Where To Spend This Father’s Day In Queenstown

Sitting pretty on Steamer Wharf is none other than Ivy and Lola’s Kitchen and Bar. The cosmopolitan bistro and local watering hole never cease to amaze with its seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. The laid-back eatery is the perfect option for a low-key dinner with flavourful and hearty food. 

A crowd-pleaser is the legendary Ivy and Lola’s mussel pots, showcasing the fresh seafood found in the South. The New Zealand green-lipped mussels are steamed in a broth (the flavours rotate) and are served with garlic toast; this dish is food for the stomach and soul! Other dishes that steal the show include the blue cod buffalo wings, Szechuan duck pancakes, bao buns and pot sticker dumplings.

Steak, steak, steak; what more could you want? Jervois Steak House will help you secure the spot as the favourite child in your dad’s eyes. Begin the night with an entrée, a teaser to what is to come; the Alaskan snow crab is sensational with Creole butter, roasted garlic, old bay spice and soft white bread. 

The showstopper of the evening is the selection of steaks available; your mouth will water as you indulge in the likes of Greenstone Creek king cut, Zen-Noh Japanese sirloin, Carrara Wagyu scotch fillet, and so many more. Each cut of meat is served with a rich red wine jus and a sauce of your choosing; we recommend the truffle horseradish chipotle bearnaise. Steer dad towards the 6-course degustation with wine pairing for the ultimate steak house experience!

Treat your dear old dad to the finer things in life and book a table at Podium, the opulent eatery offers a flavourful dining experience that explores local delicacies. The vibrant ambience and outdoor mezzanine create a welcoming atmosphere with a breathtaking backdrop.

The menu features beautiful entrées like beef tartare, warm focaccia, seared scallops and fried cauliflower with tahini, pine nuts and pomegranate. The main courses showcase Podium’s superiority in the kitchen, including unforgettable flavours and ingredients like shiitake mushroom congee, seared chicken breast with potato aligot, and pan-fried market fish with cauliflower puree and succulent sirloin steak with potato galette and broccolini. 

Queenstown has an abundance of beautiful spots to celebrate important occasions like Father’s Day, and Elements Restaurant is one of our favourite locations to do so. The fresh seasonal cuisine and contemporary dining experience make for a memorable night that tantalises the taste buds. Spend the night beneath the stars on the mezzanine level or alfresco in the Rose Garden, surrounded by your loved ones.

Elements is renowned for its skill on the grill; get your hands on Canterbury slow-cooked pork belly, cured for 24 hours and cooked in an aromatic blend of spices. Other grilled goodies include the lemon and thyme chicken, slow-braised lamb shank, Akaroa salmon fillet and venison short loin. Element’s signature dish is a knock-out; the fresh fettuccine pasta is paired with the chef’s unique seafood bisque, mussels and prawns from New Zealand waters. 

Make dad feel like a king this Father’s Day and rock up to Wakatipu Grill at the Hilton Hotel. The lakeside beauty offers a rustic-chic dining experience, magnificent mountain views and hearty seasonal cuisine. The Zamora charcuterie platter is a tasty way to whet your appetite, pairing Zamora cured meats, a selection of bread, Whitestone brie, antipasti vegetables, chutney, olives and hummus. 

For the main event, we highly recommend the simple yet elegant truffle mushroom risotto with sauteed field mushrooms, pecorino and truffle oil. Wash dinner down with a locally brewed craft beer or an infamous red from Central Otago. To take your visit to the next level, hand over control to the experts and allow them to pair each course with a wine.