Flame Bar & Grill (trading as Flame Grill & Bar) is a South African-inspired steakhouse at 88 Beach Street in central Queenstown, a short walk from the Lake Wakatipu waterfront. Open daily from noon to 10pm, it has been a fixture of the town’s dining scene for more than a decade, built around a secret South African braai basting sauce and the ribs and steaks that carry it. Travelers come for caramelised ribs, premium NZ cuts and a loud, welcoming dining room.
What to Expect at Flame Bar & Grill
The concept comes straight from the South African braai, the open-fire cookout where meat, friends and long conversation share equal billing. At Flame, ribs and steaks are the heroes, cooked on hot grills and glazed with the house basting sauce until the edges caramelise. The restaurant is proud of its award-winning ribs, and most tables order them whether or not they plan to eat anything else.
The room runs on energy rather than hush. Staff are hired for enthusiasm, service is chatty and fast, and the atmosphere sits closer to a lively braai than a formal steakhouse. It suits groups, birthday dinners and travelers who want a proper meat-focused meal after a day of skiing, jet boating or bungy jumping. Takeaway is available for those eating back at their accommodation, and gift vouchers can be bought online.
- Signature ribs: Slow-cooked and caramelised on the grill with the secret South African basting sauce, the dish the restaurant is best known for.
- Premium steaks: Quality New Zealand cuts grilled over high heat, a natural fit for the country’s grass-fed beef reputation.
- South African braai influence: The menu borrows the ingredients and spirit of the braai: good food, good friends and good times at one table.
- Group bookings: A dedicated group booking process makes Flame a practical pick for tour parties, celebrations and work dinners.
- Sister venue Sunfire: The same owners run Sunfire, a lakeside restaurant covering breakfast through dinner, a useful alternative if you want views by day.
Flame Bar & Grill at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 88 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand |
| Neighborhood / Area | Central Queenstown, near the Lake Wakatipu waterfront |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 12pm to 10pm; last bookings at 9:45pm |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (mid-range); no entry fee |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Walkable from the town centre; Queenstown town-centre buses stop nearby and paid street and lot parking is available around the lakefront |
| Official Website & Phone | flamegrill.co.nz | +64 27 349 4469 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead through the official reservation page, especially for dinner and during ski season, school holidays and summer weekends. Walk-ins are welcome, but prime evening slots fill early. Lunch is a calmer way to try the ribs, with the same menu and fewer crowds. Order ribs if it is your first visit, and ask staff about sharing options if you are in a group.
Beach Street sits on flat ground in the middle of town, so the walk from most central hotels takes five to ten minutes. Contact the restaurant before arriving if you need step-free access or specific seating, as entrance and floor layout details are best confirmed directly. Within a 5 to 15 minute stroll you can reach the Queenstown Gardens, the Lake Wakatipu shoreline, the TSS Earnslaw steamship wharf and the bars and shops of Queenstown Mall and Camp Street. Sunfire, the sister restaurant, is a natural pairing for a lakeside breakfast the next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Flame Bar & Grill’s opening hours and best time to visit?
Flame is open seven days a week from 12 noon to 10pm, with last bookings at 9:45pm. Lunch and early dinner are the quietest windows, while 6pm to 8pm fills quickly, so book those slots in advance.
How much does a meal cost and do I need a reservation?
Flame sits in the $$ price tier, with mains centred on ribs and steaks. Reservations are encouraged for both lunch and dinner, though walk-ins are welcome. Book through the official website, and check the current menu there for exact prices.
How much time should I allow for dinner?
Plan on 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a relaxed meal with starters, a main and a drink. Groups celebrating an occasion often stay longer, and takeaway is available if you are short on time.
Is Flame suitable for groups, families and gifts?
Yes. The lively dining room and shared-table spirit make it popular with groups, and there is a dedicated group booking page on the official site. Gift vouchers can be purchased online. For accessibility needs or dietary requests, call +64 27 349 4469 before your visit.
When planning your Queenstown travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Queenstown, pair this stop with standout local spots including Queenstown Premium Outlets, Blue Kanu, The Grille by Eichardt's, and Pier (nearby).
