Neighbourhoods
Our Little Black Book
Published 3 August 2026
This is not a curated list of every restaurant that's ever won an award in Queenstown. It's the list we actually use — the places we go ourselves, the spots we steer our guests towards, and the local tricks we've picked up from years of living and working here.
Think of it as the advice you'd get if you knocked on our door and asked us where to go tonight — honest, specific, and genuinely tried and tested.
Where we actually eat and drink
Our must-go for a pastry pick-me-up: The Boatshed Bakery
Tucked along the Frankton Marina, The Boatshed Bakery turns out a range of hand-made pastries that are genuinely worth going out of your way for. Our personal favourite is the hazelnut choux, crispy, creamy, and the perfect balance of sweet without tipping into cloying territory.
If you've got time to spare, grab a seat and watch the boats drift in and out of the marina. It's one of those quietly lovely spots that doesn't feel the need to shout about itself.
Where to grab a low-key meal and a drink: Atlas Beer Cafe
Some days you just want dinner in whatever you've been wearing all day. No fuss, no getting changed, no overthinking it. Atlas Beer Cafe is our answer to that. It's a firm favourite among the local mountain biking crowd, and the relaxed vibe is a big part of the appeal.
Don't let the easy-going atmosphere fool you though. The steak and chips is genuinely great, and the gravy? Mouthwatering. It's the kind of meal that makes you understand why the locals keep coming back.
Best spot for a long lunch: Mora
Mora. Every day. The food is great, the setting is beautiful, and we genuinely don't want to over-explain it — some things are better discovered. Just go.
One thing we will say: book ahead. We're not the only ones who feel this way about it, and walking in without a reservation at peak times is a gamble you probably don't want to take.
Dinner with a touch of fun: Margo's
Margo's is one of those places that gets the atmosphere right from the moment you walk in, colourful, lively, with staff who bring genuine energy to the room. It's a great option for families (who doesn't love tacos?), but equally perfect for a fun dinner out with friends.
Our personal highlight is the Queso Fundido, a cheesy dip that earns its place on any table. They also run an impressive vegan menu and a solid range of gluten free options, so it's one of those spots that genuinely works for groups with mixed dietary needs.
Best spot for a drink
Ferg Bar
Another offering from the team behind the famous Ferg Burger, and equally good at what it does. The cocktails are fun, visually striking, and well worth ordering — the kind of drinks that are as enjoyable to look at as they are to drink.
Local tips
Want a Ferg Burger without the queue? Head to Arrowtown
Fergburger's Queenstown queue is the stuff of legend — and not always in a good way when you're hungry. The local secret is Fergburger's Arrowtown outpost, which stocks the same staple burgers alongside a great range of hot sandwiches, minus the wait.
The added bonus: Arrowtown itself is worth exploring. Wander the main street, duck into the galleries and boutique shops, and take your time — it's one of those places that rewards slowing down.
Want the 5-star lodge experience without the room rate? Try Roki's The Library Bar
Queenstown's newest 5-star lodge, Roki, opens The Library Bar to non-residents for drinks — which means you can step inside one of the most spectacular settings in the region without needing to book a room.
The drinks carry a five-star price tag, but you do get nibbles alongside them — and a multi-million dollar environment to enjoy it all in. For a special evening that doesn't require a full lodge booking, it's hard to beat.
