Why Locals Love Flame Bar & Grill
Nestled at the street-level entrance of Steamer Wharf on 88 Beach Street in vibrant Queenstown, Flame Bar & Grill offers an unforgettable dining experience that expertly blends the welcoming spirit of a bar with the rich, smoky flavors of a grill. This dynamic restaurant specializes in succulent, flame-charred meats and bold, aromatic dishes rooted in peri peri and South African influences, setting it apart within the local food scene. Whether you’re craving a casual meal, a laid-back drink, or an indulgent takeout option, Flame Bar & Grill hits every mark with charm and authenticity.
One of the restaurant’s shining highlights is its extensive menu of sauces, each crafted to elevate the natural flavors of their carefully grilled dishes. From the fiery kick of their signature Peri Peri Paste (NZ$4) to the creamy indulgence of Blue Cheese Sauce (NZ$5), every condiment acts as a delicious companion to their bold flavors. Diners with a penchant for spice will particularly love the housemade Rattlesnake Sauce, a complex peri peri and cream reduction that transforms any dish into an explosion of taste.
The favorites on the menu are not only a feast for the palate but a celebration of texture and freshness. The Full Rack of Ribs (NZ$49.50), perfectly basted in their savory rib sauce and paired with an ample serving of crisp, golden flame fries, draws enthusiastic praise from patrons who call it the best meal in Queenstown. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each tender, smoky bite, and delight in the subtle balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
For lovers of vibrant, plant-based options, the Vegetarian Burger is a standout. Made with panko-crusted Portobello mushrooms, accompanied by a vivid beetroot horopito relish and vegan aioli, all encased in a soft brioche bun, it’s a satisfying and thoughtfully crafted burger that even meat-eaters will appreciate. Not to be missed is the Mozambique Chicken Burger, where a chargrilled peri peri chicken breast meets fresh red onion and pickles, layering bold flavors and charred smoky goodness.
Start your meal with the Mozambique Prawns entrée—five tiger prawns bathed in the tantalizing rattlesnake sauce and served with aromatic rosemary rice. This dish embodies the spirit of the restaurant, offering a blend of creamy heat, fresh seafood, and fragrant herbs. For a lighter snack, their crispy, golden Cheeseballs provide a perfect bite-sized treat that pairs wonderfully with one of their many expertly mixed cocktails.
The atmosphere at Flame Bar & Grill is both relaxed and lively, capturing the rugged, natural beauty of Queenstown while providing attentive, friendly service that makes guests feel immediately at home. Many diners adore the opportunity to sit by the window and enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and sunset, which makes every meal feel special and memorable. The combined praises from visitors highlight not just the quality of the food but the genuine hospitality of staff members like Carlota and Melody, whose warm, knowledgeable recommendations elevate every visit.
While the restaurant is popular and often busy, a testament to its allure, booking ahead is highly recommended to secure a coveted spot by the window overlooking the lake. Even with the bustling environment, the staff strive to deliver a seamless dining experience that leaves guests eager to return.
Whether you are a passionate foodie seeking the finest flame-grilled flavors or a traveler desiring a meal paired with local Pinot Noir and stunning views, Flame Bar & Grill promises a memorable culinary adventure. Combining bold, richly spiced dishes with a welcoming atmosphere and genuine Kiwi hospitality, it stands out as a must-visit eatery in the heart of Queenstown.
Contact: +64 27 349 4469
Location: Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy-hour drinks
- Late-night food
- Spirits
- Wine
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Groups
- Tourists
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 4, 2026
We had a truly lovely experience at this l. The food was delicious, and we were seated at a very special table with a beautiful view of the mountains and the sunset, which made the evening even more memorable. A special mention to Carlota and Melody, who were absolutely wonderful with us from the start. Their recommendations were spot on and really make our experience even better!! The wines were excellent, the cocktails were delicious, and the barman the Scottish Maci was amazing!! M the food was simply outstanding. We highly recommend this restaurant, not only for the quality of the food and the stunning setting, but also for the exceptional service. If you have the chance to be looked after by Carlota, Melody & Maxi, you’re in great hands. We would happily return.
- Feb 26, 2026
Fantastic full rack and not on the photos the field mushrooms. Very well cooked, just chewy with creamy sauce! Beautiful! Best meal I had in my few days in Queenstown. Cheaper to than the others right next to the water.
- Feb 6, 2026
I had a fantastic dinner here! The lamb skewers plus a local Pinot Noir was the highlight of my night. Such a perfect combo! Don't forget to try their cocktails too, they are top-notch. Highly recommend to all food lovers.
- Feb 4, 2026
This restaurant is a must visit when coming to Queenstown!! You definitely need to book ahead to get in as it is always extremely busy. We loved it so much on our holiday we ended up going twice. The food is extremely delicious and very fresh. The service is amazing and friendly as well. If you can sit near the window overlooking the lake with the windows open, this really enhanced our second visit. Being from Australia, we don’t ever need to tip staff. However on our 1st visit the young waitress, I think her name was M Carys, the name on the receipt, was so good we actually added a tip. The fries have a really delicious salt that should be for sale. The red wine jus is also very moorish. Over all if this restaurant was in Adelaide Australia, we would frequently visit. Well Done
- Jan 8, 2026
Food is good. All dishes recommended in the pic, especially the Mozambique Sprawn and the Fries coming with the ribs (Best fries we've had in our trip across NZ). The waiters seems to be too busy to simply get our check. Finally paid out bill with several attempts to 3 different waiters.
- Jan 5, 2026
Found this place via Google and booked a table online—super easy and sorted in seconds. We took the whole family (three kids) for lunch and the vibe was spot on. Love the dark, African-style decor. It feels classy but wasn't too noisy, so we felt totally comfortable with the kids. The food was honestly impressive: • Mozambique Prawns: These were cooked to perfection. The Spicy Rattlesnake sauce is brilliant—really balanced heat. The rice was spot on too, nice and separate grains that soaked up the sauce beautifully without getting gluggy. • Rib-Eye (350g): I ordered this medium and the chef nailed it. Great char on the outside with a nice smoky BBQ flavour. The fat was rendered down perfectly so it just melted in your mouth, didn't feel greasy at all. • Sides & Sauce: We got the fries which were good. I added the mushroom sauce on the side—it was tasty, but to be honest, the steak had so much flavour from the grill itself that you don't really need the extra sauce. One tip: would love to see a fresh salad option as a side just to balance out the richness of the meat. Service was top-notch. It was our first time here and the staff were super patient explaining the menu and looking after us. Definitely a case of "you get what you pay for." Quality food and great service. We'll be back.
- Dec 14, 2025
BBQ Ribs are nice but not too tender. I love the sauce though. Mozambique prawns is good. Fragrant, creamy, hint of spicy and vinegar/citrus. Steak is mediocre.
- Dec 12, 2025
Amazing food and an outstanding dining experience! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious — truly one of the best meals we’ve had. Highly recommended! A special shout-out to Lottie, who looked after us on the day. Her service was exceptional — professional, attentive, and incredibly patient. She made the whole experience even more enjoyable. We’ll definitely be back!
