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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 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.
Behind the hidden door, you'll find an intimate log-fire lounge with white table clothes, excellent food, and an impressive wine list. The Bunker's cozy atmosphere and fantastic service easily transforms a dinner reservation into an all-night affair, especially if you continue with drinks in their upstairs cocktail lounge. There's even a special Taste of the South degustation menu if you really want to indulge.
Sophisticated and splendid to all five senses, Kika is a true culinary star in Wānaka. Award-winning chef James Stapley focuses on sharing, great service and a warm atmosphere. As each dish arrives, it'll stir "oohs" by its playful and impressive presentation, followed by more enthusiastic "mmms" when you taste the elevated flavors. The Lumina lamb shoulder is arguably the best in the region, and pairs very well with the patate fritte and roasted carrots. Just make sure you leave room for dessert, you'll be Kika-ing yourself if don't try their famous standing ice creams.
Only 3 km (2 miles) from Arrowtown, this grand new hospitality precinct sits on a sprawling and stunning section. At its center are restored 160-year-old farm buildings, home now to a range of restaurants and bars. The Woolshed restaurant is a big hit among locals for its atmosphere and meat-oriented menu. During the daytime, the grassy lawn outside hosts events and markets, and is a perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream from The Dairy nearby. At night, you'll find cozy intimate bars. Try the house Ayrburn wine in The Manure Room or cocktails in The Burr Bar. Wine Tastings are hosted daily in The Barrel Room. Bookings are highly recommended. Shuttle services are available to and from Queenstown, Arthurs Point, and Arrowtown.
Indulge with a modern fine French meal at this trendy bistro with lake and mountain views on the outskirts of Wānaka. The menu changes regularly, but the local Lumina lamb and Aoraki Salmon is always there in one form or another, accompanied by heirloom vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden. Help yourself to more oils and balsamic vinegars via the dispensing machines; you can opt to get your wine on tap as well, allowing you to sample several wines by the taste, half, or full glass. If you want to make a real event of it, opt for the seven-course tasting menu.
A Queenstown institution, the famous Fergburger gets mentioned in media around the world. It began life as a burger bar serving from a hole in the wall and kept growing; now there's a permanent queue stretching outside. If you're not too hungry, but want to know what the fuss is about, just share one—they're big enough for two. Skip the line and order by phone, or instead stop in at their awesome bakery next door.
Just across the road from the lake, this is a great place to sit shoulder to shoulder with the locals for breakfast outside on a crisp sunny morning. The café's Māori name means "food made good," and the menu ranges from simple breakfast and lunch choices (coffee and croissants, salads, nachos, and kebabs) to beef ribs and rump roast for dinner. In addition to consistently good meals, "The Kai" has local beers on tap and fresh bread; it's a great place to wind down after a big day.
Owned by a local Argentine couple who missed the desserts of their homeland, Patagonia is the best place around to buy ice cream, chocolates, cakes, and other sweets. They have locations in Queenstown and Wānaka, too.
