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Queenstown, as the main regional resort, has the widest range of restaurants. Throughout the area, menus focus on local produce, seafood, lamb, and venison. Wine lists often highlight South Island wines, especially those from Central Otago and Gibbston Valley. Cafés and restaurants driven by the summer tourist trade shorten their hours in winter. Dress standards are generally relaxed, with jeans or khakis acceptable almost everywhere. At high-end places, particularly in Queenstown, you'll need to reserve a table at least a day in advance.
Outside of Queenstown and Wanaka dining options can be limited. In summer, meals of some sort are available almost everywhere, but outside the high season, there are fewer options in the smaller settlements and they don’t tend to stay open late.
Don't let the modest, homey exterior and laid-back attitude of the staff fool you: this restaurant produces the best meals in Te Anau (it was a favorite hangout spot for the cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings during local filming). The menu is strong on wild game and seafood, and if you stay after dinner, you might get to enjoy live music at the bar. It pays to book in advance.
This bright and breezy eatery beside the lake on Steamer Wharf has picture-postcard views. In summer, if you don't mind being on display, sit outside for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner (and they'll make sure you're well looked after, with a hat and/or a blanket). Inside, it's cozy with a lovely atmosphere and friendly waitstaff. The regularly changing menu is fresh with regional tastes such as Pacific tuna nicoise salad, Stewart Island salmon, and Fiordland venison. If you're feeling adventurous, consider the Seafood Platter for two.
You could hit this lakeside spot for every meal of the day, starting with the bacon or salmon eggs Benedict or something house-made and delicious like their cinnamon sticky buns. The café focuses on local, seasonal fare (and caters to all dietary needs), and guests can expect good service and great coffee; check the blackboard at lunch and dinner for ever-changing specials like their pan-roasted Te Mana lamb with crispy potato gnocchi and vegetables, pecorino, and lemon gremolata. The wine list is mainly local NZ, with a good selection sold by the glass. It gets busy here so it's advisable to book for dinner during the holidays.
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