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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.
Focused on seasonal ingredients and fresh flavors, Bespoke is considered a top brunch spot by locals. The coffee is top quality and the food is both a visual and literal feast. They cater to an impressive array of dietary needs, and the staff are incredibly helpful if you need something in particular. Make sure you don't miss out on their blackboard specials as they showcase the best of the season. You should expect to make a takeaway purchase of their great counter food, too.
Situated at the main public car park, the Discover Milford Information Centre offers coffee, snacks, and counter food. The view out the front window, across Milford Sound to Mitre Peak and the mountains beyond, is amazing. It's expensive, but there's no real alternative for a quick bite.
Locals bustle in here daily for lazy brunches and big lunches. On first glance, the menu looks like typical Kiwi café fare, but when you see the gorgeous and generous servings behind the counters, you'll realize this is a special spot. The menu focuses on comforting flavor and large portions, and caters to dietary requirements well. Stop in for brunch, then grab your lunch and sweet treat to take with you on your adventures into Mackenzie country.
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.
This is the perfect place to load up on coffee and a hearty breakfast before hitting the road to Milford Sound or Queenstown. It's a simple menu, but the house-made counter food is well presented and delicious.
You'll be fighting the locals for a breakfast seat at this Queenstown institution, thanks to its lakefront seating and delicious array of counter food. Eggs Benedict with a classic coffee is probably the most common breakfast order in New Zealand, and this is perhaps the best in the area. The rest of the seasonal menu is full of fresh and local produce.
