Our Top Restaurants in Wanaka – (recommended)

Though Wanaka is a small town, the restaurants in Wanaka are superb. There’s a lot more to Wanaka than mountains and a picturesque scenery. If you visit our bustling South Island home base, no matter if on a Wanaka ski package or not, we highly recommend you to taste your way through its renowned restaurant scene.

The best restaurants in Wanaka are:

• Big Fig
• Francesca’s Italian Kitchen
• Federal Diner
• Spice Room
• Trout Bar & Restaurant
• Arc

Famous for their focus on local, fresh produce, outstanding NZ wines and stunning views, the culinary options here are plenty. To get an idea of what Wanaka eateries have to offer, read more about the six top restaurants in Wanaka.

Big Fig

Nestled at the Wanaka lakefront, Big Fig is famous for its ‘slow food served fast’. From slow-braised lamb shawarma or flavor-rich meatballs, to steaming veggie dishes, delicious salads and freshly baked pitta’s, this place pleases both meat lovers and vegetarians. Their “no reservations” policy means that you just turn up, make yourself comfy and dive into their diverse Middle-Eastern style menu.

Address: 105 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Contact: +64 34435023

Hours: Mon to Sun 8 am – 9 pm

Francesca’s Italian Kitchen

What would Wanaka be without this authentic family-style trattoria, where bubbly Italian expat Francesca brings in the bursting flavors and culinary simplicity of her home country. This spacious eatery has been busy since day 1 and the homemade pasta, woodfire pizza and polenta chips speaks for itself. Wine and produce are sourced locally and even the Allpress coffee is brewed in NZ.

Address: 93 Ardmore Street, Wanaka 9305

Contact: +64 4435599

Hours: Mon to Sun 12-10pm

Federal Diner

A hidden foodie gem where the Wanaka locals love to fuel up on great coffee, seasonal & sustainable food and kind, warm-hearted vibes. Come by for breakfast to indulge in their signature cheese scones, enjoy a wholesome lunch, or get your taste buds rolling with Kiwi classics like slow roasted lamb. All is prepared with lots of care and passion for the freshest produce of the region.

Address: 47 Helwick Street, Wanaka, Central Otago 9305

Contact: +64 34435152

Hours: Mon and Tue 7am-4pm, Wed to Sun 7am-9pm

Spice Room

Just a few doors down, this loungy restaurant entices you with modern yet authentic Indian flavors created from fresh local produce, paired with the finest Central Otawa wines. It is open till late, although their special early bird deal for curry, rice and papadum and apres ski tapas by the fire are hard to beat. Try the ‘malai kofta’ as they melt in your mouth.

Address: 43 Helwick Street, Wanaka

Contact: +64 3 443 1133

Hours: Mon to Sun 5pm till late

Trout Bar & Restaurant

If the stunning views don’t convince you already, the eclectic menu of Trout Bar should win you over. Apart from their excellent choice of seafood, the shared mixed platters are a real hit with larger groups – loaded with delicacies like prawn twisters, lamb skewers, roasted tomatoes, cheeses, dips and fresh ciabatta. And with some heavenly veggie stacks and gluten-free options available, no one will leave hungry.

Address: 151 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Contact: +64 34432600

Hours: Mon to Sun 10.30am till late

Arc

Arc is a cosy, elegant space offering brunch during the day accompanied with artisan coffee and breakfast cocktails. Enjoy breakfast and brunch dishes that have the same level of detail and innovation that you would expect to find when you go out for dinner. Meanwhile, in the evening the food is tapas style, with entré-size dishes that are designed to share. There is also an amazing cocktail and wine list.

Address: 74 Ardmore Street, Lake Wanaka 9305

Contact: +643 428 4938

Hours: Mon to Sun 9am – 3pm Brunch and Breakfast and 5pm – Late Bar and Tapas

Now you have at least six more reasons to make Wanaka the base of an unforgettable skiing holiday. Reach out to us and we help you choose your perfect Wanaka ski package, so you can focus on exploring the mountains and indulging in those culinary gems above.