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What to order
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Tuna Poke Nachos
Mentioned multiple times as a standout dish, praised for being amazing, fresh, well-balanced, and memorable enough that some reviewers would return just for it.
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Ceviche
Described as one of the best ever, with reviewers saying it came together beautifully and was so good they would come back for it alone.
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Kokoda
Called the best item by one reviewer and highlighted as fresh with amazing flavour in another review.
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4
Chicken Curry
Repeatedly described as delicious, outstanding, and comforting, with one reviewer saying it was 'to die for.'
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5
Dumplings
Praised more than once as amazing and delicious, and part of meals that reviewers said were among the best food they had on their trip.
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6
Calamari Appetizer
Specifically singled out as the best item on the menu, making it one of the strongest recommendations in the reviews.
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7
Seafood Boat
Mentioned as a favorite by a reviewer who loved the restaurant’s Asian fusion execution and seafood dishes.
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8
Vietnamese Shaking Beef
Recommended for its strong flavour and overall quality, with one reviewer saying they were absolutely obsessed with it.
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9
BBQ Ribs
Praised as exceptional and memorable enough that a reviewer ordered a second serving to take home for lunch the next day.
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10
Salmon Tataki
Noted for being delicious and beautifully presented, with flavours that were balanced and not overpowering.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 4 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 4 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 4 to 10:30 PM |
| Saturday | 4 to 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 4 to 10 PM |
About Blue Kanu
Blue Kanu is an Asian fusion and Polynesian restaurant in Queenstown, New Zealand, known for combining Asian-Pacific flavors with creative small plates and mains. Reviewers consistently praise dishes like tuna nachos, lamb curry, ceviche, dumplings, and seafood-forward plates, along with the cocktails and attentive service. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with outdoor seating, a bar, and table service. It is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining, and reservations are required or strongly recommended for dinner.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Frequently asked
What is Blue Kanu known for?
Blue Kanu is best known for Asian-Pacific fusion dishes, especially tuna nachos made with crispy wonton chips, lamb curry, and seafood plates like ceviche and seafood boat. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the cocktails and say the flavors are creative and well balanced.
What dishes are most recommended at Blue Kanu?
The most frequently recommended dishes include tuna nachos, lamb curry, ceviche, dumplings, and duck nachos, plus seafood boat and Vietnamese shaking beef in some reviews. People also call out the calamari appetizer and BBQ ribs as standout choices.
What is the atmosphere like at Blue Kanu?
The vibe is described as warm, cool, and fun, with candlelit tables, good music, and attractive decor. It suits couples, groups, and solo diners, and the space works well for celebrations because staff are noted for being attentive and making birthdays feel special.
Is Blue Kanu good value, and what is the price range?
Blue Kanu is in the NZ$40 to 100 range, so it sits in the mid-to-upper price bracket for Queenstown. Reviewers still say the portions are generous, especially the feed me menu and meat-and-rice mains, and several mention leaving full or getting enough food to take home.
Should I book ahead for dinner at Blue Kanu?
Yes, dinner reservations are required or at least strongly recommended, and reviews suggest the restaurant can be busy with service running a bit slow at peak times. If you want a calmer experience, solo diners mention good bar seating and a more relaxed feel earlier in the week.
Is parking available at Blue Kanu?
Yes. Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
Does Blue Kanu have vegetarian options?
Yes, Blue Kanu offers vegan options.
