Queenstown Wharf Bar

About Queenstown Wharf Bar

Queenstown Wharf Bar (QWB) brings an unhurried rhythm and contemporary waterfront dining to Steamer Wharf on Lake Wakatipu. Positioned right on the waterline, the venue pairs immediate lake views with an open, modern interior grounded in local character and relaxed hospitality.

The kitchen presents an Italian-Asian inspired menu designed entirely around sharing. Diners can explore woodfired sourdough pizzas, fresh antipasti, crudo, and creative pasta plates that combine traditional Italian foundations with vibrant Asian flavours. Complementing the food is an extensive drinks list spotlighting house signature cocktails, international and craft beers on tap, and an expansive cellar of regional Central Otago wines and global spirits.

Queenstown Wharf Bar: Lake Wakatipu Views and Inventive Italian-Asian Plates

Perched along the waterline at Steamer Wharf, Queenstown Wharf Bar brings an unhurried, welcoming presence to the lakefront. Designed as an open and modern venue that honours the enduring character of Queenstown's harbour, the space invites guests to settle in right beside Lake Wakatipu. Whether you are arriving for a leisurely afternoon drink or an evening feast, the panoramic mountain and water scenery provides an ever-shifting backdrop.

An Italian-Asian Sharing Concept

The kitchen at Queenstown Wharf Bar approaches dining through a distinctive lens, pairing Italian traditions with lively Asian ingredients across a menu built for sharing. Antipasti selections set the tone with inventive combinations, including stracciatella served with Thai basil, heirloom tomato, and nori powder, or burrata dressed with house chilli crisp and zucchini nam jim. Small plates showcase local and regional produce, featuring Fiordland venison tartare accented with gochujang, and fresh market oysters with a signature mignonette.

Larger plates lean further into this culinary intersection. Dishes such as Gnocchi Bokki pair pillowy potato gnocchi with a gochujang vodka cream and white kimchi, while the Yakisoba Vongole combines clams and tiger prawns with dry sake and chilli crisp. For those seeking classic cuts, a 350g Lake Ohau grass-fed Wagyu scotch fillet is served with salsa verde and fresh watercress.

Woodfired Sourdough Pizzas and Craft Pours

Pizza forms a cornerstone of the casual dining experience at QWB. Fermented sourdough crusts are topped with combinations ranging from the classic Margherita with yuzu oil and Thai basil to the sweet and spicy Hot Bells pizza, loaded with spicy salami and hot honey. Creative options like the teriyaki lamb pizza with orange kumara and whipped feta highlight the kitchen's flair for unexpected harmony.

Behind the bar, drinks are treated with equal care. A curated cocktail list features house originals like Beneath the Canopy—shaken with cachaça, Italicus, pandan syrup, and matcha—alongside classic spritzes, margaritas, and negronis. The draft system pours local New Zealand crafts such as Canyon Brewing and Panhead alongside global mainstays, while the wine list celebrates Central Otago pinot noirs and regional drops.

Signature items

• Gnocchi Bokki
• Ahi Tuna Tataki
• Hot Bells Pizza
• Yakisoba Vongole
• Beneath the Canopy
• Wharf Bar Wagyu

Menu

Dessert

• Pistachio Cannoli — Cannoli Bros Pastry, Pistachio, Ricotta, Limoncello Soju Glaze
• Nutella Cannoli — Cannoli Bros Pastry, Hazelnut, Nutella, Ricotta
• Tiramisu Cannoli — Cannoli Bros Pastry, Coffee Cream, Caramelised Walnut, Espresso Glaze
• Affogato — Espresso and gelato
• Lemon Sorbet — Refreshing lemon sorbet

Antipasti

• Sourdough Puffed bread — Yuzu Oil, Shichimi, Sea Salt
• Cheesy Garlic Sourdough Calzone — Provolone, Garlic Confit, Arugula, Garlic Oil
• Whipped Feta — Hot Honey, Hazelnut, Chives, Olive Oil Bun
• Edamame Hummus — Carrot Scapece, Sun-dried Tomato XO Sauce, Puffed Buckwheat, Coriander
• Stracciatella — Thai Basil, Heirloom Tomato, Summer Peach, Nori Powder
• Burrata — Chilli Crisp, Zucchini Nam Jim, Dill
• Prosciutto — Rock Melon, Arugula, Parmigiano Reggiano, Balsamic Soy Glaze
• Matteo’s Cheese Plate — Toma, Gorgonzola, Brie, Soy Walnuts, Saffron Pear Chutney, Sourdough Crackers
• House Marinated Olives — Chilli, Citrus, Fennel Seeds, Yuzu, Gochugaru, Ginger

Big Plates

• Yakisoba Vongole — Clams, Tiger Prawns, Fine Herbs, Dry Sake, Chilli Crisp
• Shiitake Mushroom Casarecce — Remarkable Fungi, Crispy Sage, Mushroom XO, Pecorino
• Gnocchi Bokki — Gochujang Vodka Cream, White Kimchi, Pancetta, Spring Onion
• Pork Milanesa — Fig Tonkatsu, Fennel Slaw, Spring Onion, Sesame
• Wharf Bar Wagyu — 350g Lake Ohau Grass Fed Wagyu Scotch Fillet, Salsa Verde, Watercress

Small Plates

• Market Fresh Oysters — Natural with Wharf Bar Mignonette
• Ahi Tuna Tataki — Furikake, Strawberry Ponzu, Avocado, Ginger, Red Chilli, Rice Crackers
• Fiordland Venison Tartare — Gochujang, Giardiniera, Miso Cured Egg, Sourdough Crackers
• Zamora Pork Bao — Fennel Sausage, Balsamic Char Siu
• Lumina Lamb Arancini — Tomato Red Curry, Coconut Labneh, Puttanesca Crumb, Balsamic Onion Jam
• Wharf Bar-Fried Chicken — Umami-Dill Mayo, Nduja Emulsion, Fermented Daikon, Gibbston Microgreens
• House Salted Cod Crochette — Buttermilk, Wasabi Mustard
• Hand Cut Fries — Togarashi, Black Garlic Mayo
• Fire Baked Greens — Almonds, Chilli Crisp
• Cos Lettuce — Green Goddess, Egg Jam, Pecorino, White Anchovy

Signature Cocktails

• Beneath the Canopy — Sagatiba Cachaça, Italicus, Basil & Pandan Syrup, Lime Juice, Matcha
• Blush & Bite — Espolon Reposado, Apricot Brandy, Campari, Grand Marnier, Chilli Grapefruit Agave, Lime Juice, Whites
• Crimson Dawn — SKNYB Vodka, Disaronno, Crème de Cacao, Coca-Cola Syrup, Raspberry, Lime Juice
• Autumn Leaves — Appleton Estate Signature, Frangelico, Chambord, Mānuka Honey, Lemon Juice
• Queen’s Ember — Wild Turkey Rye, Amaro Montenegro, Mānuka Honey
• Sorrento to Chiang Mai — Four Pillars Rare Dry, Bulldog Gin, Kwai Feh Lychee, Santa Marta Limoncello, Lemon Juice, Falernum
• Remarkable Sunset — Bacardi Carta Blanca, Apple & Rhubarb Syrup, Apple Juice, Lime Juice, Sled Dog Session Hazy Float
• Pinky Promise — Captain Morgan’s Dark, Crème de Cacao, Raspberry Shrub, Lime Juice

Woodfire Sourdough Pizza

• Margherita — San Marzano Pomodoro, Fior di Latte, Yuzu Oil, Thai Basil, Parmigiano Reggiano
• Nduja — Fior di Latte, Vietnamese Mint Pesto, Zucchini Nam Jim
• Teriyaki Lamb — Fior di Latte, Orange Kumara, Balsamic Onion Jam, Whipped Feta, Mint Oil
• Nashi Pear — Fior di Latte, Smoked Gouda, Thai Sweet Chilli, Soy Walnuts
• Smoked Salmon — Pine Nut Pesto, Ricotta, Fresh Dill, Pickled Shallots, Chilli Crisp
• Hot Bells — San Marzano Pomodoro, Fior di Latte, Spicy Salami, Hot Honey, Chilli Flakes
• Capricciosa — San Marzano Pomodoro, Fior di Latte, Prosciutto Cotto, Artichokes, Capers, Olives

Frequently asked questions

Where is Queenstown Wharf Bar located?

Queenstown Wharf Bar is located at Level 1, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street in Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand.

Do I need a booking or are walk-ins welcome?

Bookings can be made online, but same-day walk-ins are always welcome.

What kind of food does Queenstown Wharf Bar serve?

The venue serves an Italian-Asian inspired sharing menu featuring antipasti, woodfired sourdough pizza, small plates, pasta, and steaks.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options available?

Yes, the menu clearly marks vegetarian and vegan options, and vegan pizza modifications are available on request.

Can the kitchen cater to gluten-friendly dietary requirements?

Gluten-friendly options are available, including gluten-friendly pizza bases, though the kitchen cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment.

Can Queenstown Wharf Bar host private functions?

Yes, the venue accommodates functions and private events with dedicated lakeside event spaces and tailored function menus.

Tips

• {"body":"Visit around late afternoon to enjoy cocktails with direct lakefront views across Lake Wakatipu.","title":"Secure a Waterline Spot"}
• {"body":"The sourdough pizza with spicy salami, fior di latte, and hot honey is a standout favourite.","title":"Try the Hot Bells Pizza"}
• {"body":"Same-day walk-ins are welcomed, making it an easy lakeside stop even if you haven't booked ahead.","title":"Drop in Anytime"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Vegetarian and vegan options marked; gluten-friendly and vegan pizza options available."}