
Flame Bar & Grill
A vibrant South African-inspired grill specializing in award-winning ribs and steaks, offering generous portions and a lively atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Flame Bar & Grill

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant South African-inspired grill specializing in award-winning ribs and steaks, offering generous portions and a lively atmosphere.
"Renowned for its secret South African BBQ recipe, Flame Bar + Grill has been a favourite Queenstown restaurant for over a decade."
Book Ahead for Dinner
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to avoid disappointment.
Arrive Hungry
Portion sizes are known to be substantial, so come with a hearty appetite.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Bar & Grill
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+64 27 349 4469
Address
Steamer Wharf Street Level/88 Beach Street, Queenstown, 9300, New Zealand
Website
flamegrill.co.nz/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Award-Winning Ribs & Steaks
Renowned for a secret South African BBQ recipe, the ribs and steaks are a must-try.

Generous Portions with a View
Savor substantial servings of grilled meats while enjoying scenic lake views.

Build-Your-Own Burger Experience
Customize your burger with a variety of premium toppings and ingredients.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Dinner
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to avoid disappointment.
Arrive Hungry
Portion sizes are known to be substantial, so come with a hearty appetite.
Consider First Table
Look into booking through First Table for potential lunch deals and savings.
Sample Unique Sides
Don't miss out on interesting sides like the crunchy apple slaw with pine nuts.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Dinner
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to avoid disappointment.
Arrive Hungry
Portion sizes are known to be substantial, so come with a hearty appetite.
Consider First Table
Look into booking through First Table for potential lunch deals and savings.
Sample Unique Sides
Don't miss out on interesting sides like the crunchy apple slaw with pine nuts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Flame Bar & Grill is celebrated for its hearty, generous portions of meat dishes, particularly its signature ribs and steaks, often praised for their flavor and value. The atmosphere is lively, and service is frequently highlighted as friendly and attentive. However, some diners note inconsistencies in steak preparation and find the signature basting sauce's flavor unusual, with occasional complaints about tough ribs.
"We had lunch here and ordered the pork ribs (half rack) and ribeye steak combo with chips, a starter-size green mussel dish, a small slaw salad, and two Coke Zeros. We always come here whenever we visit Queenstown.
The pork ribs were delicious and very generous for a lunch deal. The mussels in creamy sauce were full of flavor, and the steak with added mushroom sauce was also very satisfying.
We ended with their signature flame-shaped gelato, which was the perfect dessert. Since it was my husband’s birthday, they even added a special chocolate decoration — such a lovely touch.
We had a 12 PM booking, and although I don’t remember the name of the female staff member who served us, she was very kind and gave us great service. Thanks to her, we had a really special time."
joy kim
"This was a great choice for eating out in Queenstown. Food was prepared perfectly in a timely manner and the staff were great and attentive even when busy.
Value was amazing, if anything too much food (never a bad thing)
Very accomodating and fit my partner and I in for a last minute booking when we called ahead despite being booked out online.
Cant wait to come back to Flame."
Johnny Beresford
"We visited Flame Bar and Grill for dinner and had a mixed experience. The customer service was excellent – the staff were friendly throughout the evening.
However, the food itself was a little disappointing. We ordered two sirloin steaks, one well done and the other medium well. When the meals arrived, the waiter explained that one was medium well and the other medium rare, which wasn’t what we ordered. Since we had already waited about 40 minutes, we chose not to send them back. The steak sauce also had a flavour that we found a bit unusual.
On a positive note, the calamari was fantastic – definitely a 10/10 and the highlight of our meal.
Overall, I’d still recommend giving Flame Bar and Grill a try if you’re curious, but I would suggest going in without high expectations."
ezavsp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is most famous for its award-winning ribs and steaks, prepared with a secret South African BBQ recipe and basting sauce.
Yes, making a reservation online in advance is highly recommended, especially for dinner, as the restaurant is very popular.
Yes, diners frequently mention that portion sizes are substantial, so it's advised to arrive hungry.
While it's a meat-lover's haven, they do offer some alternatives like salads and burgers, but it might be best to inquire directly about specific options.
Absolutely! You can customize your burger with a wide range of toppings, including beetroot, pineapple, various cheeses, and more.
The restaurant has a casual and energetic atmosphere, so there is no strict dress code.
Yes, you can sit and look out at the water, enjoying the scenic surroundings.
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Where to Find the Best Burger in Queenstown
The aim of the game with Flame Bar & Grill is to build your own burger. You’ll start with the base (beef, chicken, veggie or ‘Boerewors Roll’ which is basically a hot dog that uses a gourmet African sausage as its base), and then you’ll add whatever ingredients you desire. Topping choices include beetroot, pineapple, black field mushrooms, crispy onions, fried egg, streaky bacon, onion jam, South African chutney and blue, edam or halloumi cheese.
15 Best Restaurants in Queenstown
If you’re vego or vegan, it might best to steer clear of this one – Flame is a meat-lovers haven bursting with the best ribs, steaks and everything else meaty in all of Queenstown. This doesn’t mean they make compromises in the other departments, however, with delicious sides (like classic roast potatoes and sour cream) as well as burgers, seafood and salads. The portion sizes are pretty mammoth, so make sure to arrive with an appetite.
The best bars and restaurants in Queenstown
I’ve been a Queenstown repeat offender for a long time now, but, somehow Flame Bar + Grill has escaped my dining purview until my most recent visit. And subsequently, this has now become my single greatest Queenstown-related regret. Renowned for its secret South African BBQ recipe wrapped around award-winning Ribs and Steaks, Flame Bar + Grill has been a favourite Queenstown restaurant for over a decade.
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Flame brings the best of South African Braai with fantastic Kiwi hospitality. Known as one of the best places in Queenstown for succulent, perfectly cooked steak, Flame's menu features delicious and satisfying ribs and other meat dishes that will have you coming back for more. As well as a dining experience you'll want to repeat, the Flame team exudes friendliness, passion, and warmth.
Top 10 Eateries In Queenstown
So bad but so good, this place does arguably the best ribs in Qtown. The ribs have the most amazing barbeque sauce glaze and then when you thought it couldn't get any better, chuck some mushroom sauce on top and you'll be having a full blown party in your mouth!. 24 hours in advance bookings are a must at this place in order to avoid disappointment for dinner.
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A spectacular rib and steakhouse, Flame Bar & Grill is famous for its mouthwatering ribs and signature South African BBQ sauce, a secret recipe that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. Whether you’re craving perfectly grilled steak or fall-off-the-bone ribs, this spot delivers big on flavour. Book ahead – it’s no secret how good this place is!
Incredible Restaurants in Queenstown You Need to Try
South African barbecue, also known as Braai, is a popular way to cook meat that is all about the fire and the meat. Grilling food over a hot fire releases strong fragrant aromas which wafts out of Flame’s open kitchen the tempts the stomachs of everyone around. In saying that, there are few better choices of meat to barbecue than a nice rack of ribs.
Fast-food restaurants in Central Otago, NZ
For those looking for a more diverse range of fast food options, Queenstown, a nearby destination, offers an array of choices, including Taco Medic Searle Lane, Flame Bar & Grill, The Cow, and Erik's Fish and Chips. With these options, travelers can satisfy their cravings for a quick and tasty meal while exploring the beautiful Central Otago region.
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Flame Bar & Grill embodies the essence of the South African Braai - a flavourful flame-cooking technique. If you’re a meat eater, then look no further than their succulent ribs and steaks caramelised using their secret basting sauce. Beyond the grill, Flame offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, tender skewered meats, and vibrant salads.
Best Restaurants in Queenstown
Flame is a funky and buzzing steakhouse overlooking the lake. Geared towards carnivores, it's a perfect place to hang out and relax. Using unique South African grilling methods, the menu is very much a meat-eater's paradise, although there is a still an ample selection of alternatives for vegetarians and seafood-lovers.
Queenstown Venues for Hire - The Complete Guide
Flame's new home is a purpose-built space with a bespoke bar area and a large open theatre-style kitchen. Home to award-winning Steak and Ribs, Flame boasts a prime position on Steamer Wharf. Split into three zones, Flame is the perfect venue for private events, corporate gatherings and special occasions.
25 of the Best Queenstown Restaurants
Just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, Flame brings the vibrant flavours of South Africa to New Zealand. This lively spot is famous for its succulent grilled meats and generous portions. The energetic atmosphere is enhanced by the open grill where diners can watch as their dishes are prepared.
Top Halal Eats in Queenstown
This is a fancy restaurant with the most spectacular view specialising in steaks and ribs that come with their spicy special sauce. They also have chicken, seafood, and vegetarian options. We started with ordering Mozambique prawns which were sauteed in rattlesnake sauce served with rice pilaf.
Eat Your Way Around the World in Queenstown
A secret South African BBQ recipe wrapped around amazing ribs and steaks is what you'll expect to experience at Flame Bar & Grill. A restaurant that pride themselves on welcoming and enthusiastic service. The 'braai' style menu highlights include flame grilled ribs and boerewors sausages.
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Flame sources all their meat from the green, unpolluted pastures of Southland and Otago. The South Island of New Zealand is blessed with rich fertile soil, plenty of rainfall and pure air quality. Flame meat is aged for up to 6 weeks which maximises tenderness and flavour.
Queenstown Best Eats: Top 15 Restaurants and Cafes to Try
The best ribs and a place we go back to whenever we are in Queenstown. Their dishes focus on NZ & South African style meat dishes and they are known for their signature ribs. I’ve tried several different dishes here including the fish and they deliver every time.
Queenstown Family Friendly Restaurants
If your family is wanting to try a local favourite in Queenstown, then Flame is the go-to. Flame is a meat-based restaurant and legend has it that they quite possibly cook the best steak in Queenstown. Try it for yourself, make sure you give them a call to book.
Top 10 Cheap Eats Queenstown
Local restaurant specialising in carnivorous treats (Veggie options also available). There’s a range of choices on their lunch menu starting at $10!. A Queenstown local’s favourite place to cure a Jager infused hangover.
Top 10 Best Places to Eat in Queenstown, New Zealand
I had booked Flame as one of our first dinner’s in Queenstown, and it blew us away!. Inspired by South African cuisine, Flame is extremely unique. Warm and overall a super fun and cosy vibe for a Steakhouse.
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I would pay a huge amount of money to get some shipped over to the UK right now. Wouldn’t that be something. I don’t care if you don’t like ribs.
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