Queenstown, famed for its cornucopia of local produce and wine-making prowess, is home to some of the best restaurants in all of New Zealand, many of which double as exciting venues. Restaurant venues are an ideal pick for a variety of reasons, from an established ambience to their overall structures, but the main reason is crystal clear: on-site catering. The Queenstown restaurant venues listed below specialise in hosting dinners, cocktail parties and so much more, whether you’re looking for quaint and cosy or something with a little more pizzazz. Here are some of the best Queenstown restaurants for you to choose from. If you're looking for a complete list of Queenstown venues, check this out.

New Orleans Hotel

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New Orleans Hotel was established in 1866 and lovingly restored in 2019 to reinstate its former charm. Originally Arrowtown's country pub, this Queenstown venue now serves as a restaurant that operates all year long and offers a slice of historic Arrowtown for all. Catering with a classic Kiwi lens, New Orleans Hotel's menu features local and seasonal ingredients. Their space is ideal for hosting intimate dinners, lunches and more, featuring a roaring fire in winter and sun-soaked balcony to take in the sights. The staff is friendly and always on hand to help with planning and running your function, offering a host of menu options and ensuring that your event is as comfortable as can be.

 

The Grille

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The Grille is part of a Queenstown brand, Eichardt’s, that has been around since 1867. Located on the lakefront, their venue offers space for up to 150 guests for gala dinners, corporate gatherings, cocktail parties and much more. The Grille is comprised of the 3 separate venues: The Restaurant, with lovely lakeside views and the options of both exclusive and partial hire; The Wine Room, the height of indulgence in a secluded room with a capacity of 12 and bordered by artisan wines; and The Parlour, an elegant space within Eichardt’s Private Hotel overlooking Queenstown Bay and Lake Wakatipu.

 

Ivy and Lola’s

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Ivy and Lola’s Kitchen and Bar is an award-winning restaurant located on Steamer Wharf in the middle of Queenstown. They’re locally-owned with an emphasis on comfort food and a relaxed atmosphere, with a scrumptious all-day menu, craft beer, delicious cocktails and wine list that proudly showcases Central Otago. They’re available for both partial and exclusive hire, able to host up to 60 guests, and can provide extra requirements (such as audiovisual equipment) upon request. Ivy and Lola’s is a warm, wholesome space, a stroll away from the waterfront and a top choice for a restaurant venue in Queenstown.

 

South Eatery by Mercure

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Mercure Queenstown Resort has breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. A gorgeous hotel venue with a professional, helpful team to steer your event towards success, the option of their South Eatery, with floor to ceiling windows and fantastic catering, is not to be missed. Besides their picturesque setting filled with natural light, South Eatery utilises modern dining and catering options, with their produce sourced locally and fine wines from the Central Otago region. South Eatery provides a classy and modern space for a restaurant venue, able to cater for over 40 of your guests.

 

Postmasters

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Constructed in the early 1860s, Postmasters was once a cottage that now serves as a historic part of Arrowtown. It’s surrounded by flourishing gardens and a verandah that’s ideal for al fresco dining on balmy afternoons. Postmasters feature a seasonal menu, with local produce and fresh flavours, sourcing their wine from Central Otago. They allow for both partial and exclusive hire and are a 20-minute drive away from the centre of Queenstown. Postmasters is a beautifully preserved facet of Arrowtown, making for a charming and interesting space for any function.

 

Yonder

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Yonder is a creative space that blends the traditional and the new with its historic building accented by modern touches. A revamped cottage from 1885, Yonder offers its space for a series of events, both large and small. A dedicated and seasoned functions manager will help you to plan and organise your event, including bespoke menus and styling, along with audiovisual equipment and assistance. Yonder has created their space with a focus on being unusual yet cozy, with features such as a pastel pink Victoria Arduino Black Eagle espresso machine and a framed Bill Murray portrait sitting over the fireplace. Their unconventional air is their main charm and ensures that they’re the fun-loving choice for a restaurant venue.

 

Blue Kanu

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Blue Kanu is a contemporary blend of both Pacifica and Asian style, culminating in the unique space that is “Polynasia.” Guests are treated to this extraordinary melding of culture through fresh and exotic dishes, accented with ancient spices and served on Polynesia tapa style plates. With a Hula hut-style bar ready to serve a variety of fun and delicious cocktails, Blue Kanu sets itself apart with its striking sense of culture and palette. Their atmosphere is highlighted by artwork from Deow, Peter Collins’ gorgeous carvings, and Bronc with his superb flax weaving. Blue Kanu is available for partial or exclusive hire and is an exciting option for a restaurant venue in Queenstown.

 

Britannia

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As one of Queenstown’s longest operating restaurants, Britannia has a rich history and has been locally owned and operated for over 30 years. Their menu features both international cuisine and local delights, with produce sourced from Central Otago and special attention paid to their fresh seafood menu. They welcome smaller and larger parties, open to both partial and exclusive hire, and can cater for dining parties, cocktail events and so much more. Britannia is centrally located, a short stroll from the waterfront and surrounded by the whirlwind that is Queenstown’s thrilling city life.

 

Pier

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Pier Restaurant & Bar is settled right on Steamer Wharf and is a comfortable merging of the contemporary and the traditional in both ambience and dining. For this reason, they make such an endearing option for a restaurant venue (besides the serene waterfront views, of course). Able to cater for over 200 guests, Pier boasts the largest outside dining area in all of Queenstown, with the Remarkables serving as a spectacular backdrop to it all. Their team is both professional and cheerful, committed to making your event planning all the easier.

 

Rātā

Image by Rātā

An eatery with oodles of natural light and a Kiwi touch, Rātā is nestled in the middle of Queenstown and strives to bring the taste of New Zealand to the palette of everyone who dines with them. They source organic, local ingredients, and their wine list showcases the best and most extraordinary from Central Otago and beyond. They accept both smaller, more intimate parties and larger ones, with a team dedicated to giving your event a taste of Queenstown. With an inspiring, contemporary feel, Rātā is one of Queenstown’s favourite restaurants.

 

Jervois Steak House

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Jervois Steak House is a steakhouse that pours all its resources into the love and preparation of meat. They source their menu from far and wide and are also famous for their Red king crab, oysters, calamari, daily chicken and fish. Their menu focuses on classic flavours, and their atmosphere surrounds you in a cosy and comfortable space, flanked by exposed distressed timber and brick. Jervois Steak House can accommodate up to 250 guests, hosting anything from private dining events to canapé functions. Take in their modern and industrial lookup close whilst basking in their open fireplace.