Public Kitchen and Bar
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Public Kitchen and Bar

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Dine with breathtaking lake views at Public Kitchen & Bar, offering cozy outdoor seating and a menu celebrating local Kiwi fare.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Public Kitchen and Bar

Public Kitchen and Bar

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dine with breathtaking lake views at Public Kitchen & Bar, offering cozy outdoor seating and a menu celebrating local Kiwi fare.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Amazing experience with incredible food and Eli’s exceptional service!"

TIP

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your preferred seating.

Outdoor Dining Delight

Opt for outdoor seating at sunset for beautiful views; heaters and blankets are provided for comfort.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 12PM

Cuisine

New Zealand / Modern European

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+64 3 442 5969

Address

Steamer Wharf/Beach, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterfront Views & Cozy Ambiance

Waterfront Views & Cozy Ambiance

Dine with stunning lake views, especially at sunset. Outdoor seating with heaters and blankets ensures comfort year-round.

The Best Outdoor Bars In Queenstown, New ZealandRestaurants with a View in New Zealand (South Island)Best Restaurants in Queenstown+1
Succulent Lamb & Seafood

Succulent Lamb & Seafood

Indulge in perfectly cooked lamb dishes and fresh seafood, including a highly praised seafood pasta.

The Best Queenstown Restaurants 2023Discover Central Otago's Best Kept Culinary Secrets!Top 3 Queenstown Restaurants | Best Local Eats+1
Celebration-Worthy

Celebration-Worthy

The perfect spot for special occasions like birthdays, with attentive staff and extra thoughtful touches.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

100 Top Things To Do In New Zealand: Day 77, Public Kitchen & Bar
@beckiandgeorge
40 likes • 1.9K views

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your preferred seating.

Outdoor Dining Delight

Opt for outdoor seating at sunset for beautiful views; heaters and blankets are provided for comfort.

Sunset dinner at the📍Public Kitchen and Bar, Queenstown, NZ #gallivantine #nz #queenstown
@itsflourishingbella
35 likes • 425 views
📍Public Kitchen & Bar, Queenstown #newzealand #traveltok #lakeview #foodie #foodtiktok #queenstown #restaurant
@rachelribs
19 likes • 1.9K views

Pasta Perfection

Don't miss the seafood pasta, made with fresh, homemade pasta for a truly delightful experience.

Dietary Needs

The menu clearly indicates gluten-free options and staff are accommodating of dietary preferences.

Public Kitchen & Bar, Queenstown
@beckiandgeorge
4 likes • 199 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, to secure your preferred seating.

Outdoor Dining Delight

Opt for outdoor seating at sunset for beautiful views; heaters and blankets are provided for comfort.

Pasta Perfection

Don't miss the seafood pasta, made with fresh, homemade pasta for a truly delightful experience.

Dietary Needs

The menu clearly indicates gluten-free options and staff are accommodating of dietary preferences.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Public Kitchen and Bar is praised for its stunning waterfront location and cozy outdoor seating, making it ideal for sunset views. Guests rave about the delicious food, particularly the lamb and pasta dishes, and the exceptional service provided by attentive staff. While generally positive, some reviews note that service can slightly decrease during peak busy hours, and one heater was reported as not working.

"this is my first time coming to this restaurant. my friend told me it's the best restaurant in the town so I came and have a try. Thanks to Molly she explain the menu to us very carefully. She was very considerate and tidied up the empty plates for us, brought us paper towels, and in general, the service was very good. The dishes in the restaurant are also very delicious. We have been in Queenstown for three days, and this restaurant is indeed the best we have eaten so far."

Xiaosong “ARONDIGHT” Han

"Great ambiance - sitting outside (with heated lamps and blankets) enjoying the sunset.
The lamb was excellent- cooked and seasoned perfectly. The edamame and peas were also very flavorful.
The carrots were a bit too sweet for my liking."

Nat Boo

"We love the ambience! The food was good, but the service is what really stood out to us. Although when it gets crowded, they tend to pay a little less attention, it was still nice overall. The location is great, and I enjoyed their rib eye steak and fresh oysters. However, one of the heaters wasn’t working, which was a bit of a downer, but it didn’t ruin the experience. I recommend booking in advance to avoid waiting during peak times."

Victor Osman

What People Like

Waterfront views and ambiance
Excellent lamb and pasta dishes
Attentive and friendly service

What People Dislike

Service can be slower when busy
Occasional amenity issues (e.g., non-working heater)

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunset is highly recommended for beautiful views. Reservations are advised, especially during peak hours, to avoid waiting.

TikTokGoogle Review

Yes, they have cozy outdoor seating overlooking the water, complete with heaters and blankets for a comfortable experience.

The Best Outdoor Bars In Queenstown, New ZealandGoogle Review

Yes, the menu clearly indicates gluten-free options, and the staff are accommodating of various dietary requirements and preferences.

Top 5 Gluten-Free Cafes in Queenstown New Zealand Queenstown ApartmentsGoogle Review

Guests particularly praise the succulent lamb dishes, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta, like the seafood pasta and carbonara.

Discover Central Otago's Best Kept Culinary Secrets!Google Review+1

Absolutely! It's a great spot for special occasions like birthdays, with the staff providing extra special treatment.

Google Review+1

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Type Restuarant – Dishes made from locally sourced ingredients Hours Mon – Wed: 4pm – 9pm / Thurs – Sun: 1pm – 9pm. The Public Kitchen and Bar is a Kiwi take on a British pub; So if you’re from the UK and wanting to experience a little piece of home then hop into the pub that teeters on the edge of the lake and enjoy a hearty pub meal. Even fit with its red telephone box as an entryway, the Public Kitchen and Bar is the perfect place for an afternoon drink or to grab a meal that will surely warm your heart and fill your stomach.

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Although there are plenty of restaurants with a view in downtown Queenstown, we loved everything about Public Kitchen & Bar. The food is delicious, the happy hour drinks were super affordable, and the views of Lake Wakatipu are unmatched. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with plenty of shareable plates like crispy pork belly, fresh seafood, and tasty vegetarian options.

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