Welcome to flame bar and grill queenstown

Flame Bar and Grill in Queenstown, New Zealand, is one of those places that visitors talk about long after their trip is over. Overlooking the stunning Lake Wakatipu in the heart of town, it’s famous for generous portions, big flavours, and a buzzing atmosphere that fits Queenstown’s adventurous spirit perfectly.

If you’re a first-time visitor planning a Queenstown trip, this guide will walk you through what to expect at Flame: how to book, what’s on the menu, where it is, how to get there, and the pros and cons based on common visitor experiences.

Where is Flame Bar and Grill?

Address:

Flame Bar and Grill

1st Floor, Steamer Wharf

88 Beach Street

Queenstown 

Phone: +027 349 4469

Website (for bookings): click here.

Flame is tucked just back from the waterfront, up on the first floor above another favourite of ours, the Pub on Wharf.

There’s a stairway entrance off Beach Street, and once you’re upstairs, the views over the lake and mountains are a big part of the experience.

Location perks:

It's right in central Queenstown. Less than a minutes’ walk from the lakefront. It's ideal if you’re staying in most central Queenstown hotels, hostels, or apartments. Located on Steamer Wharf (for cruises and lake activities), it's also close to the iconic Fergburger, Perky's Floating Bar, the Skyline Gondola base station, and plenty of bars and shops. Many tables and the balcony area overlook Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, making it a scenic spot for sunset dinners.

Why Flame Bar and grill Stands Out

Popularity: 

Flame has built a strong reputation as one of Queenstown’s go‑to places for hearty, flavour-packed meals—especially meat-lovers’ favourites like ribs and steaks. It’s frequently mentioned in travel blogs, forums, and review sites as:

• A must-visit for ribs and grilled meats.
• A great value pick in a town where dining can be pricey.
• A lively, social spot that suits groups, couples, and families.

Because of this popularity, Flame Bar and Grill is often busy every night, particularly during:

• New Zealand school holidays.
• Christmas–New Year.
• Ski season (June–September).
• Summer peak (December–February).

On our last visit in late November, we wanted to book a table for a Tuesday night, but they were fully booked, so we eventually got a table for the Wednesday night. This place is popular!

If you’re planning a Queenstown trip and want Flame on your itinerary, expect it to be crowded in the evenings and plan well ahead.

Tip: see if you can book a window seat - great views.

Why we love Flame Bar and grill

The menu and the service were standouts for us on our last visit.

As you enter, you can see into the open kitchen, which is always a good sign in our opinion.

When we arrived we were escorted to our table by a friendly staff member, who let us settle for a few minutes before taking our drink order. She gave us the menu and allowed us plenty of time to decide what we wanted. This proved a little difficult because everything on there looked good.

After watching some meals being delivered to other tables, the ribs and rib eye steak, served on a large timber platter, caught our attention, and we ordered that (the Rib and Steak Combo).

Wow! What a meal. Perhaps one of the best steaks we've ever had, and a half rack of ribs covered in a delicious sauce. We had so much that there was no room for desert. Maybe next time.

Highly recommended and we can't wait until our next visit to Flame Bar and Grill Queenstown.

The Menu: What Flame is Known For

Flame’s menu leans heavily into South African-inspired and classic grill-house favourites, with a focus on big flavours and generous portions.

While menus can change over time, visitors often rave about:

Ribs:

Flame’s ribs are one of their headline attractions—typically slow-cooked, tender, and coated in a sticky, flavourful sauce. Many reviews call them some of the best in town.

Steaks:

A range of steak cuts, cooked to order, often served with sides like fries, mash, or vegetables, plus sauces. The Rib Eye was amazing.

Burgers and grill plates:

Big, satisfying burgers and mixed grill-style plates are popular with hungry skiers, hikers, and adventure-seekers.

Starters and Sides

You’ll usually find:

- Shared starters such as wings, bread and dips, or calamari.
- Fries, onion rings, salads, and seasonal vegetables.
- Dipping sauces and house-made condiments.

These work well for groups and can fill you up quickly, so pace yourself if you’ve got your heart set on dessert.

Vegetarian, Vegan, and Other Dietary Needs

Flame is very meat-focused, but they generally include:

- At least one or two vegetarian mains or salads.
- Some dishes that can be adapted for gluten-free or other needs.

However, if you’re vegan or strictly plant-based, you may find the menu more limited than at some of Queenstown’s other restaurants. Always check the current menu and speak with staff; they’re usually happy to help clarify ingredients and suggest suitable options.

Drinks

Flame offers:

- Local New Zealand wines and popular regional varieties.
- Beers on tap and bottled, often including local craft options.
- A range of cocktails, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic choices.

If you enjoy pairing food and wine, ask for a recommendation; New Zealand’s pinot noirs and sauvignon blancs often pair beautifully with grilled meats.

Here's a sample dinner menu

This is from November 2025 (please check their website for the current menus):

Access and Getting to Flame bar and grill

Queenstown’s compact layout makes reaching Flame very straightforward.
 
Most people walk; it’s right in the centre of town. From many central hotels, it’s a 5–10 minute stroll.

Parking can be problematic. Queenstown’s central parking can be limited and time-restricted. If you have a car, check for nearby pay-and-display parking, or try the Man Street car park. Consider leaving the car at your accommodation and walking, especially in peak season.

The local Orbus buses stop within walking distance, but most visitors staying centrally won’t need them for dinner.

Accessibility

 Flame is located on the first floor, and is accessed via a reasonably steep set of stairs. For people with mobility issues, there is an elevator next to the adjoining Atlas Beer Bar, which leads to a mezzanine with access to Flame Bar and Grill.

What Reviews Typically Say

Flame generally receives very positive feedback from both locals and international visitors. While experiences can vary, common themes in reviews include:

Delicious food:

  The ribs, steaks, and grilled mains are often described as tender, flavourful, and consistently good.

Generous portions:

Many visitors feel they get solid value for money, especially compared to some other high‑end Queenstown spots.

Friendly, upbeat staff:

Service is regularly praised as welcoming, fun, and efficient, even when the restaurant is busy.

Lively atmosphere:

Flame has a warm, energetic vibe that suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older kids.

Great views:

Those who get window seats or balcony tables love the sunset and lake vistas.

Of course we highly recommend doing your own research for current comments.

Things to consider

It can be noisy and crowded:

If you’re after a quiet, intimate, “whisper-level” dinner, the buzz at Flame might feel a bit much.

Wait times without bookings:

Walk‑ins, especially in high season, may face long waits, or may need to accept later time slots.

Limited options for strict vegans or specialised diets:

While there are some alternatives, the restaurant is very grill-and-meat centric.

Stairs access:

The first-floor location can be a challenge for those with mobility issues, but there is an elevator next to the adjoining Atlas Beer Bar.

Price point:  

While many see it as fair value, some travellers on tight budgets may still find it on the higher side—though this is common for central Queenstown.

Is Flame Bar and grill Right for You?

Flame Bar and Grill is a strong fit for you if:

You love ribs, steak, and hearty grilled dishes.
You enjoy a busy, social, energetic atmosphere.
You want to experience a local favourite rather than just a generic tourist spot.
You appreciate good-sized portions and strong flavours.

You might want to look elsewhere if:

You’re vegan or have highly specific dietary needs and prioritise plant-based menus.
You prefer quiet, fine-dining-style environments.
Stairs are a major barrier and you require fully step-free access.

Tips for First-Time Visitors to flame bar and grill

To make the most of your first Flame experience:

Book ahead, especially in ski or summer season.
Arrive a bit early if you want a pre-dinner drink and time to soak in the views.
Share starters rather than over-ordering; mains are generous.
Ask the staff for recommendations on sauces, sides, and wine or beer pairings.
Leave room for dessert if you have a sweet tooth; reviews often mention their sweets as a satisfying finish.
Plan your evening—Flame’s central location makes it easy to stroll to a bar, lakefront walk, or night activity afterwards.

For many Queenstown visitors, Flame Bar and Grill becomes one of those “we’re so glad we went” experiences: big flavours, smiling staff, and a warm buzz that matches the adventure capital of New Zealand. With a little planning—especially a confirmed booking—you’ll be well set for a fun, satisfying night out on the Queenstown waterfront.