Where to Eat in Otago: 40 Best Restaurants

Otago is a dramatic and diverse region in the South Island of New Zealand, stretching from the Pacific coastline near Dunedin across the rugged Central Otago highlands to the alpine lakes and mountains around Queenstown and Wanaka. It is one of New Zealand's most iconic and visited destinations, blending world-class adventure sports, wildlife encounters, gold rush history, and award-winning wine production.

Top restaurants

Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.

Contemporary New Zealand steakhouse

Botswana Butchery

$$$$ (mains $55-90 NZD)4.6/5

A premier Queenstown steakhouse in a stunning lakefront location, Botswana Butchery specializes in premium New Zealand beef and lamb with an extensive wine list featuring the best of Central Otago Pinot Noir.

17 Marine Parade, Queenstown 9300

Contemporary New Zealand

Rata

$$$$ (mains $45-75 NZD)4.7/5

Celebrity chef Josh Emett's flagship Queenstown restaurant, Rata showcases premium New Zealand produce with inventive contemporary techniques. Set in a beautiful heritage building with an open kitchen.

43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown 9300

Contemporary New Zealand with wine pairing

Amisfield Winery Bistro

$$$$ (Trust the Chef from $95 NZD per person)4.8/5

The Amisfield Bistro offers a legendary Trust the Chef degustation lunch menu perfectly paired with their award-winning Central Otago wines. Set overlooking the vineyards and lake, the experience is quintessential Otago.

10 Lake Hayes Road, Lake Hayes, Queenstown 9371

Gourmet burgers

Fergburger

$ (burgers $16-22 NZD)4.5/5

Queenstown's most famous eating institution—enormous, fresh gourmet burgers made with New Zealand beef, free-range chicken, and local produce. Open nearly all night, queues are part of the experience.

42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300

Pizza and pasta

The Cow Restaurant

$$ (mains $25-40 NZD)4.4/5

A Queenstown institution for over 40 years, The Cow is a tiny, cave-like restaurant in a stone building serving wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta. The cramped atmosphere and blazing open fire make it cozy and memorable.

Cow Lane, Queenstown 9300

American BBQ and grill

Flame Bar & Grill

$$$ (mains $35-55 NZD)4.2/5

A waterfront bar and restaurant specializing in grilled meats, craft beers, and classic cocktails. The outdoor terrace has excellent views over Lake Wakatipu and is perfect for a sunny afternoon.

2 Rees Street, Queenstown 9300

Seafood

Fishbone Bar & Grill

$$$ (mains $38-65 NZD)4.4/5

Queenstown's premier seafood restaurant, Fishbone celebrates New Zealand's finest fish and shellfish including Bluff oysters, Marlborough mussels, Akaroa salmon, and the freshest Southland seafood.

7 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300

Cafe, brunch, baked goods

Vudu Café & Larder

$$ (brunch $18-28 NZD)4.6/5

Queenstown's most beloved café, Vudu makes exceptional coffee, freshly baked pastries and breads, and outstanding brunch plates. The artisan sourdough and banana bread are famous throughout town.

16 Rees Street, Queenstown 9300

Restaurants by cuisine

Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.

Specialty Coffee

Mazagran Espresso Bar

$ (coffee $5-7 NZD, snacks $8-15 NZD)

Ritual Café

$ (coffee $5-7 NZD, food $10-20 NZD)

Vivace Café

$$ (food $14-24 NZD)

Alchemy Café

$$ (brunch $16-26 NZD)

Café

The Vault Café

$$ (brunch $16-26 NZD)

Nova Café

$$ (meals $15-25 NZD)

Relishes Café

$$ (brunch $18-28 NZD)

Contemporary New Zealand

Rata

$$$$ (mains $45-75 NZD)

Saffron Restaurant

$$$$ (mains $45-70 NZD)

The Bunker

$$$$ (mains $45-75 NZD)

Seafood

Fishbone Bar & Grill

$$$ (mains $38-65 NZD)

Plato Restaurant

$$$ (mains $38-68 NZD)

Fleur's Place Moeraki

$$$ (mains $38-65 NZD)

Italian

Etrusco at the Savoy

$$$ (mains $30-50 NZD)

Francesca's Italian Kitchen

$$$ (mains $28-48 NZD)

Japanese

Kappa Japanese Restaurant

$$$ (mains $28-55 NZD)

Yohei Japanese

$$$ (mains $28-50 NZD)

American

Flame Bar & Grill

$$$ (mains $35-55 NZD)

Asian Street Food

Bao Now

$ (bao $8-12 NZD each)

Bakery

Arrowtown Bakery

$ (items $4-14 NZD)

Bar Food

The Craft Bar Dunedin

$$ (food $18-30 NZD)

Bistro

No. 7 Balmac

$$$ (mains $32-52 NZD)

Cafe

Vudu Café & Larder

$$ (brunch $18-28 NZD)

Contemporary New Zealand With Wine

Gibbston Valley Winery Restaurant

$$$ (mains $35-55 NZD)

Contemporary New Zealand With Wine Pairing

Amisfield Winery Bistro

$$$$ (Trust the Chef from $95 NZD per person)

French

Pembroke Patisserie

$ (pastries $6-12 NZD)

Fresh Produce

Otago Farmers Market

$ (varies $5-25 NZD)

Gourmet Burgers

Fergburger

$ (burgers $16-22 NZD)

Modern New Zealand

Halo Bar & Eatery

$$$ (mains $28-45 NZD)

Modern New Zealand With Wine

Akarua Winery Restaurant

$$$ (mains $32-52 NZD)

Modern Pub Food

The Fork and Tap

$$ (mains $25-40 NZD)

New Zealand Bar Snacks And Cocktails

Rata Queenstown - Bar Menu

$$$ (bar snacks $15-30 NZD, cocktails $20-25 NZD)

New Zealand Country Cooking

Last Light Lodge Restaurant

$$ (mains $22-38 NZD)

New Zealand Pub And Grill

The Bealey Hotel Restaurant

$$ (mains $25-40 NZD)

Pizza And Pasta

The Cow Restaurant

$$ (mains $25-40 NZD)

Portuguese

Nando's Queenstown

$$ (meals $18-28 NZD)

Pub Food

Speight's Ale House

$$ (food $16-32 NZD)

Smoked Meats

Speights Smoke House

$$$ (mains $32-52 NZD)

Steakhouse

Botswana Butchery

$$$$ (mains $55-90 NZD)

Wine Bar

Peregrine Wines Cellar Door

$$$ (tasting $20-35 NZD; platter $45 NZD)

Dining etiquette & tips

Navigate the local food scene confidently.

Tip

Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.

Tip

Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.

Tip

Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.

Food budget guide

What to expect at different price points.

Level	Price	Description
Budget	$5-15/meal	Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants.
Mid-range	$15-40/meal	Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus.
Upscale	$40+/meal	Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences.