Welcome to FQ Eats, our latest series where our editors recommend the best restaurants and bars around Aotearoa. This week, digital producer Natalia Didovich reflects on the FQ Team’s celebratory lunch at Tāmaki Makaurau’s stylish Queens Rooftop & Wineshop.
Queens Rooftop & Wineshop
Where
The rooftop hotspot is perched high above Queen Street, and is accessed via the private elevator hidden amongst the towering shelves of Queens Wine Shop.
First impressions
At first thought, a gloomy day paired with blustering winds doesn’t exactly scream “rooftop lunch” material. But the moment we stepped out of the elevator 21 floors above Auckland, any concerns about the rain quickly vanished. We were greeted by a buzzing room and a space that felt worlds away from the grey skies outside — perfectly sheltered, warm and inviting.
The highlights
The view at Queens is second to none. Boasting an unrivalled 270-degree vantage point above the Waitematā Harbour, it’s no surprise that it’s become a go-to dining destination. Thanks to a thoughtful suite of outdoor upgrades — think clever roofing, windbreaks and discreet heating — the rooftop felt just as chic and comfortable on a moody autumn day as it does during golden hour in the peak of summer. The atmosphere remained lively and upbeat, a reminder that with the right setting, even the dreariest weather can’t dampen a good time.
What we ate & drank
Queens has recently unveiled their latest seasonal menu, presenting a range of new dishes designed to highlight fresh, seasonal flavours. We sipped rosé while indulging in a selection of shared plates. Highlights included the raw sashimi dish with fresh peach, red chilli jam, and nam jim dressing, as well as the salt and pepper calamari served with gochujang aioli. To round off the meal, the much-loved whitebait sando – a cherished Kiwi classic – added a nostalgic touch. With a curated list of cocktails also available, we were spoilt for choice when it came to drinks. Our top picks? The Queen’s Vesper Martini and the Spicy Watermelon Margarita.
Final verdict
With delectable drinks, bold flavours, and the best views in the city, Queens Rooftop is the perfect spot for sky-high dining – no matter the weather.
