We visited New Zealand in November and this was our first stop- definitely the perfect start to our trip. The food and beers were delicious and the view is just stunning. The vibe in Queenstown is so relaxed and Public Kitchen is just the same. Great service, food, drinks and atmosphere - a must! read more

Definitely disappointed in our meal last night, especially considering the ratings this place has. We ordered the fried chicken, beef cheeks, half duck, duck fries, carrot and spinach salad, green lipped mussels, cheese sticks, and garlic bread. The fried chicken was my main and I can honestly say I've never considered sending a meal back until this one. It was fried in coconut oil, which gives and interesting flavor and coats your palate. I don't generally like that feeling, but the flavor of this chicken and breading hit me so wrong that I couldn't eat more than a couple bites. It tasted wrong to me in an almost rotten, rancid kind of way. The best part of the meal was the cheese sticks and garlic bread. The carrot and spinach salad was okay, mainly what I filled up on since my chicken was inedible. Everyone else felt their meals were just average, which for the price is super disappointing. Probably wouldn't go back since our meals at other restaurants in the area were far better. read more

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We came here for supper without a reservation - they said they could fit us in the dining room at the "common table" (think banquet table) but assured us that they'd leave at least one space between us both. Not a problem! The lamb rump was divine - closing my eyes I think I was eating filet mignon! My wife loved her fish. All in all, great food and service! Possibly one of the best places we tried during our visit to QT! read more

We ate here on the first night of our trip to Queenstown, and New Zealand in general. We were blown away! We were able to share a bottle of wine at the bar while waiting for a table. We were able to move the bottle with us to our table, which ended up being right on the water (AMAZING VIEWS). The food was incredible! I would highly recommend the baked camembert and the leek and pear salad. We all shared several of the lamb, beef, and pork dinners which were also delicious! I can't wait to return to New Zealand - this will definitely be a spot I return to! read more

This is a tapas style restaurant and people need to understand that before writing reviews. My husband and I shared four small plates and a dessert which was a beautiful pavlova. That was plenty of food for us. Both the food and atmosphere are interesting without being pretentious. I like that the chef is committed to local ingredients. The salmon with lemon and capers was delicious as was the pork belly. we had smoked cod fritters too that were very tasty. I forgot what our fourth plate was. I think it was a salad so perhaps less memorable! read more

Great spot overlooking the lake. I reserved for a large group (12!) and they recommended the chef's selection for us. There was plenty of food for everyone with a wide variety of dishes. Good beer and wine selection. Our waiter was patient and attentive and really worked hard to keep us all happy. read more

Great food, wonderful atmosphere, nice wait staff. Wish I had gotten the chance to try the pavlova, but now it's on my list for a second visit! Portions are a good size and lots of vegetarian options read more

The Public Kitchen came lauded and well reviewed and lived up to its reputation. Hubby and I enjoyed a delicious meal here with the chickpea chips, mixed greens, duck fat potatoes, skirt steak, veggie filo and the trifle for dessert. All were enjoyed but the standouts were the chickpea chips (like a light French fry crossed with a tater tot-crispy on the outside and light and airy in the middle (the aioli knocked it out of the park), the greens (the lemon sauce they were cooked with as well as seasonings used were remarkable) and the trifle (perfect mix of sweet and tart). Our server made great recommendations and was super friendly. Finally, the decor and location made for a 5 star experience. read more

Wish we had this sort of restaurant in Auckland. Super laid back and service that was second to none. I came here with my family and we didn't really understand the concept, however our waiter an Irish lad explained it all. He made it so simple and so we began to order. The food was amazing and came out in a speedy process. Great value for money considering there was 6 of us dining and came to around $235 including drinks and dessert. Would completely recommend this place and its retro fit out. Amazing views too. Great for brunch, lunch and dinner! read more

Great food everything we had was well done. Venison, pork belly, veggies and ribs. Skip the double IPA wasn't good at all. A few glasses of wines and yer off! read more

Beautiful location - sat outdoor for lunch Enjoyed double cooked short rib and lamp rump Both were perfectly cooked Short rib was Delicious Friendly staff read more

Went to the Public and they get our vote! Squid Rings came out hot and crispy and the sauce that came with it was mild, but tasty. We also has the watercress beet salad (so GOOD!) and the mushrooms in filo dough. Just awesome! Fried flounder, skirt steak and pork shoulder were also quite good. read more

Great food, awesome service. We loved it so much we ate their twice in one week!

Enjoyed my dinner but limited options for single diner. Meals are sized for sharing (and delivered as completed by the kitchen), making dinner plates for one challenging. Rocket salad and cheese rolls were both good. Staff was exceptionally welcoming and attentive. There is plenty of seating outside but inside seating is quite limited (seemed like about 50). The place is busy, so bring a coat (and one or more friends) and sit outside where large common tables and smaller ones triple capacity. Bar is also friendly for dinner (and you can watch the entertaining bartender). read more

Designed as a restaurant where you share small plates of appetizers, salads, mains, and desserts. Great food. Great beer and wine list. comfortable atmosphere. Went twice during our Queenstown stay. read more

We visited this lovely spot two days running for a glass of wine after some sightseeing. The service was prompt and very friendly. While we didn't eat here the food being delivered to other tables looked great. Give it a try - I don't think you'll be disappointed. read more

I was really looking forward to this meal, but came away feeling disappointed. We had a lovely spot by the water and started with a nice cocktail and a beer. They didn't have any beer on tap except ginger beer which was a let down, so I got a bottle. For a starter we got the duck confit pancakes with hoisin. I was very excited about this, but it was literally very plain duck, some shredded lettuce and a few small pancakes. It was like a Peking duck without anything that makes that dish good and special (some crisp, different textures, pancakes that work with savory, not the breakfast kind that want sweet). We ordered 2 more entrees and 2 sides (the entrees do not come with any veggies or starch). We waited more than 30 minutes after our duck for our 2nd dish to come out. We got the flounder ( a whole fish, fresh and decent but with little flavor besides the accompanying lemon), we also got the skirt steak which was good but nothing special about it either. The sides we got were wilted greens which were soggy in water and without much flavor. The carrot side was delicious and was our favorite thing we had. The service that we had was not good (although the female waitress at the next table seemed better than our waiter). With so much competition I am surprised by the glowingly positive reviews. In my opinion, it is fresh food, but expensive, lacking in flavor or anything special and mediocre service. read more

Amazingly good. My wife and I are from out of town but felt right at home. Our waitress was warm and kind with great recommendations. Food was tasty and drinks were strong. We actually visited twice while we were in town we enjoyed it so much. Had the same waitress, she remembered us and made suggestions based our what we ordered previously. Really solid restaurant and I wish them success. read more

Great lunch here today. We had muscles, calamari and potatoes and all were great. Really nice atmosphere and great service.

Nice location, very efficient and friendly staff. Pork belly sticks a must order, the cheese roll not so much. Too bland and doughy. Don't taste the appeal. Duck pancakes much better--a must order. Fried chicken very crispy, not spicy at all. We just had tapas can't attest to mains. I would come back. read more

After three weeks of travel and a number of really good meals the first meal we had, here in Queenstown, was one of the best. I must say the slow cooked lamb shoulder was the best. An enjoyable meal in a pleasant, informal atmosphere. The service we received was very welcoming and attentive. read more

Im giving this restaurant a 4 instead of a 5 b cause of the Pavlova. We enjoyed a lovely meal of lamb and flounder. The service was good and the quality was great. But they do a poor job with dessert. Skip the pavlova. read more

Amazing food! We had the sticky pork belly as a starter and then had the short ribs and fried chicken as our main entrees. All of it was incredible and we couldn't finish all of it we were so full. If you are looking for a great dinner place, this should be at the top of your list when visiting Queenstown! read more

Ordered pork belly with parsnip &yogurt on the side. Pork belly is perfectly balanced with roasted&glazed pear slices. Side of parsnip & carrots and yogurt with sprinkles of crushed almond, cumin ground and mixed spices give really punch to taste buds. Coffee great too! Local beers are strong and tasty; full flavor. Overall; flawless. read more

Nice welcoming spot to watch the harbor, enjoy a beverage or a bite.

great location on wharf, eclectic menu focused on local foods, well-priced and generous portions for a "shared plates" style restaurant.

We went for lunch based on the great reviews on Yelp, but came away very disappointed. We were a little early before noon, and the staff made sure that we know they are not yet open, and did not seem to want us to wait around. When they finally sit us in, we ordered lamb romp, short ribs, flounder, grilled eggplant, spring salad. All were of decent taste but nothing to write home about. Bread costed extra and did not feel very fresh. May be they have better staff and food selection during dinner time, but our experience is very unsatisfying. read more