Based on our experience of trying to get a reservation at one of the nicer restaurants in Queenstown and what our Airbnb host told us of her previous tenants' experience of looking for a place for dinner (they ended up getting pizza late), we were proactive regarding finding a place for dinner. My fiancé made the smart decision of looking at areas outside of downtown and found this restaurant. It's a little on the outskirts of downtown but not too far (via car). Our reservation was for 9 but we got there almost an hour earlier yet managed to get a table. The owner/manager (?) welcomed us and sat us himself. As for tables for dining, this place is pretty small so it makes sense to make a reservation for dinner during the busy seasons. This is definitely a local place and the service shows that. We ordered the tomato and basil bruschetta to share and a glass of Riesling, we enjoyed both. Like most places in NZ I've been to, they have one vegetarian option in their mains so I went with it: house-made gnocchi with tomato, chili, basil, olive & caper sauce with ricotta and Parmesan cheese. It was absolutely delicious, after having Italian at several places in NZ, this dish felt the most authentic and was hands down the best. I've enjoyed every part of the dish and wanted more. The fiancé ordered the Fiordland wild venison, seared on mushroom risotto and steamed green beans and liked it a lot. The service was pretty good, I've learned to lower my expectations regarding service when outside the US but our waitress was sweet and personable. The owner/manager also checked on us several times throughout the meal. We had a little issue with some items being wrong on the check itself and getting the check (but I assume they simply didn't want to rush us) but all in all, I truly enjoyed this place and it was probably the best meal we had on our trip. read more

While staying in Queenstown on holiday our AirBnB was just down the road so we called in a takeaway order because we consistently saw the restaurant packed with patrons. We ordered a Mediterranean pizza and garlic bread. Although it wasn't 100% authentic Italian it was the best pizza we ate while in New Zealand. The toppings had great flavor and the crust wasn't too crispy, hard, or floppy. Give it a try! read more

If you are looking to relax, get away from the tourist vibe and seek out some a local flavor, this is the place for you. We have visited Queenstown twice now, once in April 2012 and more recently in June 2017. Both times were unique, wonderful experiences. Off the beaten path, away from the hub of Queenstown tourism, Vknow is a true gem for locals and tourists alike. For us, Vknow has become the most memorable restaurant thanks to the kindness and personal attention from the owners. No pretentious or stuffy attitudes here. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Just honest and down to earth, friendly service, passionate about local, fresh ingredients that harmonize beautifully together. It's no surprise to find local regulars hanging out in the bar area enjoying themselves in conversation with each other and the staff. Food and Drink: The owner Danny and his wife Lizzie are incredible hosts with palates you can count on. This couple knows their food and wine at the finest culinary level! Danny will take you on a wine excursion that pairs incredibly well with Lizzie's delicious dishes and your mood/palate. Be prepared to taste the finest local wines you can't find anywhere else without going to the wineries direct. Some highlights: Enjoyed in 2012 - Leg of lamb practically melted in my mouth. So tasty and juicy and paired nicely with a lovely Pinot Noir and a Pinot Gris (that was surprisingly perfect - refreshing, crisp and dry esp. since I do not typically drink Pinot Gris) both from Gibston Winery. Enjoyed in 2017 - Tomato Bruschetta - delicious. Enjoyed a lovely Gibston Chardonnay. - Had the locally caught, fish special which was light and healthy yet full of flavor. - daughter had the Stewart Island Blue Cod in Thai Green Curry sauce which was so tasty! - partner had the Gnocchi which was so yummy and beautifully prepared. Not too heavy but yet hearty Looking forward to dining here on our next trip to Queenstown!! read more

The front person (I'm presuming is the owner) is so rude, it's unbelievable to me that anyone would eat her. Or maybe they don't because the restaurant was empty. We strolled in here after landing from the airport to have a bite to eat, drink and use wifi to check our air bnb reservation. Upon entering, I asked him if he had wifi (because we needed this to see how to enter our air bnb) and he immediately was rude to me assuming that is all I wanted. Little did he know we were starving and fully intended on eating a large and probably expensive meal as we were al drinking. He sat us down and when I asked for the wifi password, he tells me it and I asked if it was any capitals to which he replied very rudely. He threw the menus at us, literally, and was so rude that we considered leaving even after having ordered drinks and an appetizer. We ordered the garlic bread which was good and each had a drink but decided not to eat there due to his attitude. We went next door and got fish and chips which was good and the owners there were so friendly. I would not recommend this place to anybody. read more

We had read the reviews and looked forward to our reservations for dinner at Vknow. First, the positive, the food was really good and we spoke personally to the two female chefs to compliment them on it. Unfortunately, in our opinion we were treated crudely by the fellow named Danny at the end of our meal. We had eaten and were enjoying our glasses of wine when he came to the table to ask us to move into the bar area to finish our wine because he had someone else wanting our table. We expressed our anger to him about this rudeness. Then to top off our evening, the server charged us for a full bottle of wine even though we had only had a single glass each. When this was pointed out she quickly removed the excess charge. We left this restaurant with a very bad taste in our mouths. read more

I can't remember the last time I had such wonderful meal. First you're greeted by one of the owners. Get the menu which doesnt have too many choices (I find this better). I decided for the chicken, basil, mushroom spaghetti. My wife went with the smoked salmon pizza. My pasta had the most perfect sauce I've ever tried. I wish I knew how to get to this level of chef mastery. We didnt have wine or dessert, but wish we had. read more

This is a little outside of Queenstown in a residential strip mall of sorts. But excellent service (maybe husband and wife team?), and wonderful food. There's an inviting bar with seating for about 15 people total, and then the main dining room has about 12-15 tables. Mostly locals, always a good sign! I had a most tender and delicious lamb shank with veggies, and my husband had a pizza. Great wine selection and also desserts! read more

Had a very enjoyable meal at this lovely neighborhood restaurant. I had a taste for a home cooked meal and Chef Lizzie did not disappoint. I had a delicious venison loin - cooked to moist perfection- served over a savory mushroom risotto. The other owner Danny kept the wonderful wines flowing as well. Very charming place. There were families there too, so good option for all occasions. Highly recommend VKnow read more

Best. Meal. Ever. Danny, who owns this wonderful establishment with his wife who is the chef, is a delight. The food was second to none and you MUST eat here while in Queenstown. Rack of lamb, venison, fresh fish, pizza, are all great. Do not skip dessert. Fabulous. read more

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Super cute restaurant with an awesome wine list. I had the pizza and it was good, from nyc, so tough to impress! Greek salad was ok, no lettuce though so that was weird. read more

Ciao VKnow. We wandered in one night at the end of February and you made a place for the three of us at the "big barrel." We had the cod, one with curry, and loved every bite. More than the food, you made us feel cared for, and helped adjust after a 24 hr. flight. We tried several local spots during our stay in Queenstown, but will recommend yours at the top of our list. Price was right. Wine list was well-curated. Food was prepared with love. read more

Lizzie's salad was a delicious combo of cold and warm veggies with a lovely, light vinaigrette. The lamb shank (1) was a perfect size after the salad. The meat fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. It was superb. Owner Danny and wife are very gracious hosts. read more

My boyfriend and I had a meal here tonight and it was fantastic! We didn't want to deal with the traffic in Queenstown and so glad we felt that way otherwise we would have missed out on this great meal. The restaurant is owned by a husband and wife. Each meal we ordered was so flavorful and delicious. We had two glasses of the house wine and yukkie for dessert. Both great choices! We are bummed we are heading out and won't have the chance to try more meals here. read more

A gem of a restaurant in New Zealand. Good food, good wine, great desert! Danny and his wife have a really nice place. read more

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What you want but rarely find these days. Amazing food, outstanding hospitality and beautiful wine. The hidden gem and well worth the visit Kiwi hospitality and food at its best. Honest and impressive. read more

Outstanding food and service! Had numerous recommendations from locals and liked it so much, we ate here twice this week!

Having eaten all over Queenstown , this was by far th best meal we had . A table of French , American , Aussies and Kiwi's all agreed it was the best meal on our visit in a relaxed Kiwi service setting , well worth coming back too . read more

We had a late dinner at this charming, little place. It was busy and there was a big retirement party going on, so it was noisy but fun. The owner came by a couple of times to check on our food and to be sure we were happy. We shared an appetizer of scallops and the ribeye, which was very tender and perfectly cooked. We had the apple and blackberry crumble with vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. Our waitress got distracted at the bar, so the service was spotty at the end of the meal. The owner brought us our check. read more