Combining fine-dining flair with the relaxed ambience of a mountain resort town, Rata in Queenstown is one of the New Zealand eateries operated by well-known Kiwi chef Josh Emett. With a CV that includes cooking stints in the United States and London, Emett has crafted a menu that deftly marries a range of international influences to proudly local produce. Sharing plates include New Zealand octopus with saffron aioli or Marlborough salmon with horseradish and green apple, while local venison and merino lamb are standout main courses.

Sorry, I don't know exactly where you will find them, but I assume Rata will have them as a special, maybe Amisfield will incorporate them into the menu. They're an obsession down here. I just had a look at TA reviews for Rata and many reviewers mentioned the lovely Bluff oysters they had, though one patron complained how the restaurant had sold out of them and they had to look enviously at the last oysters being consumed by diners at the adjacent table.

Rata is owned and operated by Michelin-star chef Josh Emett. Since opening, the restaurant has earned a reputation for embracing local flavours with an elegantly contemporary twist. The wine list showcases the best wines to come out of the Central Otago region, while the menu consists of locally-sourced seafood and various meat and cheese-based delicacies.

If you’re looking for fine dining, Rata is an excellent option, launched by one of New Zealand’s most famous Michelin-star chefs, Josh Emett. A la carte options are available, but the tasting menu — which includes locally sourced specialties like crayfish croustade, wagyu sirloin, and blue cod — is recommended.

New head chef Michael Bickford has mastered his craft, creating unique dishes that are nothing short of extravagant and centred around the freshest New Zealand produce available. The restaurant works with small farmers and producers across Otago and the South Island to keep the ingredients seasonal, many of which are harvested by the chefs themselves. Bickford has brought the menu a fresh update inspired by his Kiwi upbringing with dishes like kingfish Crudo cured in elderflower vinegar with apple and hemp seed and a classic Southland cheese roll upgraded with Speights mustard, cornichon jam, and fried yeast.

Book a table today because we are confidently naming Rātā Queenstown Central’s best restaurant by the region’s best (IOHO) restaurateur Fleur Caulton. Tirelessly championing the town centre, Fleur has protected Rātā through a storm of issues and with Friedrich Beloussow now leading the kitchen, the restaurant is as captivating today as it was 12 years ago. Obviously way ahead of its time, the room still feels fresh and appropriate for a modern neighbourhood restaurant that brings the surrounding landscape into town through a screen of native trees and the much-photographed mural on the back wall.

Rata’s name comes from the flowering, fiery-coloured rata tree – a species native to New Zealand – and serves as an homage to the country. Headed by Michelin-starred chef, Josh Emett, and veteran restaurateur, Fleur Caulton, Rata aims to embody the landscape (and flavours) of the South Island and combine them with a breezy Kiwi attitude in a relaxed eatery. This sense of calm extends to its discreet location away from the core and a decor of unfinished wood, polished stone and a trompe-l’oeil wall of a plush, green forest.

Nestled among a square of pubs is Rata, a little hidden away gem by New Zealand born and based chef Josh Emett who worked extensively with Gordon Ramsay. And a little tip: if you go for lunch even on weekends it's a steal with two courses for $28NZD or three courses for $38NZD. Starters include the new season crisp and perfectly grilled asparagus, served with Viavio torn stracciatella, a soft, milky cow's milk cheese and accents of finely chopped black garlic and roasted hazelnuts.

You can’t write a top restaurant list in Queenstown without including Rātā, it just wouldn’t be complete. The brainchild of legendary celebrity chef Josh Emett, this eatery is one I recommend everyone try at least once. The deliciously inventive menu, which changes daily, celebrates New Zealand in all its glory, from the freshest produce to locally sourced organic ingredients that are preserved, fermented, and dehydrated to bring the flavours of the south year-round.

Awarded 2 hats at the 2019 Cuisine Good Food Awards, Rātā is a stalwart in the Queenstown dining scene. The beautifully structured restaurant is ensconced in an urban forest of native trees, with the crimson-blossomed rātā lending its name to the establishment. These trees also lend the restaurant its philosophy of keeping things local and native, with inspired dishes created with New Zealand ingredients and decidedly of the countries diverse cultural traditions.

One of Queenstown’s most impressive restaurants is the elegant Rātā (43 Ballarat Street), opened by Michelin-starred chef Josh Emett and local restaurateur Fleur Caulton. With rich slow-cooked dishes, such as beef rib with parmesan gnocchi and buttered leek, to suit Queenstown’s cooler climate, there’s a reason this intimate venue is so popular. Enjoy your meal at the bar, in the formal restaurant or outside in the sunny courtyard.

For a restaurant in Queenstown offering a modern Asian fusion menu, head to Rata. Michelin-star chef Josh Emmett is behind this fine-dining restaurant and he’s also the proprietor of New Zealand’s Hawker and Roll and Madam Woo, so if you’ve eaten at either of these places then you know you’re in for a treat. The seasonal menu is fresh and constantly changing and we strongly recommend the oysters, with ginger, and bonito vinegar.

Rata is a relaxed eating-house with a neighbourhood feel, opened by Michelin Star chef and Masterchef Judge Josh Emett and renowned restaurateur Fleur Caulton. Lunch, dinner and bar grazing is served at Rata 7 days, showcasing Josh Emett's impeccable cooking skills through the discipline of his Michelin star background ensures inspired cuisine. Rata is located discreetly tucked away alongside heritage buildings in Queenstown.

Rata, celebrity chef Josh Emmett’s main Queenstown fort, is a kingdom of deconstructed high-end meals. The restaurant falls firmly within the 'Contemporary New Zealand' genre, with amazing locally-sourced meals, as well as a very New Zealand-inspired interior design - the open dining restaurant tastefully decorated with a wall-spanning back-lit image of a fauna forest and beautiful and minimalistic wooden tables and chairs.

This is my 3rd visit to Rata and I actually prefer their bites and entres to their mains and desserts. So, the last two visits, we've dined with more of a 'tapa's style of eating' in mind - ordering raw (oysters), entrees, sides and plenty of booze, skipping the mains entirely!. You are definitely paying fine dining prices but with that, the service has been impeccable every time and we've felt very well looked after.

If you’re wanting a more modern take on New Zealand’s Southland produce then look no further than Josh Emett’s Rata. Tucked away behind the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Rata is an ambitious venture that offers delicacies you won’t find everywhere, such as 55 day aged beef fillet, or crispy ox tongue served with figs, beetroot, walnut and quinoa. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured that the local produce will shine.

For authentic New Zealand Cuisine in the centre of Queenstown, overlooking ancient trees and historical buildings, head over to Rata. This modern eatery is inspired by New Zealand and their excellent chefs cook with fresh organic products from local farms following sustainable farming practices. The goal of Rata Restaurant in Queensland is to take all the guests on an unforgettable food adventure.

Rata should be at the top of your list for dinner in Queenstown. Chef Josh Emett serves up great food with a wine list showcasing beautiful varieties of the region. Select the Feast menu for dishes such as goat's cheese profiteroles with Rata blossom honey, slow-cooked Merino lamb shoulder as well as cured Marlborough salmon — all perfect for sharing.

Rātā is one of Queenstown’s fine dining restaurants and meets the demand for unpretentious, quality dining. The menu is always inspired by the local surroundings, with blue cod and merino lamb often gracing the menu. Though the menu changes daily, a favourite that keeps coming back for more is the goat’s cheese profiteroles with honey and rosemary.

Tucked in the centre of Queenstown’s bustling downtown, Rātā offers a classic kiwi experience. The modern, light-filled eatery offers New Zealand classics from the South Island, showcasing the bounty that comes from both the land and sea. Expertly plated and paired with a number of local wines, Rātā offers an experience you soon won’t forget.

This exceptional restaurant in central Queenstown celebrates the best organic and sustainable ingredients and offers a seasonal menu that beautifully captures the region's flavours. Dine amidst a picturesque setting, surrounded by an urban forest of native trees, while savouring inventive and adventurous dishes and Central Otago wines.

**An award winning restaurant in the heart of Queenstown, Rata is run by Michelin starred Chef Josh Emett. The interior of the restaurant is contemporary, with an attractive lush wall mural to create the sense of dining with nature. Expect the likes of pork belly, pan fried cod and Angus beef tartare, presented in fine dining style.

Rata – Having been awarded with two out of three ‘Hats’, you know you will get exceptional food here. The idea behind Rata for Michelin star chef, Josh Emett, was to make New Zealand the centrepiece. He has handcrafted a menu that showcases the best tastes of New Zealand, so visitors can have a truly authentic experience here.

Step into Rātā for a taste of New Zealand, from their fresh, sustainable produce to their quality local ingredients. As a restaurant which tries to support small, local producers, sometimes ingredients have a limited supply. For that reason, the menu at Rātā is always changing, making use of the finest available produce.

Rātā offers fine dining in central Queenstown, featuring organic and sustainably grown ingredients sourced locally. The seasonal menu is complemented by an expansive collection of Central Otago wines. Open for dinner, Rātā provides good service and interesting dishes in a picturesque setting surrounded by native trees.

Classification: serving lunch and dinner in a fine dining atmosphere, the classification for this selection is an “Oceanian, European restaurant”. Michelin star chef Josh Emmett owns and operates this restaurant. With a contemporary yet elegant twist and embracing local flavours, it has earned a strong reputation.

Rata is a fine dining restaurant offering modern New Zealand cuisine and wine menu, conveniently located in the centre of Queenstown. It’s surrounded by native trees creating a relaxed and tranquil backdrop. We dined at Rata for a special occasion meal and the food was excellent, fresh and cooked to perfection.

A true foodie experience awaits at Rata, run in collaboration with a Michelin Chef and Celebrity Masterchef judge, Josh Emett. Rata’s ever-changing menu aims to showcase the best of Central Otago’s produce and vineyards, presenting international travellers with a chance to indulge in true New Zealand flavours.

Without any exaggeration, one of the best meals of my life was at Rata. This is world class dining at its finest and is absolutely among the best restaurants in Queenstown. Though it’s on the pricier side, it’s worth every single cent as you’ll be treated to the most enchanting and thoughtful meal imaginable.

Josh Emmett is a Michelin-star chef and judge on MasterChef NZ and runs both Rata and Madam Woo. Rata takes inspiration from the southern landscapes and provides a uniquely ‘southern’ dining experience. Madam Woo serves up the flavours of Chinese and Malaysian street food and is famous for its Hawker Rolls.

Lunch, dinner and bar grazing is served at Rātā.The menu showcases Josh’s impeccable cooking skills. Queenstown’s cooler climate lends itself to Josh’s love of slow cooked dishes and robust flavours, the discipline of his Michelin star background ensures elegant well balanced and inspired cuisine.

Rata is another excellent award winning Queenstown restaurant owned and operated by internationally recognized Michelin starred chef Josh Emett, and highly regarded local restaurateur Fleur Caulton. They offer elegant well balanced and inspired cuisine. It pays to book in advance.

Rata Dining is a culinary masterpiece crafted by none other than the celebrity chef extraordinaire Josh Emett. The stylish yet delightfully rustic decor sets the mood for the evening. The menu is set and changes every single day, depending on what’s fresh and in-season.

Rata – We had my birthday dinner here and again they had a whole vegan menu. The mushroom ravioli was incredible. I had the pain dépices with poached rhubarb and soy ginger ice cream for dessert and it was probably the best vegan ice cream I’ve ever had.

And if you’re really looking to splash out, you’ll want to make a reservation at Rata. Owned by leading Kiwi restaurateurs Josh Emmett and Fleur Caulton, Rata’s fine-dining menu is consistently judged one of the best in New Zealand.

Rata is a cozy and contemporary New Zealand upscale dining experience. It’s renowned for its locally-sourced ingredients and unique flavor combinations. The duck is highly raved about and one of Rata’s top dishes.

A few famous chefs have set up shop in Queenstown including Josh Emmett, the Michelin-star chef and MasterChef NZ judge at Rata and Madam Woo. Discover where to find the best places to dine in Queenstown

For something different try Michelin-starred Josh Emett’s Rata for exciting Kiwi food in a beautiful setting. Or splurge on a helicopter to take the two of you and a picnic to the top of a mountain.

Owned and run by Michelin starred chef Josh Emett and renowned local restauranteur, Fleur Caulton, Rata dining offers quality dining in a relaxed environment...

A must-see when visiting Queenstown loved for its unique take on local cuisine. The delicious dishes on offer are guaranteed to tickle your taste buds.

Best night restaurants: The Grille Botswana Butchery Rata Restaurant The Bunker (Best in Winter) The Cow (For casual dining) Public Kitchen & Bar

Rātā restaurant: It features a forest mural that dominates the dining room, making it feel more Middle-earth than middle of Queenstown.