Our top Queenstown CBD lunch picks
With so many great restaurants, it’s a tough call to pick the best places to lunch in Queenstown. But we’ve given it a go. These local favourites combine great ingredients with friendly service and cracking views out over Lake Whakatipu and the Remarkables.
Bespoke Kitchen
Another local lovely perched up the hill on Isle Street, Bespoke Kitchen serves up hearty healthy grub with a side of views. Try their breakfast plate for an orange & apple cider elixir shot, stone fruit & berry chia pot and whipped feta, tomato & basil, avocado bruschetta.
Botswana Butchery
Fancy a flawless bistro on the lakefront? Hotfoot it to Botswana Butchery for a warm welcome and impeccable food in a cosy historic cottage with a roaring fire in winter. Bistro classics like French onion soup and steak sandwich sit alongside wild goat curry and West Coast whitebait.
Grab & go at Fergburger or Fergbaker
No Queenstown lunch guide would be complete without honourable mention of the Ferg empire. Grab a monster classic Ferg with cheese from Fergburger, or take the pie road with a venison and portabello mushroom pie from Fergbaker. Queenstown beach is calling.
Fergburger. Credit @lizzysburgeradventures from Instagram
Frankton lunch spots
Whether you arrive at Queenstown airport starving, or you’re heading out on a walk and need a picnic, Frankton is full of delicious lunch options.
Frank’s Eatery and Pantry by Franks
Franks Eatery is a bit of a find. Their menu has delights like chilli hot smoked salmon, a green omelette, and brioche French toast. Or head by their baby sister, Pantry by Frank’s to choose from their delightful cabinet selection or order a picnic hamper for lunch on the go.
Giovi Fine Food
If authentic Italian cuisine made with love is what your after then you've come to the right place. Giovi's menu showcases fresh local produce and wine from their Italian family winery. Try the homemade ravioli with angus beef and finish off with the rich tiramisu savoiardi soaked with expresso coffee, layers of mascarpone and a cocoa dusting.
Arctic Kitchen
A real hidden gem, Arctic Kitchen has a sunny sheltered terrace overlooking the Shotover River and views of the mountains. A simple brunch menu has classic favourites, and some surprises, like a fabulously retro coronation chicken salad, and the chef’s waffle du jour.
Frank's Eatery
Arrowtown lunch picks
No holiday in Queenstown’s complete without a trip to Arrowtown for lunch. Here’s our top pick for places to lunch under Arrowtown’s historic oak trees.
Provisions of Arrowtown
Provisions is set in an old gold miner's cottage, fitted out with vintage cottage charm. Sit in the garden under the apricot tree and tuck into one of their delicious breakfast baps, duck fried rice, or slow-roasted lamb flatbread. Pick up one of their famous sticky buns to go. You won’t regret it.
Mora Wines and Artisan Kitchen
Set in a historic cottage near Arrowtown, relax in this delightful eatery’s garden and enjoy a glass of wine from their vineyard. Open for breakfast and lunch, their menu includes shared plates, platters and sumptuous desserts.
The Dishery
Located in a lush garden setting next to the Arrow River, this vibrant bistro restaurant is the perfect spot to savour a long lunch with locally sourced, sustainable & seasonal fresh food.
Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen
Gibbston wine region lunch spots
Looking for the best Queenstown winery lunch? Look no longer. We’ve got you sorted for lunch among the vines.
Kinross Bistro
This relaxed bistro, with tables outside in a sunny courtyard, serves up exciting dishes like grilled octopus, wild goat rack, and grilled Cromwell peaches with bulgar wheat and goats cheese, paired with wines from five local wineries. Woodfired pizzas are also up for grabs.
Mt Rosa Winery
The simple tasting room menu at Mt Rosa offers a choice of platters. Pick local cured meats, smoked salmon, or a selection of local cheeses, including New Balfour Pecorino, Nevis Maasdam, Kawarau Blue, Wakatipu White Brie, with accompaniments.
The Church Cellar Door and Cafe
Housed in a historical eighteenth century building, The Church offers wine tastings, beers on tap, hearty cafe meals and daily baked goods. Stop on by on your way through Gibbston and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting.
Kinross Bistro
Glenorchy
Exploring at the head of the lake? You won’t go hungry with this lineup of lovely lunch options.
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat
Tasty home cooking in a spectacular setting at the head of Lake Whakatipu. Try Kinloch Wilderness Retreat’s gamekeeper’s platter with wild rabbit terrine, their vegan buddha bowl, or their all days eggs and bacon, with eggs from the lodge’s own chickens.
Akin
A low-key lunch stop in Glenorchy, Akin sell great coffee and simple food, with toasties, slices, smoothies, and an excellent carrot cake. They bake their own gluten-free bread. Load up and head outside to sit on sheepskin covered benches and soak up your surroundings.
Glenorchy Hotel
A gastropub menu that has all the classics and an outdoor area with a wonderful view. The rib and wings platter is infamous for defeating all but the biggest appetites. The hotel is known for excellent steak and venison, and rumour has it their mince and cheese pies are not to be missed.
Kinloch Wilderness Retreat