Queenstown Public House Offers a Taste of New Zealand

When you stroll the bustling streets of Little Italy, its causeways draped with twinkling lights, you expect to feel transported. Waiters decked in lengthy aprons pour deep red vintages into goblets, sonorous vibratos pour from sound systems, and plates magically fill with pasta and pizza—even passerby feel like they’re rambling some European promenade rather than a sidewalked San Diego street. But nestled between the high rises, hotels and Italian flags of our distinctly European neighborhood is something totally different: Queenstown Public House. 

The refurbished and historic bungalow houses a restaurant wholly unique to the ‘hood and a taste of life below the equator. Queenstown Public House brings the uniqueness of Queenstown, New Zealand to our shores, featuring the flavors and feeling of that southernmost state. Owners Matt Baker and PJ Lamont knew they wanted to bring a Kiwi flavor to the Italian neighborhood, and the craftsman–style bungalow they salvaged from the looming sea of skyscrapers proved to be the perfect location. 

Push through the creaking gate and past intimate outdoor dining—where guests feel more like they’re enjoying a stylish, homestyle cookout than a downtown diner and the scene includes a fire pit reconstructed from a washing machine drum and dog–friendly seating—and ascend the wide stairs inscribed with the welcoming words: "stay a while."

And stay a while you will. Inside you’ll find yourself in a humble home with comfy seating, lots of natural light and even a creaky side porch. The decor is part Americana, part New Zealand. There aren’t kitschy knick–knacks or souvenirs, just genuine style that makes visitors feel like they’ve been transported to a home in the southern hemisphere. A Moari inscription along the back bar declares the importance of family and friends; beside it hangs a full canoe above a large mirror, as if the boat is gliding across water midair. And in the semi–private parlor room, faux wire sheep graze across the grass–covered ceiling. The decor is tastefully reminiscent of a warm New Zealand day and the traditions of that destination and her historic cultures. 

But it’s not just the design that brings to mind that faraway land. The fare is American with a New Zealand twist, featuring fun flavors that transport all your senses across those seas. Plus Queenstown always uses fresh, organic, all–natural and grass–fed ingredients—so it’s all guilt–free. You’ll find lots of lamb on the menu (this is a New Zealand themed restaurant, after all), but each dish is delightfully different. For a twist on the all–American meal, try the Bare Lamb Burger, made with New Zealand lamb, blue cheese, mint jelly and beets atop a focaccia bun. Or for a hearty dinner, ask for the Curried Lamb Bread Bowl, a stew overflowing with yummy root vegetables like carrots, parsnip, onions and mushrooms, then topped with a poached egg and chives.

Queenstown isn’t just a dinner destination; they also take our favorite American meal and give it a Kiwi–inspired spin. Stop in for brunch and try their Kiwi Breakfast, with soft–boiled eggs, heirloom tomato, burrata cheese, arugula, toast and, of course that unique condiment, marmite or vegemite. Pair your brunch with an organic mimosa, sangria or champagne cocktail for the perfect Sunday Funday. 

Although the menu at Queenstown is devoted to having a New Zealand flavor, that certainly doesn’t limit their dishes. In fact, Queenstown’s menu changes with the season. You’ll always find new dishes infused with fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. And with the summer season underway, these eats are sure to be bursting with flavor. 

In this modern age, destination dining is easy. You can journey to Japan, Italy, even Hawaii with a simple step through a restaurant’s doors. But it’s not very often that you get an opportunity to cross equators and hemispheres for a Kiwi–inspired meal. Queenstown Public House may be situated in the heart of Little Italy, but this restaurant is a Little New Zealand.