Planning a spring break to Wānaka? Here’s where to fuel up while you’re there.
Wānaka is known for its beautiful scenery, pristine lake, snow-capped mountains and world-class trails, its skifields and mountain bike tracks… and yes, that tree as well. What may be less known about this central Otago town
is what a must-do it is for any self-proclaimed foodie. The Michelin Awards inspectors noticed it, with seven establishments being recommended by the guide when it was launched in June – a decent number for such a small town.
Here are the places you can’t miss, from Michelin-starred meals to lesser-known spots residents flock to year-round, as recommended by a Wānaka local.
White Rabbit Cakes. Photo / Luisa Apanui
White Rabbit Cakes
Tucked away in Albert Town, this food truck on the carpark of a daycare is a must-visit, especially if you have a sweet tooth. White Rabbit Cakes is a wedding cake artist but the “nook” in Albert Town allows you to taste the magic without the nuptials. Go for the doughnuts, stay for the sandwiches, then get a cinnabon to take home.
Edgewater
The cafe and restaurant at Edgewater is one of the locals’ favourites. If you want a scone in Wānaka, this is where you go. We recommend going early because they do sell out (they’re that good). Park at the rowing club and take the 20-minute lakeside stroll to Edgewater, past That Wānaka Tree. Between the tree and the Edgewater scone, that’s two Wānaka icons knocked in one short walk.
Scroggin Coffee & Eatery. Photo / Sophie Bayly
Scroggin Coffee and Eatery
A delicious coffee option in the town centre, Scroggin is a meeting point for locals and visitors alike. Everything in the cabinet is incredible. Don’t order the dark chocolate and sea salt cookie unless you’re okay with spending the rest of your days longing for it.
Kai Whakapai.
Kai Whakapai
There is perhaps no bigger Wānaka institution than Kai Whakapai. Located smack-bang in the middle of town, it’s the perfect spot to sit and watch the world go by. Order a Kai Time (its locally brewed beer) and a bowl of chips and you’ve got yourself the perfect apres ski. If you’re there for breakfast, we hear the bacon butty is not to be missed.
Big Fig.
Located on the lakefront, Big Fig’s motto is “slow food served fast” and it’s the closest thing to a healthy, hearty takeaway you’ll ever try. Choosing a favourite feels impossible but the beef cheeks and the kumara gratin will never let you down.
Francesca is a stalwart of the town’s food scene.
Francesca
If you love a good pizza or a good Italian pasta, you’re truly spoilt for choice in Wānaka but Francesca deserves a highlight. The food is delicious and it is also a stalwart of the Wānaka food scene. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, a contactless delivery from Francesca turned a locked-in Mother’s Day in Level 4 into a proper special occasion, so I will recommend Francesca to anyone on that core memory alone – it helps that the food is top notch too. It was included in the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand award.
Paloma Taqueria
Go for the fish taco, stay for the churros, stay a little longer for the long list of Mezcal options. Perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends in town. Michelin included it on its Bib Gourmand list.
Little Street Kitchen.
Little Street Kitchen
A recent addition to the Wānaka food scene, Little Street Kitchen is the brainchild of the folk behind the old Bao Now food truck. They are now in a more permanent location. Its famous bao buns are still on the menu, and they’re not to be skipped.
Sofi Bar & Grill
In Wānaka but wishing you were somewhere in the Mediterranean? We’ve got you. I’m still thinking about the venison tartare and the mince and cheese gozleme.
Arc can be found in central Wānaka.
Arc
Whether you just fancy a cocktail or you’re looking for an elevated fine-dining experience in central Wānaka, Michelin Selected Arc won’t disappoint. The menu changes with the seasons, as all menus do, so I recommend trusting the chef.
Cabin Wānaka
Located in the heart of Wānaka, Cabin’s open woodfire invites you in from the moment you walk through the door. Seasonal harvests and local meats all get the woodfire treatment and the result is a unique menu that honours the landscape it’s created in. Upscale yet casual, it’s not a place for a quick bit but to sit and linger in.
Muttonbird.
Muttonbird
Another Wānaka institution, another Bib Gourmand inclusion, with a seasonal menu that will not let you down, no matter the season. Lamb’s tongue, pork belly rolls, carrot tarte tatin… Good luck deciding what to have.
Ramen Ramen in Wānaka.
Ramen Ramen
My 9-year-old would find it unforgivable for me not to mention Ramen Ramen, her No 1 spot for all food-based celebrations. Birthday dinner? Ramen Ramen. End of term treat? Ramen Ramen. She’s not wrong, though, the ramen really is good. It’s a small spot and it doesn’t take bookings, so wear your puffer as you might need to queue for a bit.
Bistro Gentil.
Bistro Gentil
If you love French cuisine and lake views, this is the place for you. The French onion soup is not to be missed.
WanaFusion
Located upstairs, this spot boasts some great views of Lake Wānaka, if you manage to grab a table on the balcony. Perfect for when you feel like tasty Asian food but can’t quite get the group to agree on whether to go for Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese. Why choose when you can have them all?
Bombay Palace.
Bombay Palace
Aotearoa is blessed with many great Indian restaurants but Bombay Palace, on the lakefront, may be the country’s most picturesque. It’s also up there with the most delicious. So delicious, Michelin awarded it a Bib Gourmand. Everything on the menu is incredible but, whatever you choose to eat, make sure you leave some room for the chocolate-stuffed naan.
Ashraf’s
Ah, Ashraf’s. The quintessential unassuming Wānaka institution. One paragraph won’t do it justice. This family-run restaurant serves Northern Indian food. The owner, Ashraf Pala, is a beloved member of the Wānaka community and, in addition to running the restaurant with his wife, he takes a group tour to India every year during the restaurant’s annual closing dates.
Red Star Burger Bar.
Red Star Burger Bar
The Wānaka community is famously divided on whether or not they want a McDonald’s in town. One thing they can all agree on: nothing will beat a Red Star burger after a day on the slopes. Or a day off them, for that matter. The Blue Burger will not let you down.
Amigos restaurant.
Amigos
Got a big group of friends keen to catch up over tacos and margaritas? This is the spot. Finish it off with the churros, no one will go home unhappy.
Albert Town’s Pembroke Patisserie.
Pembroke Patisserie
Every Wānaka local will have a Pembroke Patisserie favourite order. For me, it’s the almond croissant, but I know plenty of people who take the drive to the Albert Town French cafe for a custard square or one of their delicious baguette sandwiches.
Federal Diner.
Federal Diner
This spot in the centre of town is hidden away in an alleyway so you’ve got to be in the know to know… but now you’re in the know, so go grab a coffee from the Fed.
The Brownston St Food Truck Park. Photo / Lake Wānaka Tourism
The Food Truck Park
The Food Truck Park is a picturesque area on Brownston St that includes food trucks and picnic tables. It’s a great place to gather with friends, especially if none of you can agree on what to eat. There’s pizza, fried chicken, Mexican food and much more. Special mention to Burrito Craft, dishing out the best burritos in town.
Fudog
Fudog serves modern Asian cuisine crafted with fresh Central Otago ingredients. Try the Mongolian beef.
Rhyme & Reason
One thing Wānaka has a lot of is good beer that you can drink straight from the source, such as the Rhyme & Reason brews, made right there on Gordon Rd, straight to your pint glass. The place gets really busy on a Friday afternoon, for good reason. Stuck for what to order? Mt Alpha and Fruity Patootie are always good choices.
Hook in Wānaka.
Hook
A firm favourite for a family lunch gathering, Hook is a special offering – a restaurant where you can fish your own food. Visit on a sunny day, catch your own Chinook salmon from one of the lakes and the team will cook it for you. Not after a lake-to-plate experience? Their pizzas are top-notch too.
Zuka Japanese Diner.
Zuka Japanese Diner
Zuka serves up authentic Japanese food in a cosy setting in the centre of Wānaka. The sashimi is fresh, the homemade gyoza are great, and, if you’re taking the kids, the bento boat is a delight.
Wānaka Brew Bar. Photo / Ray Tiddy
Wānaka Brew Bar
No place combines brews and views better than the Brew Bar. Located upstairs and right in front of the stunning lake, the bar bolsters one of the best lake views you’ll find in town, serving up Wānaka Beerworks craft beer.
Yohei Cafe.
Yohei Cafe
Yohei is a small sushi restaurant in the heart of Wānaka, serving up sushi, sashimi and a range of hot and cold drinks. It’s unassuming and you’d be forgiven for giving it a miss among all the other options in town, but you’d be missing out on great food and excellent service.
Black Peak Gelato.
Black Peak Gelato
For a sweet treat, head to Black Peak Gelato and check out its flavours of the day. The serving size is generous and the handcrafted gelato is always spot on.
Verve
Verve is a wine and craft beer bar in the heart of Wānaka, serving excellent drinks in a relaxed setting. It’s a short walk to (or from) the movies at Cinema Paradiso and we’re not saying that is the perfect date night in town (but we’re not not saying it isn’t either). There’s often live music and Verve regularly hosts community events (think paint & sip, quiz nights, embroidery events and jewellery making workshops), making it a great spot to meet up with friends and make new ones.
The Little Brewer.
The Little Brewer
If you’re particular about your cup of coffee, then this is the spot you need to head to. Enjoy a high-quality cup of the good stuff, brewed by people who are passionate about coffee, and enjoy the friendly service and cosy atmosphere.
Ground Up brewery. Photo / Tim Miller
Ground Up
Ground Up is a great local craft brewery serving up a range of delicious fresh and seasonal brews from its taproom on Gordon Rd. There’s a food truck outside serving up the kai to go with your beers, and the bar regularly hosts community events to bring people together.
b.social
Another hit on the Wānaka beer scene, b.social is the taproom of b.effect Brewing Co. Located on Anderson Rd, this is a local hangout for many after a day on the slopes or the mountain bike tracks.
Charlie Brown Crepes.
Roy’s Yard
Wānaka’s food truck per capita ration is something that should be studied – and I mean this in a good way, when it comes to alfresco dining, we are truly spoilt for choice. Roy’s Yard is a new area in the town centre that houses a number of food trucks. You can take a real culinary world trip in that one street corner, including traditional French crepes, Italian pizza, Vietnamese street food, South American sandwiches, Mexican tacos, and more.
Roy’s Yard, corner of Brownston and Dungarvon Street, roysyard.nz
Vera Alves is originally from Portugal but has lived in Wānaka for seven years.
More food and restaurants
Downtown dining and iconic eats.
