Queenstown has an enviable reputation at home and around the world as an alpine and adventure sports playground and in recent years has also garnered acclaim for the quality of its restaurants.
During the winter months in particular, the eyes of the world are on Queenstown. All manner of thrill seekers, adrenalin junkies and culture vultures descend on the town for the annual Queenstown Winter Festival, which takes place from 22nd June to 1st July this year.
Festival goers are spoilt for choice when it comes to great places to eat. Here are a few we recommend:
This place is very hot right now. Their take on the traditional steakhouse combines bright, funky décor with African-influenced cuisine and prime cuts of meat. Choose from the a la carte menu or make your own selection of meat, sauce and side dish from the butchery.
For a uniquely local dining experience head to Pier 19. Situated on Steamer Wharf, it boasts breathtaking lake views and equally impressive cooking. The team here have fashioned top notch regional ingredients including Fjordland venison, Southland lamb and Stewart Island salmon into a classy yet unpretentious menu.
Hidden away behind a discreet wooden door in Queenstown’s back streets, The Bunker’s menu effortlessly combines bush flavours with urban sophistication. Main course options include: rack and loin of Southland hare with gingered pearl barely or house made West Coast paua ravioli with garlic cream, baby watercress and shaved Grana Padano.
Queenstown’s iconic Tatler Restaurant & Bar is open from 10 am for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Luxuriate in Tatler’s elegant surrounds next to Lake Wakatipu and enjoy its hearty menu of modern New Zealand meets European cuisine. Veuve Clicquot and Bluff oysters is a good option, however, if you feel like a slightly extravagant snack.
Wai Waterfront Restaurant use the freshest ingredients from around New Zealand and handmake everything from scratch. The menu has a particular focus on seafood which is apt given Wai’s stunning absolute waterfront location.
Editorial by Nicholas Chidley
7 May 2012
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