Queenstown, New Zealand – Our adventure to the capital of adventure in South Island New Zealand extends to food without saying. We stayed a good number of days in Queenstown and here are some of the cafes and restaurants we feel are worth checking in to.

Fergburger
How is a visit to Queenstown complete without a visit to the world’s best burger? That accolade quite a stretch to be honest, but there is no doubt that Fergburger is one of the most popular restaurant in Queenstown. Expect to wait in line for between 30-45 minutes, with options like the signature Fergburger, a Prime NZ beef with aioli, red onion and cheese. It’s a huge size, tender beef patty but not the best I have had. There are many other flavours for the burger, though we say save some space for the solid milkshakes.
Where: 42 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Rata
An award winning restaurant in the heart of Queenstown, Rata is run by Michelin starred Chef Josh Emett. The interior of the restaurant is contemporary, with an attractive lush wall mural to create the sense of dining with nature. Expect the likes of pork belly, pan fried cod and Angus beef tartare, presented in fine dining style. Service is professional and good. Head here for the set lunch for a good value meal.

Where: Te Nuku, 43 Ballarat St, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand

Jervois Steak House
As one of the most acclaimed steakhouses in Queenstown, Jervois Steak House is located in the same building as Sofitel Queenstown. Come here if you are a steak lover, as the menu is a good representation of local New Zealand beef cuts and neighbouring Australia. I tried both the Taupo eye fillet and Wakanui sirloin, both local produce. The meats are succulent, and expect polished fine dining style service here.
Where: 70 Jervois Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand

The Grille by Eichardt’s
With a view of the lake, The Grille by Eichardt’s is the kind of restaurant to impress your first date, or the well-deserved treat after conquering Ben Lomond in the day. At least, that was what I did. Head if you love your grilled meats, with the menu featuring local NZ cuts from Central Otago and South Island. I tried the Wakanui Blue Sirloin steak fries and Angus Eye Fillet, which are competent.

Where: 9 Marine Parade, Queenstown, 9300, New Zealand

Devil Burger
As an alternative to Fergburger, the crowd at Devil Burger is more sane, which I also attribute to its relatively low key location. Prices are similar to Fergburger, less the long wait. You can still get a pretty good burger here, going by the Devil Burger option which has almost the same mix of ingredients as the signature Fergburger.
Where: 5/11 Church St, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Frank’s Eatery
Located at the lobby level of Ramada Hotel in the Frankton district, I love the interior of this relatively new cafe. Charming industrial chic, and a quiet space to enjoy some good food and coffee. Don’t leave without trying the creamy mushrooms!
Where: Shop 7, Ramada Hotel, 24 Hawthorne Dr, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Frank’s Pantry
As the sister cafe of Frank’s Eatery, Frank’s Pantry is located nearby at the lobby of Wyndham Gardens Hotel. There are similarities in the menu from Frank’s Eatery, though the interior here is less of an industrial chic but boasts a more contemporary and cosy vibe. Food is good as expected, and you can also trust that you will be happy with your coffee.
Where: Shop 3 & 4, Wyndham Gardens Hotel, 32 Red Oaks Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

The Boatshed Cafe
Cafe by the lake? I was impressed with the setting of The Boatshed Cafe, a pretty house right beside the lake. Grab the alfresco tables when the weather is good, where you can watch free roaming ducks and catch some water activities on the lake. The food menu is a robust selection of brunch dishes, along with a good brew of coffee.

Where: 874 Frankton Road, Queenstown 9300

Bespoke Kitchen
If you are heading to the Skyline Gondola, chances are you will walk past a popular cafe Bespoke Kitchen. The location is a natural magnet for people after or before riding the gondola. Regardless, the setting of this cafe is cosy and has some interesting options like Portobello Vegan Benedict with rosti and crispy sesame tofu.
Where: 9 Isle Street, Queenstown, 9300, New Zealand

Patagonia Ice Cream
A local ice cream and chocolate brand which first opened in 2005 at the quaint Arrowtown, Patagonia is a must visit if you are a chocoholic. There are two outlets within close proximity in the heart of the city, both providing ample seating space. While the praline chocolates are famous, we very much prefer the ice cream and specifically the Belgium Chocolate and Vanilla and Cookies.
Where: Various outlets in Queenstown

Ranted by The Ranter & The Rantee