The Southern Alps and Fiordland Restaurants

Queenstown, as the main regional resort, has the widest range of restaurants. Throughout the area, menus focus on local produce, seafood, lamb, and venison. Wine lists often highlight South Island wines, especially those from Central Otago and Gibbston Valley. Cafés and restaurants driven by the summer tourist trade shorten their hours in winter. Dress standards are generally relaxed, with jeans or khakis acceptable almost everywhere. At high-end places, particularly in Queenstown, you'll need to reserve a table at least a day in advance.

Outside of Queenstown and Wanaka dining options can be limited. In summer, meals of some sort are available almost everywhere, but outside the high season, there are fewer options in the smaller settlements and they don’t tend to stay open late.

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  • 1. Bistro Gentil

    $$$$

    Indulge with a modern fine French meal at this trendy bistro with lake and mountain views on the outskirts of Wanaka. The menu changes regularly, but the local Cardrona merino lamb is always there in one form or another, accompanied by heirloom vegetables and herbs from the kitchen garden. Help yourself to more oils and balsamic vinegars via the dispensing machines; you can opt to get your wine on tap as well, allowing you to sample several wines by the taste, half, or full glass. If you want to make a real event of it, opt for the seven-course tasting menu.

    76a Golf Course Rd., Wanaka, Otago, 9305, New Zealand
    03-443--2299

    Known For

    • Provincial olive oils
    • Self-dispensed wine tastings
    • Multicourse tasting menus

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
  • 2. Jervois Steak House

    $$$$

    Dine here and find out why New Zealand is so proud of its beef and lamb: you could take it to the next level with the Wagyu beef, but honestly it's hard to beat the standard Jervois fillet, with onion rings on the side and delicious sauces. Steak is the undisputed hero here, but like the great American steak houses on which Jervois models itself, there's fabulous seafood too, and even a quality vegetarian menu. Warm, interesting decor, and welcoming, knowledgeable staff (they'll bring cuts of meat to your table to show what you're getting) ensure this place delivers a memorable night. If you can't do dinner, try lunch.

    8 Duke St., Queenstown, Otago, 9300, New Zealand
    03-442–6263

    Known For

    • Pricey cuts of beef
    • Extremely knowledgeable staff
    • Elegant steak-house atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 3. La Rumbla

    $$$

    With the owners either cooking in the kitchen or out front making sure this is the best experience it can be, this is one of those rare places that's got all the elements right: food, service, and atmosphere. It's a tapas restaurant, but with generous servings; the food is a mixture of Spanish and all sorts of interesting savory influences. Make a reservation if you want to be sure of a table; locals love this place.

    54 Buckingham St., Arrowtown, Otago, 9302, New Zealand
    03-442--0509

    Known For

    • Great cocktails
    • Good vegan options
    • Reservations usually necessary

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 4. Redcliff Café & Bar

    $$$$

    Don't let the modest, homey exterior and laid-back attitude of the staff fool you: this restaurant produces the best meals in Te Anau (it was a favorite hangout spot for the cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings during local filming). The menu is strong on wild game and seafood, and if you stay after dinner, you might get to enjoy live music at the bar. It pays to book in advance.

    12 Mokonui St., Te Anau, Southland, 9600, New Zealand
    03-249–7431

    Known For

    • Local venison and hare
    • Lively, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere
    • Can get booked up so smart to reserve ahead
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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