You are spoilt for choice with a fantastic range of places to eat in Queenstown, no matter what your eating preference and budget.
Eating Out in Queenstown – 10 of the best family options
As an all year round, super-vibrant resort town, Queenstown has so many dining options you can’t possibly try them all!
But going for an evening walk around the wharf, then dining in front of a roaring fire in winter, or al fresco in summer, is quintessential Queenstown.
FergBurger Restaurant Queenstown
You burn some serious calories up on the mountains and so you deserve one of the best burgers in the world to refuel.
We passed by FergBurger a few times before braving the crowds to see why they were so popular. FergBurger is basically an institution in Queenstown and they are, without a doubt, the best burger you will ever try.
The Cow Restaurant Queenstown
The Cow (a cosy restaurant situated in an old, disused cow shed) is quite an experience for the kids. It has the best pizzas in the world, friendly staff, a pizza chef on show to entertain the kids and chalkboards in the bathrooms for them to leave their mark!
A meal for four was really well priced, just have an early dinner as it gets very crowded from 6pm and you have to share tables.
Farelli’s Trattoria Restaurant Queenstown
This is one of our absolute favs when eating out in Queenstown. That said, we do love pasta and pizza, so we’re very biased. But this is a great one for the kids. It’s really laid back, very homely feeling, and the staff are just outstanding.
You’ll find Farelli’s Trattoria at the end of the Steamer Wharf complex.
Again, like everywhere in Queenstown, it does get busy and noisy after 7pm. So book ahead, and dine early if you have little ones with you.
Pub on Wharf
If you’re anything like us, sometimes you just want a quick and easy pub-grub option, with a pint on the side. There’s a few excellent pubs in Queenstown, but our fav has to be the Pub on Wharf.
The food is simple and comes out fast, it’s very well priced, and there’s often live music playing at the weekends.
Patagonia Chocolate Shop Queenstown
Patagonia Chocolate Shop, situated on the wharf, is an icon of Queenstown. But be warned, their kiddie cones would be hard for even an adult to eat and there’s usually a 20-minute wait for coffees.
They do have a chocolate fondue with a selection of breads, figs and fruit that will provide a pretty healthy snack for any toddler, albeit dribbled in the finest chocolate! Take home crunchy rice bubble and white chocolate or sugar-free dark chocolate macadamia slabs… yumm!
Waitiri Creek Winery and Restaurant
Church Lane
SH 6 Gibbston
Central Otago
Phone: 03 441 3315
With a wonderful outdoor dining area for children to run around in, set next to the Gibbston Valley River Walk and hosted inside a beautiful former church, Waitiri Creek is a dining experience not to be missed. Beautiful food accompanied by renowned Waitiri Creek Wines; the children’s options are sure to please too.
Hamills
Located in Remarkables Park shopping area (close to the aiport), Hamills has an excellent selection of pizzas (including gluten free pizzas), drinks and meals. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, colouring pictures for the kids, bathrooms onsite and GREAT coffee for the parents!
Vudu Cafe and Larder
Located right downtown in the heart of Queenstown, this is a beautiful cafe. If it is a nice day, there are tables outside with lake views, and plenty of room for strollers. There is a great breakfast and lunch menu, as well as lovely cabinet food and yummy baking. There’s something to please everyone here and a bathroom onsite too. Vudu Cafe
Stratosphere Restaurant – Skyline gondola
Why not treat the kids to a ride up the gondola in the evening – delight in the awe-inspiring panoramic views across Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Coronet Peak, and the Remarkables – and treat the family to the sumptuous buffet dinner and “kiwi haka” entertainment?
Fish and Chips on the Lake Front
By far the cheapest meal you’ll ever buy in Queenstown, with definitely the best view, is to just buy some fish ‘n chips and head down to the lakefront.
Fish ‘n chips on the lakefront requires you to dress warm in the winter time, but is well worth it. And in the summer, there couldn’t be a better way to end the day.
Sit on the wall, and watch the kids throwing pebbles into the lake while the sun sets, this is how memories are made.
