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You won't go hungry or thirsty in Queenstown or Wanaka. The region is a burgeoning foodie haven with cafes, bars and eateries aplenty. Here's our insider's guide to the some of the best spots for apres ski eating and drinking.
Botswana Butchery, Queenstown
There's a touch of glam at this popular Queenstown eatery with its patterned wallpaper and high-back chairs upholstered in velvet. With assured service, it shouts fine dining but is in fact fairly relaxed and is also great for family groups. The wine list is long on Central Otago pinots, which match well to meaty mains such as Botswana Peking Duck and lamb served two ways (in a shepherd's pie and as roasted cutlets). 17a Marine Parade, Queenstown, +64 3 442 6994, www.botswanabutchery.co.nz.
Amisfield Bistro, Queenstown
The Amisfield Winery, about 14 kilometres out of Queenstown, is blessed with a stunning setting on the edge of Lake Hayes. In summer it's a place to linger for al fresco dining. In winter the roaring fireplace inside the schist stone cellar door and restaurant keeps things toasty. The menu shines the light on seasonal produce from the Central Otago region and beyond, with all dishes – such as Fiordland venison, celeriac, boysenberries, coffee butter and piko piko (fern shoots) – paired with an Amisfield wine. 10 Lake Hayes Rd, RD1, Queenstown, +64 3 442 0556, www.amisfield.co.nz.
Madame Woo, Queenstown
Chinese and Malay street food are the stars here at this vibrant eatery in the heart of Queenstown, open daily from noon till late. Among the crowd-pleasers on the menu are classic Malay satays, beef rendang, Nonya chicken curry and roti canai-style "hawker rolls" full of pulled sticky pork or sweet and sour fish. 5 The Mall, Lower Ballarat St, Queenstown, +64 3 442 9200, www.madamwoo.co.nz.
Fergburger, Queenstown
This former hole-in-the-wall burger joint has earned cult status in Queenstown food circles. Its juicy burgers range from the simple Fergburger to the Sweet Bambi (venison with Thai plum chutney) and the Big Al, which includes two beef patties, eggs, bacon, cheese and the trimmings. It's open 21 hours a day, but expect to queue. 42 Shotover Street, Queenstown, +64 3 441 1232, www.fergburger.com.
Patagonia Chocolates, Queenstown
After a hard day's skiing (or instead of one), this is the place to come for rich hot chocolates and piping hot churros dunked in indulgent salted caramel or intense dark chocolate sauce. The hand-made chocolates and chocolate-themed cakes are exquisite, and the coffee's great too. You'll ski it all off, right? 50 Beach Street, Queenstown, +64 3 442 9066.
Rata, Queenstown
Chef Josh Emmett's food at Rata is contemporary and clever, with a focus on slow cooking and robust flavours, from starters such as smoked warehou croquette with soy mayo and black sesame to shared mains such as Canterbury lamb shoulder with vadouvan spice, cauliflower pistachio and dates. The sleek lines of the dining room are set off by the striking backlit photograph of a forest of rata trees. Te Nuku, 43 Ballarat St, Queenstown, +64 3 442 9393, www.ratadining.co.nz
Naughty Penguin, Queenstown
You can leave your mark on the Naughty Penguin by filling in the blackboard chart on the wall, headlined "Before I die, I want to …". Timber-panelled banquettes line the cosy interior, where a well-chosen selection of Kiwi craft beers, regional wines and great cocktails are passed over the copper-topped bar. www.thenaughtypenguin.co.nz
Vudu Cafe & Larder, Queenstown
Aptly described as Melbourne cool meets Queenstown charm, Vudu has two locations in Queenstown, the original Vudu Cafe and the younger sibling Cafe & Larder. Both do great breakfasts – field mushroom stuffed with blue cheese, rocket and poached eggs on sourdough, anyone? – while the larder sells wicked cakes and pastries that just hit the spot: black forest gateau, Chelsea buns and lemon curd and mixed berry Swiss roll. Oh, and excellent coffee too. 16 Rees Street, Queenstown, +64 3 441 8370, www.vudu.co.nz .
Francesca's Italian Kitchen, Wanaka
It's a bit of a Kiwi take on traditional Italian fare at Francesca's but no one's terribly worried about it. The high-ceilinged space is packed most days for lunch and dinner, with couples, families and groups tucking into flat bread heady with garlic and oil, and pizzas from the wood-fired oven, plus rib-sticking pasta dishes such as pappardelle with braised local lamb, green olives, rosemary and chilli. Don't leave without sampling the polenta fries. 93 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, + 64 3 443 5599.
Bistro Gentil, Wanaka
This popular Wanaka eatery does French fine dining with a unique Kiwi twist, in an elegant, pared-back interior. Chef Phil Watkins uses only the freshest ingredients based on seasonal availability and what is growing in the bistro's garden out the back. 76a Golf Course Rd, Wanaka, +64 3 443 2299, www.bistrogentil.co.nz.
Boaboa Food Company, Wanaka
A terrific little eatery that's easy on the hip pocket, Boaboa is a good old-fashioned Kiwi takeaway with gourmet burgers, home-cooked meals and salads that would sit proudly on any restaurant menu. 137 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, +64 3 443 1234, www.facebook.com/boaboafc.
This article is brought to you in association with Tourism New Zealand.
