South Eatery is Mercure Queenstown Resort's named a la carte venue, with a clearly defined food programme within the hotel. Broad windows open the dining room to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, letting changing mountain light become part of the meal. Tables can be booked for dinner, while the setting and dedicated event spaces can also accommodate larger occasions. The result is a Fernhill restaurant that uses its elevated outlook confidently but still centres the experience on seasonal New Zealand food.
The opening dishes show how the kitchen translates South Island produce into a modern menu. Roasted pumpkin and feta offer an earthy, tangy combination, while pork belly moves in a richer direction. A garden bowl provides a lighter vegetable-led route, and hāngī-spiced prawns connect seafood with a recognisably local seasoning idea. Seasonal soup with local sourdough keeps one option deliberately simple. Together, these beginnings allow a table to choose between freshness, comfort and a more distinctive regional expression.
Main courses continue that balance of place and variety. Sirloin, beef cheek and lamb give meat diners three different options, while Mount Cook salmon carries the South Island thread into the seafood selection. Chicken risotto offers a softer, more comforting plate. Pumpkin and sage gnocchi and a vegetable and lentil shepherd's pie ensure plant-based cooking has its own substance rather than appearing as an afterthought. The range is broad, but seasonal produce provides a consistent link between the dishes.
The wider offering makes South Eatery useful for more than one style of visit. Its connected lounge menu introduces shareable snacks, New Zealand charcuterie, salads, sandwiches, burgers, risotto and ragu for a less formal meal. Central Otago wines strengthen the regional emphasis at dinner, and children's, vegetarian and gluten-free choices help mixed groups navigate the menu. Whether the plan is a relaxed plate in the lounge, a full restaurant meal or an event overlooking the lake, the venue keeps Queenstown and its surrounding landscape close to the experience.
Address: Mercure Queenstown Resort, 21 Sainsbury Road, Fernhill, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
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South Eatery Menu
Entrées
Dishes marked with a * can be adjusted upon request — please just keep in mind they will still be made in the same kitchen space. V = Vegetarian. VG = Vegan. G = Gluten. W = Wheat. F = Fish. MO = Mollusca. E = Egg. SE = Sesame. M = Milk. S = Soy. A = Almonds. PN = Pine Nuts. CN = Cashew Nuts. C = Crustacean. WA = Walnut. H = Honey. SU = Sulphites.
Roasted pumpkin & feta
Sweet winter pumpkin, roasted and layered with smoky red onion, feta, toasted pumpkin seeds and seasonal greens, all finished with warm spiced honey. (V, H, M)
Hot honey glazed pork belly
Slow-cooked crispy pork belly glazed with hot honey, served on silky parsnip puree with apple, radish and pickled red onion slaw. (H, M, S)
Roasted Winter garden bowl
A vibrant bowl of roasted beetroot, green beans, fennel, roasted kumara and crispy Brussels sprouts, topped with a soft-poached egg and dressed in a warm vinaigrette. (E*, H)
Hāngī-spiced prawns
Chargrilled prawns infused with native hāngī spices, served atop silky kumara puree, topped with a crisp kumara shard. (M*, C)
Seasonal soup of the day
Chef’s daily winter creations, crafted from local produce, served with locally sourced sourdough and homemade butter. (G*, W*, E, M*)
Mains
Dishes marked with a * can be adjusted upon request — please just keep in mind they will still be made in the same kitchen space. V = Vegetarian. VG = Vegan. G = Gluten. W = Wheat. F = Fish. MO = Mollusca. E = Egg. SE = Sesame. M = Milk. S = Soy. A = Almonds. PN = Pine Nuts. CN = Cashew Nuts. C = Crustacean. WA = Walnut. H = Honey. SU = Sulphites.
250g Silver Fern sirloin steak
Served with creamy parmesan polenta, charred broccolini, mushroom ragu and a choice of one sauce (M)
Braised beef cheek
Slow-cooked until tender, served with buttery mashed potato, roasted root vegetables and a deep red wine jus. (M*)
Lamb rump
Tender lamb rump with golden kumara wedges, charred broccoli, finished with a fragrant rosemary and garlic jus.
Mount Cook salmon
Pan-fried salmon on roasted cauliflower puree with spinach, cherry tomatoes and a silky lemon butter sauce. (F, M*)
Grilled chicken risotto
Creamy risotto with parmesan, sundried tomato and mushrooms, topped with juicy lemon and herb grilled chicken thigh. (M*)
Pumpkin & sage gnocchi
Soft gnocchi tossed in nutty brown butter with crispy sage, toasted walnuts and roasted pumpkin seeds for texture and warmth. (G, W, M*, WA*)
Fire-roasted vegetable & lentil shepherd’s pie
Slow-braised lentils with roasted root vegetables, thyme and smoked tomato, topped with olive oil mash and baked until golden. Served with Winter greens and apple slaw. (M*)
Sauces
Mushroom, pepper, red wine jus or lemon butter cream
(M)
Sides
Roasted honey & thyme carrots
(H*)
Creamy spinach
(M)
Steamed seasonal vegetables
(A*)
Truffle fries
Green salad
(M*)
Balsamic glazed brussel sprouts
(PN*)
Desserts
Dishes marked with a * can be adjusted upon request — please just keep in mind they will still be made in the same kitchen space. V = Vegetarian. VG = Vegan. G = Gluten. W = Wheat. F = Fish. MO = Mollusca. E = Egg. SE = Sesame. M = Milk. S = Soy. A = Almonds. PN = Pine Nuts. CN = Cashew Nuts. C = Crustacean. WA = Walnut. H = Honey. SU = Sulphites.
Sticky date pudding
Dark, rich and comforting with warm toffee flavour served with vanilla bean ice cream. A familiar favourite. (G, W, E, M, S)
Seasonal fruit crumble
Freshly poached seasonal fruit beneath a golden crumble crust finished with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. (G, W, M)
Trio of ice cream
A scoop of each – chocolate, vanilla bean and a refreshing sorbet, finished with rich chocolate soil for a touch of texture. (M)
Chilli-poached pineapple & coconut
Pineapple gently infused with warm chilli and citrus syrup, served with toasted coconut crumble and coconut cream. (A)
Chocolate & salted caramel tart
Deep dark chocolate and salted caramel in a crisp shell paired with vanilla bean ice cream (G, W, M, E, S)
The Lounge Bar – Snacks
Dishes marked with a * can be adjusted upon request — please just keep in mind they will still be made in the same kitchen space. V = Vegetarian. VG = Vegan. G = Gluten. W = Wheat. F = Fish. MO = Mollusca. E = Egg. SE = Sesame. M = Milk. S = Soy. A = Almond. PN = Pine Nuts. CN = Cashew Nuts. C = Crustacean. WA = Walnut. H = Honey. SU = Sulphites.
Warm citrus olives
Bright and zesty olives marinated with orange peel, garlic and a hint of chilli (VG)
Corn fritters & smoked chipotle aioli
Crispy and fresh, paired with a smoky chipotle aioli and a fresh lime wedge (V, M, G, W)
Karaage chicken
Japanese-style fried chicken with a crisp, golden crust, drizzled with soy–ginger glaze and a zingy wasabi mayo (M, S, E)
Summer mezze platter
A colourful spread of roasted capsicum, grilled courgette, whipped feta, hummus and tapenade with warm flatbread (V, G, W, M, S)
Charcuterie board
Celebrate New Zealand flavours with local Whitestone cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruit, pickles, and quince jelly – perfect to share (G, W, WA, H, S)
The Lounge Bar – Light Meals
Dishes marked with a * can be adjusted upon request — please just keep in mind they will still be made in the same kitchen space. V = Vegetarian. VG = Vegan. G = Gluten. W = Wheat. F = Fish. MO = Mollusca. E = Egg. SE = Sesame. M = Milk. S = Soy. A = Almond. PN = Pine Nuts. CN = Cashew Nuts. C = Crustacean. WA = Walnut. H = Honey. SU = Sulphites.
Cobb salad
A fresh take on the classic: grilled chicken, creamy avocado, red onion, cucumber, roasted honey kumara and egg, finished with a ranch dressing (E, M, H)
Roasted pumpkin & quinoa salad
Golden pumpkin, nutty quinoa, toasted seeds, feta, and baby spinach, tossed in a zesty citrus honey dressing (V, M, H)
Mercure club sandwich
Grilled chicken, fried egg, Whitestone brie, lettuce, tomato, jalapeno mayo on European Bakery sourdough with shoestring fries (G*, W*, E*, M*, S)
Heirloom tomatoes & bocconcini
Juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, basil oil and aged balsamic (V, M*)
Seasonal soup of the day
Light, seasonal and homemade, served with toasted sourdough and butter (G*, W*, M*)
Truffle fries
Crispy shoestring fries tossed in truffle oil and sea salt (V)
The Lounge Bar – Bigger Meals
Dishes marked with a * can be adjusted upon request — please just keep in mind they will still be made in the same kitchen space. V = Vegetarian. VG = Vegan. G = Gluten. W = Wheat. F = Fish. MO = Mollusca. E = Egg. SE = Sesame. M = Milk. S = Soy. A = Almond. PN = Pine Nuts. CN = Cashew Nuts. C = Crustacean. WA = Walnut. H = Honey. SU = Sulphites.
Beef sirloin & fries
250g flame-grilled sirloin finished with herb butter. Served with fries and summer greens (M)
Akaroa salmon
Crispy-skinned pan-seared salmon with lemon–caper butter, fennel–orange slaw and crushed New Zealand potatoes (F, M)
Grilled NZ lamb salad
Tender lamb rump, roasted kumara, baby spinach, mint and feta, dressed with a bright citrus vinaigrette (M, H)
Beef burger
Juicy house-ground beef patty, aged cheddar, lettuce, tomato, caramelised onion and aioli on a toasted bun served with fries (E, G*, W*, M, SE, S)
Plant-based burger
Crispy plant-based tenders with tomato, vegan cheese, caramelised onion and smoky relish on a soft bun served with fries (VG*, G*, W*, M, S)
Truffle & asparagus risotto
Silky risotto infused with truffle oil, topped with grilled Kiwi-grown asparagus, a dollop of our homemade bacon chilli jam and aged parmesan. (V, VG*, M)
Beef ragu pappardelle
Slow-braised New Zealand beef in a rich tomato and herb sauce over fresh pappardelle (G, W, E, M)
The Lounge Bar – Desserts
Dishes marked with a * can be adjusted upon request — please just keep in mind they will still be made in the same kitchen space. V = Vegetarian. VG = Vegan. G = Gluten. W = Wheat. F = Fish. MO = Mollusca. E = Egg. SE = Sesame. M = Milk. S = Soy. A = Almond. PN = Pine Nuts. CN = Cashew Nuts. C = Crustacean. WA = Walnut. H = Honey. SU = Sulphites.
Chocolate brownie
Rich, gooey and served warm with vanilla bean ice cream (E, M, S)
Deconstructed cheesecake
Velvety baked cheesecake crumble layered with seasonal fruits and a bright berry coulis (M, G, W, S)
Trio of ice cream
A scoop of each – chocolate, vanilla bean and a seasonal flavour, finished with rich chocolate soil for a touch of texture (M)
Breakfast
Available from 6:30am – 10am
Continental Breakfast
Cereal, yoghurt, pastries, croissants, poached fruit, fresh fruit salad, cured meat, smoked salmon, New Zealand Puhoi cheese, fruit juice, tea & coffee
Alpine Breakfast
Includes Continental plus scrambled eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, mushrooms, hash browns and a daily selection of local and international dishes. Fried or poached free-range eggs available to order
Kick start the day!
Don’t be depresso, have an espresso – Just ask one of our baristas. +$0.50 for soy or almond milk
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+ Log your visitHow prices compare
Against typical prices in Queenstown
- Sticky date pudding Typical in Queenstown: $18.00 $18.00
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