Queenstown is the adrenaline capital of the world, no doubt, but there is much more to it than just activities to keep you occupied. Many eateries are locally owned and focus on sourcing quality produce from the Otago region. You're never far away from a good eatery, so we've done the hard work for you and given you the low down on the pick of the bunch!
1. MISS LUCY'S PIZZERIA & BAR
Pizza, cocktails and an epic view of Queenstown - uh, yes please! Miss Lucy's is JUCY Snooze's very own rooftop pizzeria and bar, serving up hot slices and refreshing drinks. Come for a cosy date night, pizza night with the boys or just for a drink or two! Did we mention the epic cocktails!? The best part is you can sleep in the next day by booking yourself in to a room or pod in the hotel below!
2. BLUE KANU
Enter a Pacific-themed paradise and get those taste buds ready for a few Asian/Pacific fusion delights. With seafood and epic salads, lamb curry, pork buns and market fish dishes, the Blue Kanu is the place to go for something special. It is not your usual dining experience with many pieces of Pacific art and tiki statues. Colorful and vibrant, the restaurant has an up-beat vibe, a perfect beginning for a long night - for all you party night-owls!
3. Botswana Butchery
The Botswana Butchery is a renowned restaurant and does the most delish oysters, salty and crispy duck fat potato's, along with the best eye-fillets, and an awesome selection of New Zealand wines. The dining area has modern décor, the ambience is superb and the service is great. This restaurant is sure to please, especially if you're after somewhere to spoil your loved one or for your last evening in paradise.
4. TACO MEDIC
If you're after some quick, on-the-go food then Taco-Medic is a great solution to your eating problem. Mexican of course, this little gem is packed full of flavor and is always freshly made to order. Sauce em' up to add more deliciousness to your taco or tortilla. Great value for your money (let's be honest, Queenstown can be hard on the purse strings) and the portions are certainly filling.
5. JOE'S GARAGE
A perfect place to kick-start your day with the best breakfasts in town. Pancakes, hashies, eggs benny, omelettes, it's one of the few restaurants to specialize in brunch in the township. Quaint, but never quiet, this place does awesome coffee, as does pretty much the whole of the country. Get going with a banging meal, you'll need it for your big day out hitting the slopes or doing some adrenaline-inducing activity.
6. WHITE & WONG'S
With a successful waterfront restaurant in Auckland, White & Wong's are a new player to the Queenstown scene who serve up delectable Asian fusion bites. From dumplings, bao buns, curries, BBQ roast meats, or fresh salads, there's something for everyone and the menu is designed to share. This 'east meets west' eatery is an awesome place to stop by for a bite for lunch, or head for dinner! If you're after quality Asian fusion food that's more casual, White & Wong's is the answer and we recommend you go with a large group of friends so you can try as much as possible!
7. Vudu Café & Larder Restaurant
A rival to Joes Garage, this place is another brunchy location, with some inventive and creative sweets like buckwheat pancakes, carrot cakes, chocolate cakes and virtually every other sweet can be found in this place. Artistically presented Vudu is arguably one of the most instagrammable cafes in town. Don't miss out on a good shake also. Everything is made fresh in the mornin' and is always packed out because the food is just too darn good. Make this a brekkie destination during your stay!
8. YONDER
Focusing on meeting all tastes and dietary requirements, Yonder is sure to please everyone! With trusty brunch favourites like dippy eggs, to more adventurous dishes like the kimchi bowl and chili caramel pork belly bites on the dinner menu, it's an awesome place at any time of day! Catch up with your pals in the morning or reflect on your adrenaline-filled day with a glass of local wine or cocktail in hand as Yonder is another goodie that can't be beaten!
9. Ballarat Trading Co.
Ballarat Trading Co is a gastro pub and unmissable, located down in the Queenstown Mall. It's a cowboy themed western style pub. Mulled wine and beer (of course) sell like hotcakes here. The meals are just as good too, with classic steak and chips, hearty seafood chowder and other snacks to consume whilst drinking the night away. A great gathering place to come and meet with mates or the family after a day of excursions.
10. Flame Bar & grill
Ribs, ribs, glorious ribs! So bad but so good, this place does arguably the best ribs in Qtown. The ribs have the most amazing barbeque sauce glaze and then when you thought it couldn't get any better, chuck some mushroom sauce on top and you'll be having a full blown party in your mouth! 24 hours in advance bookings are a must at this place in order to avoid disappointment for dinner. Portions are huge, so save your tummy from fullness because you'll be waddling back to your hotel with a food baby after this dining experience.