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Queenstown is filled with amazing restaurants, bars, and cafes serving delicious food. For a foodie, Queenstown is an awesome place to visit and in this blog, I’ll share with you the best Queenstown food that every foodie should try!
Queenstown is home to hundreds of restaurants that boast both a great atmosphere and amazing food. However, it would be impossible to try them all, especially if you’re only here for a short while. With this in mind, I am writing this post about the best Queenstown food.
Call it a Queenstown food bucket list that you just have to try! But what would I know?
Well, I was lucky enough to call Queenstown home for almost a year and in that time, I’ve visited all of the best places to eat in town. I also met lots of friends who had also lived in Queenstown for a long time and through recommendations and stumbling upon these unique and “must try meals”, I have come up with this list of the best food in Queenstown!
This list won’t recommend restaurants, but a specific dish or food item that I consider the best Queenstown food!
The BEST Food in Queenstown – A Queenstown Food Bucket-List
1. The Ferg Deluxe – Fergburger
Fergburger is Queenstown’s most famous restaurant so it’s no wonder one of their menu items made the list. The humble Ferg Deluxe is Fergburger’s classic burger with bacon, cheese, dill pickle, tomato, onion, aioli, and tomato relish. The burger is not too big or small and comes with just the right amount of everything. It’s also only $16.40 NZD making it rather affordable.
Of course, Ferg Burger has lots of other amazing burgers for you to try but if a classic no-frills burger is what you love then the Ferg Deluxe should be added to your Queenstown food bucket list
This is truly the best burger in Queenstown and a must-try when visiting!
2. Duck Nachos – Blue Kanu
Blue Kanu is another local gem and their duck nachos are out of this world! When you think of nachos you traditionally think of a messy plate with salsa, cheddar cheese, and corn chips. However, these nachos are completely different!
Instead of corn chips, they use fried wontons and then cover them in tender duck meat. After that, they add some goat’s cheese and then amazing Polynesian vegetables and flavors. This is without a doubt the most unique dish in Queenstown and Blue Kanu is my overall favorite restaurant in Queenstown.
Related Read: If you haven’t planned your accommodations yet here are all the best place to stay in Queenstown, New Zealand
3. Poutine – Smiths Craft Beer House
Poutine is a Canadian dish that is very hard to find at the same quality outside of Canada. For those who don’t know, Poutine is fries, cheese curds (not just normal cheese), and gravy. Although this sounds like a simple dish, when it’s done correctly it is next-level amazing!
I can confirm from Bailey (she is Canadian) that Smiths Craft Beer House does the best Poutine outside of Canada, and trust me on this one, she has searched far and wide! If you’re Canadian and missing home or just want to see what all the fuss is about then the Smiths poutine is your best bet! A bowl of authentic Poutine will run you $18 NZD.
Smiths also serve great beers and have a huge selection of craft beers from around New Zealand on tap! It’s one of the best bars in Queenstown!
Beers and poutine? Yes Please!
4. Reese’s Doughnut – Balls and Bangles
Have you ever seen those huge doughnuts with amazing toppings and a syringe filled with dessert sauce? Well, that’s exactly what Balls and Bangles in Queenstown do – and they’re amazing!
One, in particular, is the Reese’s doughnut. Topped with Reese’s chocolates, peanuts, chocolate sauce, and a syringe filled with salted caramel (ask for the syringe to be added on) this doughnut is tasty.
The first time I had one, Bailey and I decided to share one and that was a big mistake. My number one tip is to get one for yourself!
Balls and Bangels also serve milkshakes with the same extravagant toppings and some savory items but who comes here for those! Doughnuts start at $4.50 each but the prices go up the crazier the doughnut gets.
Note: The flavors on their menu change frequently.
Related Read: If you haven’t yet, make sure to try some of the fun things to do up at Skyline Queenstown!
5. Pizza – The Cow
We couldn’t make a food in Queenstown list without pizza! This classic dish is everywhere in Queenstown but it’s Queenstown’s oldest restaurant called The Cow that does it the best.
What we loved most about the pizza was its homemade dough and sauce. These guys put every bit of care into the amazing sauce and it really shows on the pallet.
Although a large wood-fired pizza can be pricey (about $35 ND) it will feed 2 to 3 people! We couldn’t pick a favorite as they are all that good, so get a group and try a few!
Oh, and by the way, I’m a pineapple on pizza guy (the way it should be)!
6. Tiger Prawn Linguini – Farelli’s Trattoria
Fresh pasta is hard to beat, but mix that with fresh prawns and amazing flavors and you’ve got yourself one of the best dishes in Queenstown!
The Tiger Prawn linguini at Farelli’s in Queenstown is just that and this is my go-to place for pasta in Queenstown. They have a few other great kinds of pasta but this is the best Queenstown food list and the Linguini is the best on the menu and a must-try! This place isn’t cheap so be prepared to spend $29 for this dish.
7. Ice Cream – Patagonia Chocolates
It’s highly unlikely that you will come on holiday and not have ice cream at least once (I know I wouldn’t!) In Queenstown, you have a few choices but it’s hard to compare them with Patagonia Chocolates ice cream. What surprised me the most is how it was done.
First off, you pick your cone and then choose a type of chocolate to have it covered in. They then go to the chocolate fountains and let fresh chocolate made onsite ooze over the cone. They then add your choice of topping to the chocolate as it dry’s. After that, you’re all set for your ice cream and they have a huge selection of flavors to choose from!
The ice cream is amazing, the store is perfectly located on the waterfront and it’s the best place to get ice cream in Queenstown!
Related Read: Enjoy take pictures while on vacation? Check out the best places to take photos in Queenstown!
8. Jalapeño Bagel with cream cheese – Fergbaker
Not all the foods on this list are complicated meals. Instead, I wanted to include a few that are perfect for the typical on-the-go visitor in Queenstown.
The Jalapeno bagel from Fergbaker is the perfect affordable snack when you’re on the go, priced at only $4.40. Now, I can’t compare it with a true New York Bagel, but to me, it’s the best I have had! It’s not too spicy either and with the cream cheese, it’s my go-to breakfast in Queenstown when I’m in a hurry!
9. Butter Chicken – Boliwood
Indian food is a passion for me so I couldn’t have a Queenstown foods list without some flavors from India. Boliwood does the best Butter Chicken I have ever had not to mention their other curries are also amazing. An order of Butter Chicken costs about $25.
I know that butter chicken is a very common dish and is mostly done the same everywhere, but at Boliwood they do it slightly different, and it’s delicious!
Put up against the dishes above, it made the best food in Queenstown list for a good reason! Trust me on this one, if Indian food is your thing go to Boliwood!
10. Smoothie bowls – Bespoke Kitchen
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Bespoke Kitchen makes the most delicious smoothie bowls in Queenstown, yet quite pricey at $19, but it’s an investment in your health, right?! Their menu changes seasonally so I couldn’t pick a specific smoothie bowl for you to try. Instead, just try what they have during your visit!
Bespoke Kitchen also serves great eggs benedicts and other classic breakfast items with a twist. You’ll be thanking me for this Queenstown food recommendation!
If you come to Bespoke Kitchen for a healthy breakfast you will be sure to leave satisfied, this is a local spot and a favorite of mine.
Related Read: Make sure to visit the Queenstown breweries on a craft beer tour for the perfect scenic and relaxing afternoon.
Other Activities for Foodies in Queenstown
If you don’t have a whole lot of time in Queenstown and If trying local cuisine is a priority to you then I would suggest taking a food, wine, or bar tour in Queenstown! They are super-efficient and you’ll be able to check off a lot more boxes than stopping at each individual place while saving a lot of money too! Plus the guides will be able to share with you more information about the local foods in Queenstown.
- Queenstown 3-Course Dinner Tour – A lot of wine tours involve snacking rather than so much as getting to eat. But this is the only extended dinner tour in Queenstown that takes you to 3 different winery restaurants for each course that are all expertly paired with wine. You’ll get to try a starter, a main dish, and end the night with a dessert. If you have any dietary restrictions just let them know beforehand and they can accommodate you! There’s also an exact lunch version of this tour here.
- Local Wine and Food Sampler Tour – Explore and learn about the wine region of Central Otago and taste the flavors of local New Zealand produce that inspires each tasting. There will be three stops including one at the biggest underground wine cellar in all of New Zealand. This is a great value tour because all food, cheese, and wine samples are included in the price.
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise – This laid-back dinner plus cruise is perfect for a day off from physical activity. You’ll ride on the 1912 vintage steamer, the TSS “Earnslaw” to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you’ll enjoy high-end barbequed meats or seafood- buffet style. Cap things off with the choice of desserts and cheeses. After you’ll have the option to stay behind or watch a sheepdog show and sheepshearing demonstration. Truly one of the most exceptional Queenstown tours!
- Scenic Gourmet Food and Wine Tour – Sip wine from New Zealand’s largest wine cave, be served a gourmet lunch, and indulge in local cheeses. While enjoying wines from the best regions on the island you will also pass by scenic locations and learn about the Otago Gold Rush. This half-day wine tour in Queenstown has a badge of excellence for being one of the best and most popular Queenstown activities.
- Queenstown Craft Beer Tour – This 4-5 hour tour will visit 4 different locations in and on the outskirts of Queenstown including Arrowtown and the Gibbston Valley. You are able to learn how each place makes their beers and be offered samples of what’s on tap. If you aren’t much for beer there are also wine or cider samples you can try from each brewery instead. For 13 samples and transport, this tour is one of the best!
- Queenstown Ice Bar Crawl – Have you ever drank at an ice bar? Well, this bar crawl stops at the Ice Bar and includes the $35 admission fee in the ticket for just $40 NDZ it’s really a no-brainer! You’ll stop at 4 other bars and get 5 free shots and pizza during the night.
Renting a Car or Campervan in New Zealand
The first step to planning your New Zealand road trip is choosing your set of wheels! Most people rent a campervan or motorhome to get around, but you can also just rent a normal car and stay in hotels (as opposed to camping.)
You can search for rental cars online with Discover Cars in advance to compare car models and prices. We’ve used this website all over the world and if you want more details, read our honest review of Discover Cars for more details!
You can also do this with motorhomes and campervans on a website called Motorhome Republic. It shows all of the available campervans and motorhomes for your specific New Zealand road trip dates. You can compare prices and company reviews here too!
JUCY is our personal favorite campervan rental company in NZ. We love JUCY because they have such a range of both cars and campervans available, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to suit your budget and travel style.
We’ve actually secured an exclusive discount code for our readers with JUCY. Just click here to browse their availability and use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off! What a good deal!
You can check prices, availability and book with JUCY online here.
Star RV is another company we personally recommend but specifically for motorhomes! They offer larger motorhomes (as opposed to budget campervans) at really reasonable rates.
Star RV has actually given us a discount code for our readers too! Use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off your motorhome rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Note: For both Star RV and JUCY, no discounts or promotions will be applied for pickups from December 16, 2024 to January 19, 2025 for New Zealand and Australia. But for the entire rest of the year, the discount is yours!
Thanks for reading!
Queenstown is a huge foodie destination in New Zealand. So don’t just come for the adrenaline junkie activities and other awesome things to do in Queenstown. Come for an awesome food experience that will literally take you all over the world in a few blocks!
If you found this blog helpful then you’re in luck! We have tons more Queenstown travel guides for visitors like yourself on our official Queenstown page. If you’re traveling more of NZ then our New Zealand page will also be handy! Or check out so of our other related articles:
The ultimate guide to Queenstown
Queenstown to Glenorchy scenic drive guide
John's Italian Restaurant
Friday 2nd of August 2019
Thanks for publishing this awesome article. I'm a long time reader but I've never been compelled to leave a comment.
I subscribed to your blog and shared this on my Twitter. Thanks again for a great article!
destinationlesstravel
Monday 5th of August 2019
Hey John
No worries we are glad you liked it!
Thanks for reading and we hope you'll be back
Daniel