Best dining place I have been to, the food is scrumptious and fresh, friendly service. The stunning view is second to none, make sure you pay extra for the window seats for a special occasion, definitely worth the hype
Love the view. Breathtaking view. Loved the dessert the most:) friendly staff
A beautiful end to our holiday by having dinner at Stratosfare. The view was spectacular, hubby and I enjoyed two helpings of the salmon sashimi & prawns. We also tried the mussels which had no flavour and a few beards intact.
For the mains, the rump steak was cooked perfectly, the venison I chose was well done however I took hubby's one which was medium rare and had more flavour.
We basically we're full after our mains but thought we would try the desserts, we took a few to sample - choc berry mousse, tiramisu, passionfruit cheesecake & choc pudding which were below average.
Even though you have 90mins, time went pretty fast but we managed to eat more than our bellies could take 🤭 The queues for food is not long and always flowing.
Overall, we enjoyed our experience and will definitely return.
I would recommend you pre-book your gondola and lunch/dinner to avoid the queues at Skyline which can be pretty long.
What an amazing spot to enjoy the expansive and wondrous views of Queenstown!! It is a short gondola ride up the mountain to experience this restaurant, and it is well worth it purely for the atmosphere! The dessert bar was absolutely fantastic, I could not fault it! So too were the cocktails, they really packed a punch! But the savoury food stations were very hit and miss for me. A lot of it, for me, either had too much salt or was a bit dry.
The service was amazing though, with the waiters being really friendly and prompt with any requests. Overall, it was a great experience that I would definitely recommend to experience when in Queenstown!
Was recommended this by taxi driver
Well worth the package
For a buffet food was excellent
Especially the desert bar.
The views are obviously the draw card but the food was tasty and overall good value
Me and my Girlfriend came here for our anniversary dinner, Amazing view and good selection of choices.. Will definitely visit again next time we're in Queenstown..
Lots of food choices. The view of the restaurant is to die for 🤩😍 Excellent customer service.
Food 3.5/5
Ambiance 5/5
Service 3.5/5
Amazing view to have a satisfying meal- highlight of the experience! Very generous selection of cooked and fresh food. Loved the dessert selection.
We had my mum's 50th up here and it was great! Views are amazing! Price for the buffet includes the gondola ride up and a free drink (including cocktails) so I thought it was great value. Heaps of vegetarian options and everything was pretty yum! Didn't love the desserts, probably the only downfall. Staff were excellent
Interesting setting - the music soundtrack was a bit confusing. Many lunch options for vegans which were awesome. Only fruit salad option for dessert but we asked and we got AMAZING vegan brownie!!!
A nice spread available at this buffet! There’s a station to make your own laksa so that was pretty cool. There’s not enough variety of hot dishes in my opinion, but a lot of cold dishes such as sushi, salads, cheese and cold cut meats are available. The dessert section is amazing! They have a handmade gelato station where they make it fresh in front of you!
One of the best Buffet spreads in the world, Stratosfare's hospitality and warmth is commendable.
For NZ $90, there was ample of food from the world cuisine to choose from. Desserts were finger-licking good
Plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians.
Hospitality was top-notch
Make sure you have early dinner (half an hour prior to sunset) as to enjoy the scenic view fro the glass windows.
A must.
**Very keto diet friendly**
We are pretty picky, and were really impressed with this place. Massive selection of food that was nicely presented and tasted fresh. They had grilled salmon, venision and a fresh hot lamb and beef roast section to name a few. It was really busy but there was still heaps of food to go round.
Massive range of fancy desserts, almost too much to choose from.
Price includes the gondola up the mountsin which is pretty good considering the price of that alone.
Highly recommend it and I think well worth the price. We will go back for sure.
What an amazing place! Probably the best restaurant view in all of New Zealand! They have heaps of vegetarian options here, which change on a daily basis. My meaty bf loved it too. They have a huge selection of savoury foods such as roasts, cheese, indian, chinese, thai, vegetables...as well as a selection of sweets too. Well worth the money! A must do in Queenstown!
Excellent buffet dinner with a wide range of food. The view was just simply amazing. We have booked for early dinner and find the time was just right especially with young kids. We had a lovely dining experience.
We had lunch here. The view was amazing when it wasn’t foggy. Huge range of vegetarian and vegan options. The sweet treats section was my favorite. I am not a big eater but enjoyed the options. The creme brûlée was fabulous.
The staff were very attentive and welcoming.
The overall experience here is good. The highlight definitely is the interior design and atmosphere. The large open style windows overlooking the lake and mountains is breathtaking. The food selection is above average but not your typical premium buffet. Will definitely come back.
I went there last month, I booked for dinner, but I had a table in the middle of the restaurant so I couldn’t see the view. But the foods, drinks and desserts were delicious, I would recommend for lunch maybe you could get a great view there.
I love buffet meal for its wide range of everything. Although I am not a big eater, I love varieties hence buffet spreads or smorgasbord is my way of feasting once a while. Wanaka and Queenstown are my favourite places on earth. This is where I go for heavenly holidays with beautiful landscape and wonderful food. Relaxation with good views and good food go hand in hand and there is no better place to visit than Stratosfare Restaurant with its wide varieties of food from soup, salads, crackers & cheese, sushi, selection of mains and desserts to die for.
Was really impressed with the food variety and the wait staff were very nice. All of the food that I had was delicious with a big variety of sweets and different types of food for everyone. Value for money
Jeannie June Kurniawan
+5
Really great place to have lunch with view. So Stunning and the Food also awesome! Must visit If you are in Queenstown. This is buffet Restaurant and serve Really good Food and view
Love the place! I really enjoyed, worth of you pocket for the buffet and very friendly staff make sure get yourself in once you in Queenstown!
Like probably 99% of diners we were visitors to Queenstown dining at the Stratosphere. We booked a table an hour before sunset so that we could enjoy the changing light, which exceeded our expectations. Amazing. We didn’t pay the extra for window seats but in my view you don’t really need to. The tiered tables means that every seat has a view, and you can always walk up to the front window if you want to. The food, however, was a surprise. A pleasant one. We did not have high expectations but it and the restaurant were actually pretty good. It’s been there quite a few years but a reasonable effort is clearly paid to keeping it clean and fresh in appearance. The staff were welcoming. The buffet spread delicious. Good quality salmon, tuna. Good cuts of well cooked lamb and beef. Fresh salads. Some good cheese amongst the not so good. Yummy sausages, seasonal dishes, local veggies. And a decent range of tasty desserts. If you go hungry then you’ll surely get your money’s worth. It’s not gourmet fayre but robust fresh and tasty. I’m giving it 4.5 for the location/view, effort to deal with the hordes and still give a pleasant dining experience, and the good range of safe but tasty food.
Dinner with a view at the Stratosfare Skyline Queentown. You need to take a cable car going up to enjoy buffet dinner while enjoying sunset over Queenstown.
Opt for the premium dining where you will be seated by the window and served with a glass of wine or cocktail.
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Food : 3.5/5
Service : 4/5
Price : $$$
Place : 5/5
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Halal
Rest : Stratosfare Skyline
Location : Queenstown
City : New Zealand
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Sopha Peter Belmonte
+3.5
The food selection is small. Definitely quality over quantity. The view is amazing especially when you spend extra to get a window seat. Waiters were very responsive. Great way to end our Queenstown trip.
The best way to conclude a day stroll at Queenstown central is to enjoy quality food and superb flavours 1500 feet above sea level at Stratosfare Restaurant. Mind you, the queue was long but it was worth the wait - it took us approximately 15 minutes waiting time to get to our table and I couldn't keep my excitement (I so love buffets, that's why!). This dining spot is indeed a top choice among tourists.
Lovely, helpful and friendly staff. We had two of our group with skiing injuries and they gave us more time to settle ourselves as well as allowing us additional time to leave. Food was very good. Fresh and tasty with good variety, all with a fantastic view of course.
Great view, great service, coprehensive bistro that's executed very well. One of our party was in a wheelchair and the staff were incredibly accommodating. Well worth checking out if you're in Queenstown.
Jean Gailey-Taumaunu
+3.5
I was shocked at how much it cost to have dinner here. $85!! It is good for a one off experience. The food is good but i could have ordered it at another place for a cheaper price. My fave thing was creme brulee'. View is pretty for sunset too
One of the best buffets I've been too. Lots of variety and the dessert corner was the best. Not the average buffet dessert that just offers ice cream and jelly and cake.
went here as part of luge gondola and dinner combo. the view us amazing! dinner was fab to. so much to choose from - most than likely to over indulge. generous selection of meats and sides (chicken, beef, lamb, roast veges, carrots salads etc). definelty recommend for lunch or dinner even just for the view :)
*This review is for the lunch buffet*
One of the first things I noticed in Queenstown was the gondola taking people up to this place nestled high in the mountains. If you're dining here, both lunch and dinner include a return ride on the gondola with lunch being $65 and dinner $85. I recommend going in the first hour of each seating as the chefs don't cook much towards the end of each service. Also, make sure to arrive early because there's always a queue for the gondola.
The interior of the restaurant and the view outside is spectacular so top marks for setting. Waiters are friendly and efficient; very impressed. The food is the only thing I can fault them for. Sushi was made very well but the rice was hard and definitely not fresh - it tasted refrigerated. The Caesar salad in the cheese wheel is a great idea but let down by wilted and browning lettuce leaves. Dessert and drinks were stand outs as the best section of the buffet.
The photos below highlight some of the selection on offer. Note that the food differs from the menu they have on zomato. Overall, worth the experience :)
The restaurant there I ever been to with the best view ever, just fabulous. It' been several years so I won't comment on the food but I rember it was a really nice buffet all you can eat. I would definitely go back.
Came here for the buffet tonight. Initial impressions were high, with friendly staff. We were guided through the buffet by wait staff and were escorted to our table. We were lucky enough to be seated next to a window, providing a breathtaking view of queenstown and the mountains. There was a diverse range of food...from seafood to roasts through to sushi. Every dish i tried was of a high standard, along with the service.
Very impressive spread!! The food are mostly of high quality and tasted fantastic. You can tell that the sashimi and seafood are fresh, and the prawn cocktail is a must! They have a variety of cuisines to satisfy all sorts of palates. Service was quite quick as well! Their roasts and relishes are not to be missed too.
Desserts were definitely a highlight of Stratosfare. Most of the desserts were heavenly, so make sure to leave some 'room' for dessert! I especially love the lemon panna cotta, tiramisu, creme brûlée and chocolate mousse. I'm seriously impressed as I haven't been to a buffet of this quality in ages.
The delightful views and the food definitely makes up for the higher than average price. I would return if I'm in Queenstown again :)
Absolutely stunning views with green lip mussels to get from the buffet. Well managed with international staff from everywhere in the world. We were lucky to get window seats. Overall, great experience. Food is 3.5.
Iris Joy Ebasco Edic
+4.5
Amazing. The whole experience was just amazing. Be sure to always make a booking before buying the ticket coz having a booking, will prioritize you to go first inside the restaurant. ✔️
We were led to our seat by the staff. While we were going to our seat, she was also giving us a tour to where and what are the foods in each section. ✔️
Foods were all tasty. I tried all the desserts and it was worth it. We were allowed to stay here until 7. We were sitting in the restaurant for almost 2 hours. So if your planning to dine here, be sure to take your time while eating coz u got plenty of time to try everything. ✔️😁
Came by for dinner. It was quite expensive but the price did include the ride up on the gondola. The confirmation email they sent said that we would be able to check in from 7pm for an 8.15 sitting but when we got up there we were told that we weren't able to check in until 7.50pm. They did have a lounge area where you could have a drink and wait.
The place itself look quite nice although it seemed as though on a busy night people would be sharing tables. Really nice views from the restaurant of Queenstown. The items on offer were fancier than standard buffets including make your own laksa, carvery with all the trimming and sashimi (Tuna, Salmon and kingfish). Favourite dish was the chocolate fondant pudding for dessert with ice cream on the side. Food was alright and the staff were friendly.
The service of the staff was great & the food for a buffet was really delicious. Neither of us eat seafood which seemed to be what everyone was jumping at, but enjoyed two serves of roast & vegies. Desserts were plenty too. Our only disappointment was arrive to check in at the earliest time & given further away seats than others arriving an hour after us who hadn't opted for the premium package.
Almost doesn't matter what the drinks or food is like here as the view is the winner. That said, the offerings are fair and the backpacker staff as ever in Queenstown, friendly. Hard to give we the window seat even when it's time to go.
I'm not usually one for buffet, but this was amazing! The Stratosfare restaurant is definitely worth the visit before some luge fun at the Skyline. The food was very gourmet, with attendants at almost every post replenishing the food as necessary. There was a bit of everything; salads, soups, curries, roasts, veggies, seafood, sushi, cold meats. Oh and the dessert corner was to-die-for! Such a good deal too. It was an experience we will never forget.
Just realized i am scared of cable car ride once i have to travel in one to this restaurant. Nightime after dinner was less scary and had gorgeous view tho. Anyway, cool rest overlooking queenstown, buffet had substantial selection of meat, sushi, seafood and dessert. One of our fave was the grilled chicken (such a cliche choice but thats one of the few that tasted yums). None of the dessert taste that great except their pre packed ice cream.
Fresh sashimi. Tasty tiramisu shot. But some fruit was made from canned food that meant not fresh and too much sugar. I do not willing to have any meal there again.
A trendy, stylish and elite looking restaurant placed on the top of the Queenstown hill.
The view from the restaurant is spectacular overlooking the gorgeous Queenstown city.
Restaurant is spacious and has got fancy and modern looking ambience. It can accommodate and cater to large no of dinners at one time.
A great place for elite and fine dining experience with great touch or blend of good nz cuisine.
Went for lunch and both food and service was spontaneous, sumptuous, simply superb.
They serve great quality of food and some of the good picks from NZ foods and wines.
It does have a bar, cafe and ice cream or dessert parlor separately, which a great added feature for tourist availing the gondola and lugging facilities.
It's a great dining experience on top of the mountain with the view of Queenstown.
They have 2 seatings available for dinner, we went for the 5:45pm one. It's an absolutely must do for couples visiting Queenstown! The spread is pretty good right from soups & salad to the dessert!
We couldn't make it for our prior reservation, but the staff was kind enough to reschedule us for the next day!
The view is absolutely stunning from this restaurant. As a seafood lover, I was quite pleased with the selection they had on offer at the buffet table. Fresh tuna sashimi, salmon gravlax, baby octopus, prawn cocktail, fresh oysters,mussels and other seafood were on offer and they were fresh and delicious. Didn't even get to try the meat selection and other food on offer. The dessert selection was also fantastic.
Looked forward to buffet lunch with family after the luge.
Something for everyone. Kids went straight for the sushi and dumplings. Husband went for the pork buns. I had the traditional spit roasted chicken and roast veggies. Heaps of choice for dessert and I admit some at our table had more than one. Great service, good wind suggestion. Definitely recommend.
Anyone who is currently in Queenstown should try this place out! Not only the view is spectacular but the food were really nice too. A huge selection of food are displayed very nicely and presented beautifully. They provide dishes for vegetarians, for all the meat lovers, they also have seafood section, sushi and salad bar and for those with sweet tooth. My favourite would be the dessert station. The creme brulee was too die for!! If only I have huge stomach capacity, I would just have the brulee all day long! Thanks again and hopefully will be back when we are in the area :)
The good side is it had selected salamis, prawn cocktails, sashimis like salmon, king fish and mussels provided, but the hot foods were really just so so... But well, the view up there was awesome, especially when you join the dinner starts from 8:15pm, you may enjoy the whole sunset during your meal.
Absolutely blown away by this place. Went up the gondola for the view and paid the extra $23 for the buffet lunch. Certainly was not disappointed!! This buffet had everything you'd want to go along with the stunning views. Sushi, mussels, curry, hot meats, salads - you name they had it. Desserts were also a treat - pavlova, creme brûlée, tiramisu. Definitely worth it!
One of the best view any restaurant can offer! We sat by the window and absolutely loved the entire experience here. Came for the lunch buffet and there was a good variety of cuisines and desserts. A must do when you visit QT alongside the gondola + luge. The scenery from up here is a must see!
Took a gondola ride with the wife and checked in early for a window seat, got a great seat, staff were very professional and always helpful, food spread and variety was awesome, and great range of deserts too. Unforgettable experience, well done!
We were in Queenstown for my mother’s birthday and looking for somewhere to mark the special occasion.
None of our group are too fond on ‘buffet’ restaurants so we decided to book for the lunch rather than the dinner. Lets face it, you’re there for the views!! Which are unparalleled anywhere else in Queenstown and are amazing on a nice clear day. To get a nice and reasonably priced meal on top was great. Lots of variety on offer and of a good quality. We really enjoyed the salads and vegetarian dishes, the sushi and the range of beautiful desserts (wish we had left more space to sample more!). Reasonably priced beverages as well. If you don’t go in with expectations of Michelin star food than you won’t be disappointed. It’s not that kind of place. I wouldn’t hesitate to return again or recommend to friends.
Diana. It was last year when we first had the opportunity to visit this restaurant for dinner in the clouds! What a magical trip to get up to it too, on the chairlift high above the the twinkling lights of Queenstown. What was even more amazing was the fact we happened to floating through a snow storm at the same time! Even if you do not fancy trying the restaurant take the chair lift to the top you will love it! On arrival we were treated like royalty. Now am not an avid fan of buffets, but this was an exception to the general run of the mill types. All the food was gourmet NZ fresh, even included a freshly cooked whole salmon. The deserts were delectable, highly recommended
Amazing Views on the trip up the Gondola just on Dusk when we visited. Staff were amazing and helpful and the buffet was first class. Great ranges of food and it was fresh too. Well presented.
Thoroughly recommend this experience too the Skyline Restaurant
Really gorgeous views and wonderfully friendly service compliment the exhilarating dining experience at the Skyline Gondola Buffet. The food is what you would expect from a high quality buffet: varied, fresh, beautifully presented and excellent value for money. Recommended.
My experience at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar in Queenstown was a mix of positives and areas for improvement. Let me break it down:
First, let's talk about the food. The menu offered a decent selection of dishes, and the overall quality was satisfactory. I particularly enjoyed the beautiful view of Queenstown that accompanied the meal. Dining amidst stunning vistas of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains was truly a treat for the senses.
However, one area where Stratosfare fell short was in their dessert range. As someone with a sweet tooth, I was disappointed by the limited dessert options available. It would have been a wonderful finishing touch to the dining experience if there were more choices to satisfy those dessert cravings.
When it comes to service, this is where Stratosfare had room for improvement. While the staff was courteous, it felt like the service was somewhat minimal. I would have appreciated a more attentive and interactive service, especially in a restaurant with such picturesque surroundings.
One notable drawback, especially for families, was the absence of kids' cutlery. It's a basic consideration that could enhance the dining experience for families with young children. A small addition like this can go a long way in making the restaurant more family-friendly.
In conclusion, Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar in Queenstown is a place that offers decent food against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty. However, there's room for growth in terms of their dessert range, service attentiveness, and providing amenities for families with children. If you're primarily looking for a picturesque dining experience, this restaurant certainly delivers, but it may leave you wanting a bit more in other aspects of your visit.
View was incredible, heaps of food options however the taste was just average. Service was also a bit slow. But good family lunch option. Don’t forget to try the apple pie with the ice cream ;)
Great atmosphere! Very good customer service, staffs were attentive and knowledgeable. There's room for improvement with regards to food selections otherwise the place is perfect. We'll definitely be coming back next time we visit NZ.
Fantastic dining experience. Food was great, amazing views, superb service. My son has a number of allergies and the waitstaff and chefs were fabulous. The head chef took my son and myself through all of the options and explained which foods were safe for him and which were not (we didn’t ask for this service, it was provided when we made his allergies known). It made him (and I) feel very comfortable dining there. Would highly recommend.
On top of the skyline gondola, Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar is an amazing restaurant. A great place to take in Lake Wakitipu, the Remarkables, and Cecil Peak. With breath-taking views and fantastic meals, this restaurant is a must-visit. This is a great place for lunch, dinner, or just a drink.
Was absolutely amazing here! Would 100% come back again! Our waiter Joseph did a fantastic job & his service was awesome!
The food itself was amazing, so many options to choose from & the view of the mountains was a bonus! Overall the best buffet experience iv ever had! 👏🏽
We had dinner at the restaurant for our honeymoon and loved it especially paired with the 3 luges which was so fun!
We had Sarah for our waitress and she was so beautiful and lovely to speak with. So professional and attentive. Thank you Sarah for making our experience so great!
Great foods - meats, seafood, salads, vegetables, and dessert. Great views. Great customer services.
The restaurant is a must for bookings which we’re lucky to get a table. But wow the food selections are awesome everything from soups to different meats or vegetarian options, pastas and charcuterie selections to seafood and an entire desert room this place has it all! Delightful!
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar is an amazing restaurant atop the skyline gondola. With some of the best views of Lake Wakitipu, the Remarkables and Cecil Peak. The luge is right behind the restaurant and there's also a gift shop on site. The meals and drinks are phenomenal with views that are second to none.
Food was decent.
Victor the staff member was extremely nice and helpful.
He went over and beyond to make our time at Stratosfafe nice and memorable.
He is an amazing staff member and will be truly an asset to any company.
Thank you for your support Victor.
Best Regards.
Love from Wellington
Beautiful stunning view of Queenstown. Lovely spot for a lunch and dinner. The staff take really good care of you and are super helpful. The food was above average and all you can eat. Definitely recommend!
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