Best Vegan Food in Queenstown, New Zealand
where to find the best plant-based food in aotearoa’s adventure capital
I’m not going to lie, moving from the bustling capital city of Wellington that is teeming with vegan eateries shops and options to the small, resort town of Queenstown, I was worried about plant-based choices, but after living here for over three years, I can happily say there are plenty of options dotted around the Queenstown-Lakes area.
Broken down by:
best vegan Brunch options in Queenstown
Plant-based bites in Frankton
Vegan dinner options
queenstown’s Best plant-based takeaways
Vegan Sweets in Queenstown
To make it easier on you, I’ve created a Google Map with every vegan spot added!
Bespoke Kitchen
Yonder
Vegan Eats in Queenstown
best vegan Brunch in downtown queenstown
When asked where’s the best (non & vegan) food in Queenstown, I always recommend the following three for their fresh, seasonal creations that leave me full and satisfied.
First, the ever-so-popular Yonder is ideal for brunch on the patio, but dinner is also a vibe with good tunes always spinning. This funky, fauna-filled eatery is a fav amongst digital nomads, locals and tourists. The coffee machine rarely takes a break in the day with kiwi-fav Coffee Supreme beans and the tiny, but mighty counter food selection always slaps. Don’t skip the cinnamon scroll (heated up ofc) and we rarely leave without trying the daily vegan muffin. On the menu you’ll find an array of vegan options kindly colour-coded with all the dietary needs. Since they change up their menu frequently, it’s hard to recommend, but every plate comes out in a rainbow of colours and tastes better than it looks.
My second spot to recommend is Vudu Cafe. Don’t let the small space and long line scare you. The friendly team move fast and in any case, it’s worth the wait. This cafe sits between the waterfront and Rees Street, giving patrons plenty of space to dine al fresco. The counter is filled with sandwiches, burritos, breakfast goods, deserts and more, but the best bites are found on the menu. Order a freshly made juice or smoothie, or coffee lovers can enjoy local beans from Wolf Roasters (Arrowtown). This is another establishment that rotates its menu seasonally, but taking a sneak peek at their current menu, I’d be ordering the Otago Cherry & Almond Pancakes or the Seared Summer Veggies 🤤 They also have sparkling water on tap!
My third choice is always Bespoke Kitchen. Located close to the Skyline Gondola, this cafe has many similar qualities to Vudu (which used to have the same owners) with sparkling water on tap and a counter full of delectable treats and quick grab-and-go bites. I love their fresh salads and rainbow tempeh bagels, but fair warning by the afternoon, most of the counter is sold out! Matcha is always a good idea at Bespoke and so is their Vegan Benedict (chef’s kiss)!
*counter food varies from $6-$15 while menu meals cost $20-$30
Sundays
Plant-based bites in Frankton
Five miles outside of downtown Queenstown is the aptly named 5 Mile Shopping Centre where several chain and box stores are located. Amongst them are a few cafes and dining options. Just down the road near the airport are a few more options in the Remarkables Park shopping area.
Hustl Cafe is one of my go-to work spots, but they also have delicious counter options and a menu with plenty of vegan options including their breakfast burrito.
St. Pierre’s Sushi is a chain across NZ, but we love to order their vegan menu items. Favs are Inari Crunch Roll, Seaweed Salad, Inari (with avo), Double Avocado. They also have vegan chicken roll options.
Ma Boulangerie in Remarkables Park is a local-favourite French bakery with a vegan sammie worth checking out.
Sundays is a new restaurant in Country Lane Village near Buzzstop Cafe. The aesthetics are 👌 and the vegan pizza and bites are delish. It’s a great spot to bring the kids with their own cubbyhouse & small playground, the NEIGHbours are a bonus.
Saturday Remarkables Market - If you can’t decide what you want and happen to be in the area on a Saturday, check out the local farmer’s market where food trucks are sprinkled between artisan stalls. There’s always live music and a playground with a grassy area to hang out on.
Another great option in the Frankton/Remarks area is Eatery by Franks. Coffee, juices and smoothies are great (so are the vegan donuts when available) and their seasonal menu always has a few great vegan options — I’m currently staring at the Vegan Morning Glory dish. They also have a bakery just down the block and 11th Avenue by Franks, a cafe and restaurant in the Lake Hayes subdivision.
vegan dinner options
Brunch, lunch, and sweet vegan options are plentiful in Queenstown, but it’s a bit harder to find vegan dinner options in Queenstown. Here are my go-tos:
Margo’s - Do I dare to say this is the best Mexican in the area? With a dedicated vegan menu and set menu option, it’s my fav place for going out to dinner. The nachos and tacos hit the spot, and I’m dying for their vegan cashew queso recipe. Don’t skip the churros.
The Locker Room - Dine with every sport possible on a huge-screen tv at this local sports bar. Americans will feel at home here, but all the TVs may be overwhelming for anyone else. I don’t mind them because they have a secret vegan menu with Buffalo Chikn Wraps, tators and more classic American bar food in vegan form!
Ramen Ramen by Tanoshi - Warm up with a vegan Ramen at this cute, tiny restaurant located in an alleyway.
Yonder - I’m mentioning them again as they are one of the few dining options with vegan dinner meals.
World Bar - More of a pub than a restaurant, this bar does a great vegan poutine and burger.
Smith’s Craft Beer House - Upstairs on Shotover Street, you’ll find the best beer range in town with some great plant-based eats on the menu including Frank’s Hot Sauce Cauliflower Bites and a classic American Burger.
Atlas Beer Cafe - Yes, another beer bar, but this tiny cycle-enthused lakeside spot has mouth-watering loaded fries, jackfruit or mushroom tacos, and even a vegan steak option!
queenstown’s Best plant-based takeaways
If you need a quick bite, or want to enjoy a picnic lakeside, grab vegan takeaway (to-go) food from these great plant-based food options in Queenstown
Ferg’s Burger & Bakery - Taking up a block on Shotover Street is the viral Ferg Burger joint. It’s easy to find because a line is almost always down the street. This burger hotspot has two vegan options, but if I were you, I’d order the Holier Than You, a tempura tofu satay burger. The Ferg Bakery next store is just as busy, and they have a great vegan sandwich option and delicious focaccia bread.
Erik’s Fish & Chips - I’ve walked by this food truck for years, and I never realized they had vegan options. I wouldn’t go here for a meal per se, but for some deep-fried vegan eats? Yes, please! The cauliflower is delish, and my kids love the potato spirals. For those with a sweet tooth, try the deep-fried kiwi or pineapple rings!
Caribe Latin Kitchen is a long-time fav. I crave their vegan burrito option often, and I love all their hot sauces. They have vegan cheese and can do tacos, quesadillas, arepas and nachos. I’m drooling just thinking of their food.
Saigon Kingdom (in town & at Remarks Park) - Vietnamese foodie fans will find plenty of vegan options at Saigon Kingdom. With two locations and delivery options it’s an easy choice. My family loves their summer rolls, crispy tofu and vegan pancake. They are actually one of the only places with a vegan menu in town!
Tham Nak Thai (in town & at Remarks Park) - I’ve tried all the Thai food in this town and my favourite by far is Tham Nak Thai. Making their meals vegan is not a problem. My go-tos are Basil & Chili Tofu, Sweet & Sour Tofu and Tom Kha Soup.
Vegan Sweets in Queenstown
Because everyone deserves a good dessert.
Ferg’s Gelato - A place we visit weekly and for good reason. They have 6-10 fruit sorbets and the best vegan chocolate gelato in town. Their cones are vegan as well!
Remarkables Sweet Shop - You’ll find this candy store in town, in Arrowtown and at the airport. They have a dedicated vegan section and place vegan stickers on the lollie bags.
Patagonia - The other popular ice cream shop, although it has fewer options. Head’s up the vegan chocolate ice cream is super rich!
Waterfront finds - On any given day, vendors pop up at the waterfront with a few vegan sweet options like cotton candy, churros and roasted chestnuts.
Just in case you need it again, here is my link to my mapped out Vegan Eats in Queenstown!
For my fellow plant-based friends, I hope my vegan guide helps! I know how hard and frustrating it can be to find food options in a new place.
If I’ve missed any, please comment below!
Happy Eating!