Public Italian Kitchen

Queenstown

Local Pick
ADDRESS Ground Floor, Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street , Queenstown, Queenstown Central Directions

At a glance

Ideal for
Cuisine
Casual DiningItalianSteakInternationalBar and Bistro
Features
Price
$$$$ Moderately Priced
Local tip
A taste of Italy on Queenstown's waterfront.

Public Italian Kitchen is a relaxed Italian restaurant in the heart of Queenstown, serving Italian-inspired pasta and grill dishes in a beautiful lakefront setting on Steamer Wharf. With views across Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains, Public is the perfect spot for lakeside dining, whether you’re joining for lunch, dinner, or New Zealand oysters and cocktails by the lake.

The menu brings together comforting Italian favourites, pasta and quality steaks from the grill. Guest favourites include Fettuccine Carbonara and Spaghetti Gamberi, alongside Eye Fillet, Ribeye Savannah and local New Zealand Lamb steaks. Save room for dessert with Italian classics including Tiramisu and Panna Cotta.

Pair your meal with a selection of New Zealand and Italian wines, or settle in for cocktails during Public’s daily Happy Hour from 3–5pm.

Planning a group dinner or special occasion in Queenstown? Public Italian Kitchen offers a selection of set menu options for groups of 12 or more, with different price ranges to suit your occasion and budget. The restaurant is also available for private functions and exclusive hire. For group enquiries, private functions and tailored quotes, please contact eat@publickitchen.co.nz. 

Looking for gluten-free dining in Queenstown? Public Italian Kitchen offers a dedicated coeliac-friendly menu, including gluten-free pasta options, making it a great choice for couples, families and groups with different dietary requirements. Public is also child-friendly, offering a relaxed and welcoming place for the whole family to enjoy lunch or dinner by the lake.

Open seven days a week from 12pm until late and on most public holidays.

For Italian food, pasta and steak with spectacular lake and mountain views, discover Public Italian Kitchen – your spot for lunch, dinner, drinks and relaxed lakefront dining in central Queenstown.

Should you make a reservation? Absolutely! To guarantee your table, please make a reservation with the restaurant online by clicking HERE or call +64 3 442 5969.

Gift Vouchers: Purchase Here 

Frequently Asked Questions

Public Italian Kitchen is right in central Queenstown on Steamer Wharf, Beach Street, making it an easy walk from many of Queenstown’s central hotels, shops and attractions.

Yes. Public Italian Kitchen offers a dedicated coeliac-friendly menu, including gluten-free pasta options, making it a great choice for guests looking for gluten-free dining in Queenstown.

Yes. Public Italian Kitchen is located directly on Steamer Wharf and offers lakeside dining with views across Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for a relaxed lunch, dinner, cocktails or

Yes. Public Italian Kitchen is a relaxed, child-friendly restaurant suitable for families looking for lunch or dinner in central Queenstown.

Bookings are recommended, particularly for dinner and during busy periods. Reservations are available for tables inside the restaurant, while outdoor tables are available on a walk-in basis only. Same-day reservations can be made online or by phone.

Yes. Happy Hour is available every day from 3–5pm, with special prices on selected cocktails.

Yes. Public Italian Kitchen has outdoor tables in its lakeside Steamer Wharf setting. Outdoor tables cannot be reserved and are available on a walk-in basis.

Yes. Public Italian Kitchen is available for private functions and exclusive hire, making its lakefront Queenstown location a great option for celebrations, corporate events and group occasions. For availability and a tailored quote, contact eat@publickitchen.co.nz

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