Aosta, Arrowtown
Inspired by the cooking techniques and flavours in the town of Aosta in Northern Italy, Aosta in Arrowtown’s daily menu heroes delectable pasta and fresh produce.
Italy’s Aosta and Central Otago both sit on the 45th parallel meaning that they share similar attributes, with distinct four seasons, and similar flora, fauna and soils. Top New Zealand Chef Ben Bayly has taken the opportunity to bring some of the best Italian techniques along with local produce to Queenstown - a match made in heaven.
Reservations are essential.
Aosta, Arrowtown. Kate Roberge Photography
Gibbston Valley Lodge, Gibbston
At Gibbston Valley Lodge, renowned Executive Chef, Al Wilson, has created the menu to pair perfectly with wine from onsite winery, Gibbston Valley Wines.
The seasonal a la carte menu is designed to be savoured and enjoyed with exceptional wine in the relaxed and understated elegance of the Lodge. Al sources quality produce that highlights the region, is sustainable and has a low carbon footprint, foraging from the winery gardens and surrounding land. The Lodge Restaurant is open for casual and in-house guests daily from 6pm.
Reservations are essential book on the website or direct by phone.
Dining at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa
Amisfield, Lake Hayes
Famous for its signature ‘Trust the Chef’ menu, Amisfield Winery & Bistro has been a destination restaurant since its opening in 2005. The restaurant continues to impress, having been awarded Restaurant of the Year at the 2022 Cuisine Good Food Awards and included on the 'World's 50 Best Discovery Restaurants list 2022'.
Amisfield's philosophy has always been to celebrate the best of local and in-season produce, keeping the dining experience fresh, exciting and surprising. Multiple courses allow you to enjoy the tastes of the region and are designed to be matched with one or more of the wines produced on Amisfield's organic single vineyard estate.
Bookings must be made online.
Amisfield Winery & Bistro
Jervois Steak House, Queenstown CBD
Jervois Steak House prides itself on sourcing cuts from the very best beef and lamb producers. Known for their signature prime rib and Jervois cut eye fillet on the bone, their meat is farmed locally and cooked to perfection.
Jervois Steak House's menu also features red king crab, oysters, calamari, and a selection of sides like truffle steak fries, scorched carrots and whipped potato.
Millbrook Millhouse, Arrowtown
Housed in the original flour mill at Millbrook Resort, the Millhouse Restaurant features a warm and intimate environment, with views over the Mill Pond and 18th hole.
Executive Chef Andi Bozhiqi has created a seasonal menu of elegant dishes with a European influence. Using ingredients from local farmers and artisans, and fresh vegetables and eggs sourced from the onsite garden and chickens, Millhouse dishes are fresh and local. Their tasting menus showcase the best of Millbrook’s Kitchen Garden, and New Zealand alike.
Complimentary shuttles to Millhouse are available to and from Central Queenstown and Main Street, Arrowtown.
Millbrook Millhouse Restaurant
Rātā, Queenstown CBD
Rātā is a modern light-filled eatery tucked away in the centre of bustling Queenstown, surrounded by an urban forest of native trees, open for dinner seven days, and lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The locally-owned restaurant prides itself on using organic and sustainable ingredients in its inventive and adventurous dishes. The menu changes daily, but popular staples include goat's cheese profiteroles with Rātā blossom honey, grass-fed beef tartare and Te Mana lamb rump.
Rātā's wine list showcases wines from the Otago region, greater New Zealand and beyond, with an emphasis on an eclectic mix of highly regarded and little-known gems.
Rātā Queenstown
The Bunker, Queenstown CBD
The Bunker restaurant is small and intimate, with only a few tables. Hidden away down a back alley in the centre of Queenstown behind a rustic old wooden door, the dim lighting and roaring fires add to the sophisticated, old-world atmosphere.
The menu is carefully crafted by Executive Chef, Ben Norfolk and is a blend of European and Kiwi flavours specialising in game, red meats and local delicacies. Make sure you head to the upstairs cocktail bar following your meal, where you’ll find late-night luxury house music and an extensive cocktail menu.
The Bunker, Queenstown
The Grille by Eichardt’s, Queenstown waterfront
The Grille by Eichardt's has a prime location on Queenstown's waterfront overlooking Queenstown Bay. You can dine al fresco while you soak up the action happening around town or cosy up inside and take in the beautiful lake and mountain views outside.
The sophisticated menu, reminiscent of New York City bistros, features home-grown, free-range, and locally sourced produce. A highlight is the legendary seafood chowder.
The Grille by Eichardt's
Wakatipu Grill, Kelvin Heights
Wakatipu Grill is located in Kawarau Village, Kelvin Heights and overlooks a magnificent backdrop of Lake Whakatipu and surrounding mountains.
In summer, take in the lake views from the outdoor terrace and in winter, the outdoor fire pit is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of local pinot noir.
The Grill is open for all-day dining from 7am to 10pm and reservations for dinner are required.
Wakatipu Grill's Pinot Pit
True South Dining Room, Frankton
True South Dining Room at The Rees Hotel in Queenstown is a sophisticated dining experience. The menu is designed around local produce and changes monthly to feature the best seasonal produce.
The award-winning restaurant looks out over Lake Whakatipu towards The Remarkables mountain range and the Frankton Arm.
True South Dining Room
Botswana Butchery, Queenstown waterfront
Botswana Butchery is located in Queenstown’s historic Archer’s Cottage. With lake views and roaring log fires inside and out, Botswana’s ambience is warm and welcoming year-round.
Open for lunch and dinner daily, they offer a diverse menu full of flavour with locally sourced ingredients and fine cuts from the Butcher’s Block. The lunch menu consists of light and easy through to full three-course dining options and dinner is all about premium meat and seafood paired with tasty sides and sauces to complement.
Progressive Dinner Tour, Alpine Wine Tours
Experience some of Queenstown’s most iconic settings with Alpine Wine Tours' progressive dinner tours. Their guided dining experiences will take you on a social night out to meet new friends paired with amazing local wine, craft beers and great food.
You'll enjoy three different restaurants in three different Queenstown locations before ending your night with a nightcap at a local bar.