The Grille by Eichardt's

A stone's throw from the blissful shores of Lake Wakatipu, The Grille by Eichardt's offers a contemporary approach to elegant dining. And they're shining the spotlight on bountiful NZ whilst doing it.

Reminiscent of New York bistros in their heyday, The Grille is as glossy and sleek as they come. Offering a multitude of different dining options, you can sit pretty in a beautifully upholstered leather booth or at a plush, velvet bistro chair that shimmies up to a glossy, oak table that is as spotless as the glassware. Lowkey sophistication is everywhere you look, from the understated lanterns to the restrained bouquets, and is juxtaposed by refreshing urban elements to remind us of New York's dark underbelly.

As for the food, however, it's Aotearoa produce cooked with a French flair. To begin, local fish is transformed into a heartwarming seafood chowder and served with fluffy ciabatta, Stewart Island salmon is house-cured for a smoky depth unlike any other, and Bluff cod wings are fried for the ultimate comfort dish. And is a French starter menu complete without a French onion soup? No, we thought not.

As for mains, The Grille is upping the ante with a magnificent beef bourguignon that is braised in pinot noir for a tender yet rich finish whilst Gibbston Valley sheep feta meets its match with squidgy charred eggplant and a bold caramelised onion tart. As for stellar cuts of meat, you only have to look to the butcher's board where you'll find Southland Angus scotch fillet, Taranaki sirloin, NZ farmed pork belly and Merino lamb rump, all served with a variety of compôtes, jus' and traditional French sauces. The Grille is, quite simply, the pièce de résistance of French cooking in Queenstown.