Flame Bar & Grill, tucked away above Queenstown’s Steamer Wharf, offers more than just food; it creates a complex experience. This steakhouse evokes feelings before the first bite even reaches your fork by combining the natural charm of a South African braai with the best produce from New Zealand. Like a brass band showing up at a garden party, Flame’s presence is announced by its distinct, deep, smoky, and bold scents alone.
Flame has accomplished something incredibly successful by embracing the unadulterated intensity of flame-grilling and incorporating a hospitality philosophy based on warmth and flair. This has allowed Flame to convert casual diners into devoted lifelong customers. Here, guests engage in small talk over Mozambique prawns, laughter reverberates as loudly as glass clinking, and sizzling ribeye meets ocean breezes.
Reviews Table – What Guests Are Saying About Flame Bar & Grill
| Platform | Rating | Total Reviews | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Reviews | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | 3,800+ | “Best ribs in Queenstown”, “Perfect view”, “Friendly and efficient service” |
| TripAdvisor | ⭐ 4.5 / 5 | 3,832 | “Flame delivers flavor and flair”, “Lamb skewer was exceptional” |
| ⭐ 4.3 / 5 | 430+ votes | “Always busy for a reason”, “Staff treat you like family” | |
| First Table | 🌟 9.7 / 10 | 548+ | “Exceptional value and quality”, “Hard to book, but always worth it” |
| Instagram Mentions | ❤️ High engagement | 4,800+ followers | “Must-visit in Queenstown”, “That BBQ sauce is addictive!” |
A Tasty Journey from South Africa to South Island
Flame is designed to be timeless rather than trendy in Queenstown’s vibrant dining scene. Flame embodies a very distinct culinary philosophy, drawing inspiration from the Braai culture, which is a place where friendship, food, and fire come together. Each steak is expertly seared. The proprietary sauce used to glaze each rack of ribs might be considered a national treasure. What about the team? carefully selected for more than just resumes, based on personality and passion.
Flame strikes a particularly creative balance between their cultural heritage and Queenstown’s abundant natural resources. Sound, smell, and sight are all skillfully combined to create a tactile experience. Consumers frequently refer to the food as “memorable” rather than just “delicious,” which says a lot about the attention to detail and skill involved.
Spectacle, service, and the science of guest satisfaction
Flame has elevated dining into a theatrical experience with its clever placement and remarkably reliable service. With chefs moving confidently across flames and dishes taking shape under their careful control, the open kitchen hums like a well-conducted orchestra. The workflow, which is intended to delight, feels incredibly efficient from the front of house to the grill line.
Flame has increased accessibility in recent years, particularly since the pandemic, by introducing a live takeaway menu and a smooth reservation system. In addition to helping the restaurant cut expenses and streamline operations, these additions have been surprisingly inexpensive for patrons. Flame provides a convincing adaptation model for medium-sized eateries navigating the digital transformation.
Flame Bar & Grill – Restaurant Snapshot (WordPress-Compatible Table)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Name | Flame Bar & Grill |
| Location | 88 Beach Street, Level 1, Steamer Wharf, Queenstown, NZ |
| Year Established | 2008 |
| Founders | Grant, Dawn, and Colin |
| Signature Style | South African-inspired BBQ, open flame grilling |
| Must-Try Dishes | Ribeye Steak, Mozambique Prawns, Boerewors, Trio of Ribs |
| Ambience | Casual sophistication, lakeside views, open kitchen |
| Operating Hours | Daily: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Reservation Link | flamegrill.co.nz |
| Review Highlights | 4.5/5 stars on Google (3,800+ reviews), praised for ribs and service |
The Persistent Intangible Glow
Eating at Flame has a naturally happy vibe, perhaps because of the way the sun dances on the water outside or the crackle of the meat on the grill. More likely, though, it’s the people. Returning customers frequently call out employees by name, not because they are asked to, but rather because it feels genuine. That is a very surefire formula for success in a time when everything is becoming more and more automated.
Flame distinguishes itself in the hospitality industry, where narratives are frequently obscured by menus and margins, by transforming each meal into an occasion. “You come for the ribs, but you return for the vibe,” said one regular, in a remarkably accurate summary.
The Future of Flame: Sparking Growth Driven by Enthusiasm
Flame will be more than just Queenstown’s preferred steakhouse in the years to come. The team is already looking at incredibly flexible ways to expand their menu with the opening of sister restaurant Sunfire, which offers everything from modern fusion dishes to charcoal Josper ovens. It’s a brighter burn over new ground, not a break from the flame.
One dish at a time, Flame Bar & Grill has created a legacy through its strong flavors, compassionate service, and unwavering dedication to quality. The flame never feels far, regardless of how long you’ve been in town.
FAQs – Flame Bar & Grill
Q: What type of cuisine does Flame Bar & Grill serve?
A: Flame specializes in South African-style BBQ with a focus on ribs, steaks, and seafood.
Q: Where is Flame Bar & Grill located?
A: You’ll find it on Level 1 of Steamer Wharf, 88 Beach Street, Queenstown.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner—book via flamegrill.co.nz.
Q: Does Flame offer takeaway?
A: Yes! Their takeaway service is now live and includes many menu favorites.
Q: What is Flame’s most popular dish?
A: The award-winning ribs glazed in their secret South African BBQ sauce are a customer favorite.
Q: Are vegetarian options available?
A: While the focus is on grilled meats, they offer seasonal salads and select vegetarian dishes.
