TOP 3 RESTAURANTS
IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
By Martin James March 10, 2024
When in Queenstown, it’s important to seize the moment. And for us, that means indulging in the very best food, wine and ambience that this town has to offer. Rest assured, you can find the best right here. Queenstown is a town in New Zealand's southern region of Otago, and is known as the adventure capital of the world. You can count on amazing experiences being at every turn.
The food scene in Queenstown is an abundance of world-renowned restaurants, owner-operated kiwi businesses and hole in the wall gems. Our top 3 restaurants in Queenstown are Finz Seafood & Grill, Bella Cucina and Public Kitchen & Bar! Whether you’re looking for a truly New Zealand dining experience or the very best pizza in Queenstown, you won't be disappointed with what's on offer here. Let's crack into the top Queenstown restaurants and why you need to put these on your must-try list.
#1 Public Kitchen & Bar
Public Kitchen & Bar, located on Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf, offers the best casual dining with breathtaking views of Lake Whakatipu and The Remarkables. Their menu features freshly handcrafted pasta and a robust grill selection, showcasing locally sourced meats and seafood. Whether you’re there for lunch, dinner, or their popular happy hour from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, you’ll enjoy premium dishes and expertly crafted cocktails like their Espresso Martini and Aperol Spritz. Public also offer a great selection of local wines and their very own Pale Ale. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Public Kitchen & Bar provides a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion. Open daily, it’s recommended to book for dinner, but walk-ins are always welcome. Experience the finest in Queenstown’s lakeside dining at Public Kitchen & Bar.
“Fabulous afternoon - beautiful food and the best of local and international wine. Staff are outstanding.”
#2 Bella Cucina
Bella Cucina is hands down the spot for a beautiful Italian lunch or dinner in Queenstown. This authentic Italian restaurant is one of those tucked-away gems, nestled in a small crevice in the very central Brecon Street. The aroma’s of freshly baked bread, wood-fired pizza and rich pasta sauces will drive you through the front door. Bella Cucina is true to its name, with Italian food cooked with love in an intimate space that transports you straight to Italy. The wood-fire oven is front and centre, churning out incredible pizza’s, dough balls, warm olives and more. The daily changing menu makes Bella Cucina a favourite Queenstown restaurant among locals as well as visitors. Try a bottle of Italian red wine from their extensive wine list, with your pizza, pasta or Italian main of choice. Whatever you do, don’t forget to nibble on an antipasti plate as you soak up the atmosphere too. A slice of Italian beauty in Queenstown, New Zealand.
“Great Heartwarming Italian. “I’ve had many meals here and as always, fantastic meal from start to finish. Delicious Italian served in a warm inviting environment. Great service with good knowledge of their wine list. I would recommend and will be back! ”
#3 Finz Seafood & Grill
Guaranteed great New Zealand Seafood, with spectacular Queenstown lake views. Finz Seafood & Grill has been a favourite Queenstown restaurant for over 15 years now. Perfectly located in the Steamer Wharf, Finz pairs great ambience with forever memorable mountain and lake views. New Zealand Seafood dishes shine at Finz, with everything from Stewart Island salmon and green-lipped mussels, to their trusty blue cod fish & chips. You’ll find it hard to skim past their seafood platter - a must-try in Queenstown. Someone in your group not a fan of seafood? That’s a non-issue here. Finz also specialises in New Zealand beef and Southland lamb dishes or ‘food from the land’. This food is everything you want from a Queenstown restaurant. Hearty, wholesome and full of flavour. Why not enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks at Public Kitchen & Bar right next door before your dinner at Finz. Just another sweetener for this Queenstown restaurant spot.
“Outstanding food and service. “This was exactly twelve months since we last in Queenstown and so had to return to Finz because last time it was outstanding. We ate late afternoon and chose the same meal, oysters to start and the seafood platter to follow. The service was great and the wine a NZ Sauvingnon Blanc 2018 was a great accompliment.”
Whether you’re looking for New Zealand seafood, authentic Italian or local kiwi fare, these top 3 Queenstown restaurants will satisfy your cravings.
Best Local Eats is proudly brought to you by Wai Hospitality Group. Enjoy!
