New Zealand knows how to do good food and wine (with a fantastic view of course). Local Restaurants and Cafes pride themselves on serving up fresh local produce accompanied with a world class Sauvignon Blanc or Shiraz... mmm! Queenstown is no exception. The South Island's epicenter of adventure and scenery has a reputation for fine dining, and as this humble little town is jam packed with Cafes, Bars, Pubs and Restaurants, you can enjoy a tantalising feast for a reasonable price. To ensure that you leave Queenstown with a satisfied stomach, we have compiled a list of the best Queenstown Restaurants that you can still enjoy on a budget.
1. Botswana Butchery - 'Lake views, log fires & local produce'
17 Marine Parade, Queenstown
Botswana Butchery is so popular that it tends to be on most tourist's to do lists before arriving into Queenstown. Their emphasis is on local produce, fine cut meat and of course, a vast wine list. Choose from 6 different types of Steak and for the real meat lovers you can pick up a 1.4kg slow roasted Lamb shoulder. The lunch menu is around $20, or opt for a Two or Three Course Set Lunch Menu.
2. Blue Kanu - 'Flavours that float your boat with a Pacifica flavour twist'
16 Church St, Queenstown
Now you can't visit New Zealand with experiencing a Polynesian inspired dish. Blue Kanu has an amazing set up with Polynesian arts and cultures scattered throughout. Their meals are unique, combining both Asian and Polynesian flavours in a concoction they like to call "Polynasia." There is a $59 & $79 Banquet Menu, but if you are on a budget you can pick up a meal for around $27 to $39.
3. Ballarat Trading Co - 'Queentown's original Gastro Pub'
7 - 9, The Mall, Queenstown
The restaurant itself is designed on the idea of a 1850s trading floor. It's best described as stepping back in time to old world Queenstown. Serving up Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Ballarat Trading Co offer a relaxed environment with a range of delicious dishes, from Pasta to locally grass fed Angus Rump. If you're on a budget - check out the $15 lunch menu.
4. Tanoshi Teppan & Sake Bar - 'You can drink Sake in Queenstown? Of course you can!'
Cow Lane, Queenstown
We love this place not just for the traditional Japanese cuisine, but the ambiance and of course the Sake. Main meals will cost you just $12 to $16 and the menu comprises of Ramen noodles, traditional rice bowl dishes, Tapas and lots of Miso! Not only that, there are a range of Whiskys and Japanese cocktails to choose from and of course, Kirin on tap.
5. Sasso - 'Authentic Italian cuisine in a historic 1882 cottage'
14/16 Church St, Queenstown
Once a private residence, then a Brewery and now one of the best Italian restaurants in Queenstown, Sasso is set in McNeill's cottage. Enjoy everything from a chilled Beer and Pizza or choose a 5 course menu.
6. The Bunker - 'Rustic Fine Dining. Old school music. European & Kiwi flavours'
14 Cow Lane, Queenstown
The Bunker utilises local New Zealand produce to serve amazing meals with a unique Kiwi flash of flavour. It's not only a great place to grab a drink on the Sundeck as the sun sets, but the food is delicious. Choose from Salmon, Lamb, Pork, Beef, Venison, Duck, Fish & Vegetarian as a main meal (around $36 to $42).
7. Madam Woo - 'Rooftop cocktail bar. Authentic Malaysian Hawker Food.'
5 The Mall, Queenstown
Before enjoying a scenic drink on the rooftop, satisfy your hunger and create your own feast. The atmosphere is best described as FUN at Madam Woo and you will struggle to choose a dish from the menu, with everything from Dumplings, Hawker Rolls, Laksa Soups & a Chinese 5 spiced braised Tofu.
8. Speights Ale House - 'Quality southern food and great local beer set in Queenstown's 1880 Council Chamber'
Cnr Stanley & Ballarat St, Queenstown
Famous for their Lamb Shanks, Speights Ale House has a long listing menu ranging from Meats, Pastas, Seafood, Salads and more. The best bit? Each dish on the menu comes with a suggested Beer on tap to match! Many of their meals also come in Entree and Main sizes which is great if you want to keep the $$ down. TIP: if you're really on a budget - check out the $15 menu!
Looking for more tips?
Read our guide on things to do in Queenstown!
By Donaldytong (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
