The Best Cafes, Bars And Restaurants In Wanaka

Looking for places to eat in Wanaka? Check out our local guide to the most delicious cafes, bars and restaurants to dine, sip and socialise in during your stay!

You might think that the size of Wanaka means fewer options, but we love relaxing over fresh, quality food and bevvies at the end of the day; so our town may be small but our food scene is mighty!

Check out our tried-and-true favourites, and start planning your food & drink destinations for your next Wanaka visit.

Tasty Takeout Food In Wanaka

Who doesn’t love a gourmet handmade burger? Red Star offers a large range of burgers to suit all preferences, and has fun with their creative specials. Don't forget to order some crispy hot chips to complete your meal!

If you’re craving Mexican food in Wanaka, Burrito Craft is sure to fill the void. Burritos packed with flavour (also available ‘naked’ in a bowl) and tacos to tantalise your taste buds. (Be warned, their heat levels do not lie!)

Craving a Kiwi classic? Pick up fish and chips from Erik’s Fish & Chips colourful food truck, then head down to tuck in on the Wanaka lakefront. Try a deep-fried kiwi fruit for a unique experience while you’re at it. 

Casual Eateries

If you simply want “food made good” then head down to the lakefront to Kai Whakapai. Enjoy as a café by day, and bar by night. You’ll find great coffee, local beer on tap, day and evening menus and large selection of cabinet food.

Set yourself down at The Lake Bar for the best lake views inside and out. You are sure to get a real ‘Kiwi’ feed here, served up in generous portions, and a variety of snacks and larger meals.

Asian fusion with a focus on Japanese, Chinese and Korean dishes is what you’ll find at Fu Dog. Fu is awesome for groups visiting Wanaka, as it lends itself well to sharing and means you get to try more of the delicious dishes! Sip local beers on tap along with a range of wine and cocktails.

High End Dining Highlights

You might have read about this famous Wanaka restaurant before - Kika is a modern tapas restaurant and bar serving up innovative shared-style plates. With so much on offer it can be hard to choose, but don't worry, you can order the chef’s 'Just Feed Me' menu for all the deliciousness with none of the decisions.

Bistro Gentil dishes up modern French cuisine in Wanaka, showcasing the region's finest ingredients alongside harvests from their own kitchen garden. Each meal can be perfectly complimented with their range of fine wines. If you're after a romantic lakeside dinner, Bistro Gentil is a beautiful choice. 

Vegetarian & Vegan Food In Wanaka

These cafes and restaurants serve up incredible plant based dishes, and some still have something to keep the carnivores happy as well! 

Each day you can pick from a selection of exciting salads to enjoy in the peaceful courtyard at Fedeli, or to take away. Sandwiches, wraps, sweet treats, and a great selection of coffee, teas and smoothies mean there is something for everyone.

Slow food, served fast is the Big Fig motto. Their menu is packed with tons of vegetarian and vegan hot dishes and salads, with a few slow cooked meat options as well. These Middle Eastern inspired dishes and tasty dessert slices will have you coming back time and time again!

From an unassuming little food truck, Dripping Bowl in Wanaka serves up nourishing meals using only 100% wholefoods, often organic and locally sourced. Well known for their acai bowls and smoothies, Dripping Bowl is an excellent healthy choice!

Family Friendly Feasts in Wanaka

Tuck into pizza and pasta created in a hearty Kiwi style at family-friendly restaurant The Cow. Cosy up by a blazing open fire inside this rustic stone building in the winter, or enjoy a cool summer breeze in their courtyard on Post Office Lane. 

Speights Ale House sits on the lakefront next to Bullock Creek. Enjoy the large deck for outdoor dining and after your meal, you can head straight across the road to the lake and dinosaur playground - making it perfect for families with young kids.

For an authentic Italian dining in Wanaka, with homemade pasta and traditional woodfire pizza, it has to be Francesca’s Italian Kitchen. Their pizzas are also available as takeaways from their food truck, so don't panic if you've missed out on a table, or would rather eat your pizza back at Wanaka Top 10.

Delectable Drinks and Badass Brews

If you need a drink at the end of the day, but aren't sure what you’re after, Cork is the perfect stop. With a huge selection of wine, spirits, cocktails and changing beers on tap, the friendly bar staff will make sure you get what you need to hit the spot. Open daily 3pm - late.

Check out the funky little craft brewery and bar at Rhyme and Reason. With exciting brews on tap, a cosy beer garden and weekends often complete with food trucks on-site, you will be set up for an enjoyable afternoon/evening. Open daily from 12pm.

For a daytime tasting paddle, or families travelling with kids, hit up Wanaka Beerworks. With the tasting room located in the National Toy and Transport Museum you're in for a quirky experience. Open daily 11am – 5pm.

Trust us, there is so much more in town than listed above, but we could have gone on all day. This is just a sample of the drool-worthy options in and around town. Come stay with us, ask our team about our favourite places to eat in Wanaka and get tasting!

Posted by Andrea Kendrick on June 21, 2023