If you’re looking to get some coffee or breakfast in Queenstown, you’ll be met with a fair share of cafes to choose from. The coffee culture in New Zealand is second to none, with tons of independent cafes offering fresh takes on food and drinks. Most (if not all) cafes in Queenstown now offer veggie, vegan, and gluten-free options for those following certain diets. Read on for (what are in my opinion) the 6 best cafes in Queenstown!
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1. The Exchange
The Exchange ended up being my favorite cafe in Queenstown for one main reason: the pulled pork sandwich 🤤. It was so unexpectedly delicious that we were thisclose to going back the next morning to order it again. We also ordered the Exchange benedict with roasted tomatoes (so flavorful) and some lattes, which were divine. Our server was patient and helpful when we asked about the menu.
The space itself seems a bit unassuming, with indoor and partial outdoor seating. Everything about The Exchange felt laid-back. When we went, there were people reading books and on their computers, which would make this a chill spot to do some work. There is free wifi up to 1GB.
Location: 39 Ballarat Street, Queenstown
2. Bespoke Kitchen
Located on a hill with panoramic views of Queenstown, Bespoke Kitchen is a trendy cafe that uses local produce and a seasonal menu. It has both a set menu and quick counter treats, as well as plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. We ordered a breakfast scramble and a beef burger, both of which were delicious.
There is plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. The restaurant was very full when we came (on a Wednesday morning, weirdly enough) but it was easy to find a place to sit. The patio is a wonderful place to sit on a sunny day to drink your coffee and soak in the view.
Location: 9 Isle Street, Queenstown
3. Vudu Cafe & Larder
Located right in the middle of town, Vudu Cafe is actually owned by the same women that own Bespoke Kitchen. Because of that, you can expect to see similar items on both menus. Both restaurants use local ingredients, free-range eggs, and have plenty of options for people with dietary requirements.
Because of its central location and multiple entrances, Vudu is often quite crowded, especially during weekends (but for good reason). The food is fresh and quite tasty. They also make a mean latte and have lots of sweet treats behind the counter.
Location: 16 Rees Street, Queenstown
4. Yonder
Yonder is a super-cool, hipster cafe. It has a large, covered outdoor space as well as indoor tables. I loved the decor here — there are tons of fairy lights and colorful art all over the place. Yonder seems like a good place to come and do some work or reading for a while as there are plenty of smaller individual tables.
The menu is filled with healthy options and all of their bread and pastries are baked in-house. I ordered an açaí bowl here, which was super yummy and stacked with fresh fruits. The service is quick and kind, even when the line to the counter is long.
Location: 14 Church Street, Queenstown
5. Atlas Beer Cafe
As the name suggests, this cafe specializes in brunch and craft beer. There are 22 varieties on tap, along with some wines and spirits. I ordered the hash brown & bacon sandwich with smashed avocado, which gave me life after a night of drinking. Atlas is dog-friendly and there is plenty of seating outdoors with lovely views of Lake Wakatipu.
If you want a cheap meal, order the Local’s Special — it’s not on the menu but includes a big plate of standard breakfast items for $10 (and can be made vegan!). All of the food on the menu is already relatively cheap, but the Local’s Special would give you the most bang for your buck.
Location: 88 Beach Street, Queenstown
6. Provisions of Arrowtown
Although not technically in Queenstown, I thought I’d include Provisions Cafe since it’s only a 15-minute drive away. We sat at a lovely, secluded outdoor table surrounded by flowers. Many of the outdoor seats were in the garden, giving this cafe a really peaceful vibe. The service was prompt and extremely kind, and the food was delicious.
We ordered the Bombay Bowl, Provisions Benedict, and Kimchi Bravas — they were all amazing! My soy flat white and Ben’s oat chai were also very tasty. In addition to all of that, we got a vegan cholate mud cake from the counter on our way out (we ate it before I could get a picture).
Location: 65 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown
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Queenstown is the place for you if you love coffee and brunch. These six cafes are the best of the best and will leave you wanting to come back again and again. For more Queenstown travel tips, check out my recent post about our luxury spa getaway!
xoxo Niki
