Queenstown local guide
My Favourite Places to Eat in Queenstown
Queenstown has loads of places to eat, but this is not meant to be a complete restaurant guide.
These are just the places I actually go back to, what I normally order and what I would recommend to friends visiting.
I am much more of a casual diner than a fine-dining person, so most of these are places where you can get a really good meal without turning dinner into a major event.
My quick picks
A few easy food picks
Pizza: Italian Way
My favourite pizza around Queenstown is Italian Way at the marina in Frankton.
If I am specifically going out for pizza, this is normally my first choice.
It is a little outside central Queenstown, but I think it is worth heading over there for.
Close Second: Frankton Pizzeria
I also really like Frankton Pizzeria.
They have some slightly more unusual pizza combinations that an Italian might not strictly approve of, but they are really good.
They also have regular deals, so it can be a good option if you want something decent without spending too much.
Burgers: Ferg Butcher in Arrowtown
If I want a burger, I would skip the queue at Fergburger in central Queenstown and head to Ferg Butcher in Arrowtown instead.
My pick is the Deluxe Cheese Burger with an extra patty.
You still get the Ferg burger experience, but I much prefer getting one in Arrowtown and eating it there. If you are cycling out to Arrowtown, even better. The ride is part of why I recommend it in my Things to Do in Queenstown guide.
Cheap Coffee and a Quick Bite: Brunch on Church
For cheap coffee in central Queenstown, Brunch on Church is hard to beat.
It is one of the cheapest places I know in town for a coffee, and they also do really good little breakfast burgers, buns and other quick food.
This is where I would go if I wanted something inexpensive and quick rather than sitting down for a big breakfast.
Breakfast: Odd Saint
If I actually want to sit down for breakfast, Odd Saint is probably my favourite.
It is more of a proper breakfast or brunch option than Brunch on Church, and somewhere I would go when I want to sit down and take my time.
Also Good: Yonder
I could also easily be tempted by Yonder.
Both are good central Queenstown options, and I would happily go to either.
Thai and Korean: @Thai or Mapo88
For Asian food, I struggle to pick one favourite because these two are completely different.
For Thai food, I really like @Thai, upstairs on Church Street.
For Korean food, Mapo88 is one of my picks, particularly if you want chicken. The Volcano Chicken is excellent.
If someone asked me to choose between the two, it would probably depend entirely on whether I felt like Thai or Korean that night.
Indian: Bombay Palace
My favourite Indian around Queenstown is Bombay Palace.
My usual order is the Malai Kofta with a garlic chilli cheese naan.
That combination is hard to beat.
Sweet Treats
Fergbaker Brownies
I do not normally bother queueing for Fergburger, but the brownies from Fergbaker are another story.
They are huge, rich and basically a meal by themselves.
If I want something sweet in central Queenstown, this is one of my picks.
Ice Cream: Patagonia or Duck Island
For ice cream, Patagonia is always a good choice, especially if the weather is nice and you can take it down to the lake.
If Patagonia has a big queue, I would happily go to Duck Island instead. I rate their ice cream just as highly.
The lakefront walk is one of the simple things I recommend in my Things to Do in Queenstown guide.
If You Want Something Fancier: Toast & Oak
I do not really eat at super-fancy places very often. I am much more of a casual diner.
But I have been to Toast & Oak, and the food was excellent.
It is definitely more expensive than the places I normally go, so I would treat it as more of a special-occasion dinner than an everyday recommendation.
I am not claiming to be an expert on Queenstown fine dining. That is specifically not the point of this guide.
These Are Just the Places I Actually Go Back To
There are obviously loads of good places to eat around Queenstown, and this is nowhere near a complete list.
These are just the places I personally like and would send friends to.
Most of the time I am looking for good casual food, somewhere relaxed and something that does not cost a fortune.
If you are trying to work out what to do before or after eating, have a look at my Things to Do in Queenstown guide.
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