Rata

Rata is the Noma of Queenstown and no trip to the South Island is complete without a meal at this restaurant. It’s where chef Josh Emett – known for his stints at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred restaurants in New York and Los Angeles – dishes up food that’s both satisfying and surprising. His bite-sized profiteroles with cream and goat’s cheese purée was meant to be a fleeting feature on the menu but, thanks to its popularity, is now a constant. Also try the merino lamb rump with crisp skin that’s served with a spiced aubergine purée and parmesan beignets. There’s plenty for those with a sweet tooth, too – our favourite is the peach and elderflower panna cotta, which is perfectly complemented by the slight crunch of the pistachio and hazelnut biscotti.

Rata | 43 Ballarat Street, Otago | +64 3 442 9393