Flame Bar & Grill

Right on Steamer Wharf. Unapologetic, fire-kissed perfection. Carnivores making the Queenstown pilgrimage know exactly where to drop their bags—Flame Bar & Grill. Forget pristine, hushed dining. This joint is a gloriously hectic, high-energy temple to the grill. Those in the loop bypass the standard tourist traps for sprawling, vibrant platters of charred protein. The steaks? Expertly seared, boasting a flawless Maillard crust and rested to a pinpoint temp. Halal diners are entirely sorted—just give the kitchen a nod for dedicated pan prep. But the absolute flex here is the kaimoana. Wharf regulars won't shut up about the Aotearoa green-lipped mussels, while the Mozambique prawns deliver a knockout punch of buttery garlic and chili heat. Sure, the room gets packed and the waitlists stretch out. But when you’re tearing into smoky lamb skewers and juicy grilled pork with a cold pint in hand, the chaos makes total sense. Serious portions. Fierce flavors. Come hungry.