48 Hours in Queenstown: Best Food and Drink Spots in Town
By Ryan Brown published on 2 August 2024
Queenstown is not only world-famous for the adrenaline-pumping activities to be found or the breathtaking landscapes surrounding the "adventure capital of the world." It also boasts an incredibly delicious and eclectic food scene. Here are our top picks for 48 hours of eating and drinking in Queenstown for a gastronomical adventure you won’t forget.
Best Spots for Eating and Drinking in Queenstown
Breakfast with a View: The Boatshed
When it comes to eating and drinking in Queenstown, hit The Boatshed for your morning brew with a view and a happily filling breakfast. Right on the edge of Lake Whakatipu, no other cafe offers a better sight while you get your caffeine fix in the cosy restored historic shipping office dating back to 1869. The bistro offers a seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients and tasty eats. Our picks are the Eggs Beni and Blueberry French Toast.
Famously Delicious Burgers: Fergburger
There’s a reason why there are lines around the block for this legendary burger stand, but don’t let that deter you from diving into a mouthwatering burger the size of your face. The wait is well worth it, with hip takes on this bun-confined classic like the Bullseye with prime NZ ribeye or the plant-lovers Ferg-lafel and Sweet Julie chicken burger with ginger soy sauce. Our advice: go unique or go classic but go for sure.
Late Afternoon Desert: Cookie Time Cookie Bar
Let your nose lead you straight to this delightfully decadent dessert spot perfect for after lunch. Or any time really. This quirky bakery and dessert hotspot has in store some wild and vibrant cookie concoctions straight out of a mad scientist's mind, and will also leave you mumbling “oh my gawd” through a full mouth. From shakes to fresh cookies, s’mores and more – this will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth.
Unique Fine Dining: Nest Restaurant + Bar
This A-Frame restaurant with intimate lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Lake Whakatipu makes Nest a perfect date spot. And is considered one of the most Insta-worthy. Dine on the best modern cuisine in Queenstown with colourful dishes with distinct flavours, unique creations and even ingredients foraged locally. Into gin and tonics? The cocktail lounge is stocked with some of the best New Zealand gin and phenomenal mixes on this classic drink.
Hidden Speakeasy-Like Haunt: The Bunker
The Bunker has the soul of a speakeasy with its unassuming entrance that opens into a dimly-lit fireside seating restaurant and features tantalising twists on cuisine and craft cocktails. This is another perfect date spot with Kiwi and Euro-themed cuisine, stellar wine selection, great New Zealand cuts of meat, sensational seafood concepts, and a surprising late-night party scene on the rooftop bar into the early hours.
Ultra-Sustainable Meal: Sherwood Hotel
Their motto is, “If we can’t grow it or forage it, we buy it locally” which makes Sherwood Hotel a restaurant experience with a conscience and boasting hilltop views of the lake. Sustainability is in their soul, with the large organic garden they grow their own vegetables for the evolving menu of seasonal cuisine. If you want a meal 100% made from the land and rooted in New Zealand’s nature, their foraged flavours and crafty cuisine is not to be missed.
Pizza, then Party: Winnies Gourmet Pizza
When it comes to eating and drinking in Queenstown, this is arguably one of the most iconic restaurants in Queenstown, and dare we say the South Island. Winnies is famous for two things: Great pizza, and the transformation into a nightclub. With its comfy sofas by the fire, pool tables, and open roof – it’s an experience to eat here and a top social spot for locals and visitors. And after dinner wraps, clear the tables for dancing and party the night away under the stars in one of Queenstown's best nightclubs.
Pub Grub, Pints, and Live Music: World Bar
If you’re looking for great craft beers, social snacks and filling pub grub, there’s no better vibe for wallet-friendly eating and drinking in Queenstown. Yet, that doesn’t mean it lacks in anything – the vast menu of local beers (Panhead Supercharger APA!), scrumptious bar bites (Mac n Cheese Balls!) and stellar burgers are already a winning combination to kick off an evening. Throw in live music and teapot cocktails and this is a top pick for a great night out with friends.
Now THAT is a tastebud-tempting list of best spots for eating and drinking in Queenstown. Get your own taste of Queenstown to check out these awesome hotspots and today!