“Local food bringing people together” is the mantra for Queenstown’s premiere waterfront restaurant Public Kitchen & Bar that blends regional food and wine in a relaxed, social setting.

“The restaurant is very much a social space created for people to use in any way they want,” says co-owner and executive chef Marty James. “People can come after work with friends for drinks and small plates or sit down for dinner and run through the entire menu.”

“Equally it’s brilliant for après ski to pop in for some craft beers or espresso martinis before heading back to the hotel and returning later either for dinner or late evening drinks.”

Based in Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf the Public Kitchen & Bar is owned by veteran Queenstown restaurateurs Marty and Megan James, Jan Rae and Alex Boyes.

Their approach has been to provide a comfortable gastro-pub atmosphere with an experienced warm and friendly bar and wait crew.

“Our bar area serves amazing cocktails, craft beers and Central Otago wines by the glass and is busy and bustling without intruding into the dining area,” says Marty. “The seated area of the restaurant has lovely soft furnishings and is a pleasant, relaxed space overlooking Lake Wakatipu.”

Local produce is the focus of the menu featuring everything from Kiwi classics to Asian fusion dishes.

“All the food is designed around sharing and communing together where you can order as much or as little as you like. Dishes such as cider roasted pork belly, char-grilled Piri Piri chicken or lamb T-bone sit alongside fresh New Zealand oysters, the lentil and mushroom ragu and our popular pork and prawn gyoza. There is something for everyone with lots of choice and plenty of vegan, dairy free and gluten free options.”

Open Monday until Sunday from 12.00pm until late, the waterfront restaurant caters for small or large groups with online bookings recommended.

“For après ski from 5.00pm until 7.00pm people can come along and listen to some awesome local musicians as well as Sunday afternoons which is a great time to relax and take in the lake and mountain views,” says Marty. “Public is a beautiful stylish and in no way pretentious social space where locals and visitors can come together and enjoy great food and hospitality.”