SODA

SODA is Queenstown’s new restaurant & bar located on the lakefront with breathtaking lake and mountain views, offering an extra effervescence to the local dining scene. SODA is a joint creation from Republic Hospitality Group – which has 10 well-known venues in Queenstown, such as The Ballarat, Winnies, The Frankton Arm Tavern, Habana, Birdy and The Sundeck – together with partners Sam Gruar and Penelope “PJ” Johnson of People Like Us, which has two Arrowtown venues: La Rumbla and Slow Cuts.

The modern menu, designed for sharing, inspired by Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine, includes an authentic antipasti selection, small plates such as ceviche and the wagyu beef skewers with chimichurri, complemented with larger plates such as seafood paella, lamb shoulder and more, all flavoured from the wood-fired grill. The drinks list has had just as much care put into its creation, the cocktail selection has something dazzling for everybody, the wine list is lovingly curated with local and international wines, and the tap beers are a balanced mix of local craft and premium beers. SODA is perfect for a long lunch, a casual sunset drink and light bite, a dinner occasion and after-dinner drinks and dessert.

SODA is effortlessly chic with its understated, softly-lit dining room. The interior was designed by Auckland-based CTRL Space, who designed Saint Alice in Auckland’s Viaduct & Lilian in Grey Lynn. They set out to create an elegant yet casual and comfortable space that has broad appeal and encourages you to settle in with a Mediterranean feel. The space is multi-layered, with a more traditional dining area with lake views, a bar area with higher more casual seating, an enclosed balcony space that overlooks downtown Queenstown & then a lakefront courtyard. The space lends itself to a variety of uses, from intimate dinners, group functions, weddings & celebrations, drinks, and canapes, and the menus reflect that with a full menu, set menus, chef’s selection, canape & walk & fork options available.