Discover Queenstown's Hottest New Restaurants of 2024
As 2024 unfolds, Queenstown continues to shine not just as an adventure haven, but as a culinary hotspot. This year has welcomed an array of exciting new restaurants that promise to tantalize your taste buds with diverse and delectable offerings.’
From vibrant Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors to refined Japanese and innovative global fusion, these new dining destinations are already making their mark. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor eager to explore, these fresh spots are sure to deliver memorable dining experiences. Here's a look at the top new restaurants in Queenstown for 2024.
1. Baja Mexico
61 Beach Street, Queenstown
Baja Mexico is bringing the lively flavors and ambiance of Baja California to Queenstown. Opened in early 2024, this new hotspot offers a menu packed with bold Mexican dishes. The Tequila-Glazed Pork Ribs and Chili Lime Prawn Tacos are must-tries, while the Tequila and Lime Cheesecake offers a delightful end to your meal. Pair these with a Cucumber and Elderflower Margarita for the perfect dining experience. The decor, featuring golden lighting and sculptural cacti, sets a fun and relaxed tone, making Baja Mexico a great spot for casual yet classy dining.
Customer Reviews: Diners rave about the generous portions and creative dishes. The tequila-glazed pork ribs and chili lime prawn tacos are particularly popular.
2. Cave Arrowtown
40 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown
Cave Arrowtown brings a taste of Japan to Arrowtown with its exquisite sake and tapas offerings. This cozy spot, opened in 2024, features warm wood tones and low lighting for an intimate dining experience. The menu highlights include Karaage Chicken, Char Siu Pork Ramen, and a unique Green Tea Tiramisu. With an extensive sake selection, diners can explore a variety of flavors. Known for its meticulous presentation and high-quality dishes, Cave Arrowtown is perfect for those seeking a refined yet cozy dining experience.
Customer Reviews: Praised for its elegant presentation and high-quality dishes, with the karaage chicken and char siu pork ramen being diner favorites.
3. Miss Rita's Cantina
35 Brecon Street, Queenstown
Miss Rita's Cantina adds a Tex-Mex flair to Queenstown's food scene. Located in the new hospitality precinct below the Skyline Gondola, this lively venue opened in 2024 and seats 145 people inside, with an additional 40 seats in a sunny courtyard. The menu is filled with Tex-Mex classics like tacos, fajitas, and Rita’s fried chicken, alongside burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and loaded nachos. Their frozen margaritas, available in six signature flavors, are a hit. With vibrant decor featuring a Wild West mural, Miss Rita's offers a fun and energetic dining atmosphere.
Special Events and Promotions: Enjoy themed evenings like Nacho Average Monday, Taco Tuesday, and Fried Chicken Wednesday, along with lunch specials and Happy Hour.
4. Odd Saint
1 Earl Street, Queenstown
Odd Saint is redefining brunch in Queenstown with its global fusion menu. Opened in 2024, this unique spot combines elements of American diner kitsch and European bistro chic. The menu, inspired by the owners' travels, includes dishes like Corned Beef Carnitas Hash, Tuna Poke Bowl, and Hot Wok-Fried Rice. The beverage selection features specialty coffees, teas, craft beers, and cocktails. The decor blends American and European design, with a courtyard and garden creating a warm, community-oriented atmosphere perfect for brunch or casual dining.
Customer Reviews: Highly praised for its unique fusion dishes and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for brunch lovers.
Vision and Concept: The owners aim to create a local favorite spot, offering high-quality food and a comfortable dining experience reflecting Queenstown’s cosmopolitan vibe.
5. Eat Space at O’Connell’s
30 Camp Street, O'Connells Building, Queenstown
Eat Space at O’Connell’s is a culinary haven that opened this year in Queenstown. This vibrant dining precinct features an array of international flavors with multiple casual dining options. Each eatery within Eat Space has its unique decor, contributing to a lively and bustling food court atmosphere. Here are the highlights of each dining option at Eat Space:
Cassetta Trattoria: Specializes in Neapolitan pizzas and traditional pastas, offering a modern-day Italian trattoria experience. Guests are welcomed like family, with dishes made from quality produce featuring rich flavors.
The Sushi Platter: Brought to you by the team from Hikari, this spot offers fresh, flavor-filled Japanese dishes with modern interpretations of classic cuisine.
Bronze Elephant: Delivers authentic Thai cuisine by balancing sweet, sour, salt, and spice to create delicious and authentic Thai flavors.
Monster Chicken: Offers bold and inspiring Korean fried chicken, made from fresh NZ local chicken with house-made batter and sauce.
Souvla: Provides an authentic taste of Greece with fresh salads and souvlaki cooked right in front of diners, capturing the essence of Greek street food.
Lemon & Salt: Focuses on simple yet flavorful seafood dishes, perfect for sharing and enjoying with friends. Freshly shucked oysters are a highlight.
Customer Reviews: Diners appreciate the variety and quality of food, with popular dishes including Neapolitan pizzas, sushi, Thai dishes, Korean fried chicken, Greek street food, and seafood.
Vision and Concept: Eat Space aims to provide a diverse culinary experience by bringing together a variety of international cuisines under one roof, focusing on high-quality casual dining options.
To Close
Queenstown's dining scene is constantly evolving, and the new restaurant openings in the first half of 2024 add exciting flavors and experiences to the mix. Whether you're craving authentic Mexican, innovative Japanese, vibrant Tex-Mex, global fusion brunch, or an eclectic dining precinct, these new eateries offer something for every palate. Make 2024 a year of culinary exploration by checking out these top new dining spots in Queenstown.
Whether you're a local foodie or just visiting our lovely city, these new restaurants are bound to leave you with a full belly and a happy heart.
So go on, book a table, and treat yourself to the best that Queenstown has to offer in 2024!
