lake on Steamer Wharf has picture-postcard views. In summer, if you don't mind being on display, sit outside for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner (and they'll make sure you're well looked after, with a hat and/or a blanket). Inside, it's cozy with a lovely atmosphere and friendly waitstaff. The regularly changing menu is fresh with regional tastes such as Pacific tuna nicoise salad, Stewart Island salmon, and Fiordland venison. If you're feeling adventurous, consider the Seafood Platter for two.
Steamer Wharf, Queenstown, Otago, 9300, New Zealand
You could hit this lakeside spot for every meal of the day, starting with the bacon or salmon eggs Benedict or something house-made and delicious like their cinnamon sticky buns. The café focuses on local, seasonal fare (and caters to all dietary needs), and guests can expect good service and great coffee; check the blackboard at lunch and dinner for ever-changing specials like their pan-roasted Te Mana lamb with crispy potato gnocchi and vegetables, pecorino, and lemon gremolata. The wine list is mainly local NZ, with a good selection sold by the glass. It gets busy here so it's advisable to book for dinner during the holidays.
The owners of this fully licensed café have a breakfast menu as sophisticated and extensive as their dinner menu: try the salmon-and-kūmara cakes with wasabi hollandaise, or the Green Eggs and Ham (with pesto). Plenty of Kiwi flavors infuse selections like green-lipped mussels with manuka honey, and duck confit with roasted tamarillo, and not many places serve rewana (Māori bread) filled with chicken livers! This place is busy, lively, and warm. Visit the on-site deli and bakery, which have perfect ski-day take-out like breakfast wraps and spiced omelet sandwiches.
Built in 1863 as an inn for gold miners, this beautifully renovated old stone building, set in 2 acres of garden, is a nostalgic and romantic place to dine. The food is superb, making the most of New Zealand's flavorful beef, lamb, and duck but with some unexpected combinations. They know their wine, too; there's a wine library and you'll find them on Wine Spectator's award list. There's a six-course degustation menu with matching wine if you want to really settle in for the night. But the same dishes are on the à la carte menu if you'd rather pick and choose. The restaurant will organize free pickup and drop-off for you from Queenstown—just ask when you book your table.
172 Arthurs Point Rd., Queenstown, Otago, 9371, New Zealand
This Italian restaurant's gangster theme might strike you as a bit absurd, but the cuisine, presentation, and service are outstanding here. This is fast becoming a favorite among local diners. The vibe is casual and the quality is consistently high.
88 Beach Street, Queenstown, Otago, 9300, New Zealand
Occupying a corner spot on Steamer Wharf, Wai has one of the best views, and reputations, in town. The fillet of grouper, oven roasted and wrapped in prosciutto, is a standout. You also might enjoy the rack of lamb, venison, salmon, or veal. The degustation menu and the fabulous oyster menu are worth a second visit.
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