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With so many amazing things to do in Wanaka from hiking Roy’s Peak to wandering lavender fields, it’s almost guaranteed you’re going to work up quite the appetite. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of incredible places to eat in Wanaka.
As one of the most popular tourist destinations on the South Island, it’s no surprise that Wanaka has loads of excellent restaurants. From quick takeaway joints like Fedeli to the more romantic dining experience of Bistro Gentil, there’s a huge selection of restaurants to choose from.
In fact, there are over 50 restaurants here in Wanaka! That’s a lot of places to choose from when you’re looking to eat out.
This is why I’ve written this blog. I’ve narrowed it down to the absolute 15 best restaurants in Wanaka! These are my favorites after countless visits from my hometown of Queenstown. I hope you will find your new favorite restaurant in Wanaka on this list.
The Best Restaurants in Wanaka
1. Tititea Steak House
- Location: 123 Ardmore Street
- Price range: From $35 NZD for a main
- Come here for: The lamb shoulder
- Takes reservations: Yes
Tititea Steak House, which was formerly known as Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen, boasts a prime location right on the lakefront and is easily one of the best places to dine if you care about quality local ingredients and cuts of steak.
I loved taking in the scenic views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountain ranges from our table! This place is famous for its slow-roasted Te Mana lamb shoulder. It’s a must-try, costing $70 NZD, and I’d suggest sharing this with a friend/partner (unless you’re very hungry). The à la carte menu is filled with local selections like wild venison or wakanui eye fillet.
I saw lots of people ordering the Stonegrill, where the premium meat of your selection is presented on a 400 °C (752 °F) stone and cooked at your table. You can choose from eye fillet, venison, or lamb rump. For vegetarians, there’s a beautiful roasted vegetable salad.
It’s worth noting that the menus are updated regularly to accommodate the season, so your favorite dish may not always be available.
Tititea Steak House is open Tuesday to Sunday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Related Read: Want to walk off all that food? Check out the best hikes in Wanaka.
2. Big Fig
- Location: 105 Ardmore Street
- Price range: $22 NZD for a medium plate (1 meat & 4 sides)
- Come here for: The slow-cooked meats
- Takes reservations: No
Best described as healthy comfort food, Big Fig has been serving Wanaka locals and tourists for several years.
The Lebanese-inspired breakfast menu serves up fantastic fresh options like the Middle Eastern Granola and Shakshuka. For lunch and dinner, choose your plate size, the meat you want, and between 2 and 4 sides and salads (depending on what size plate you opt for).
The slow-cooked meats are the hero on the menu here and expect a varied selection like lamb shawarma, beef cheeks, and meatballs. There are also heaps of vegetarian options like vegan tagines, stuffed vegetables, and vegetable stews.
If you want something lighter (the lunch and dinner option above is surprisingly filling!), there’s a large selection of counter goods to pick from. At the counter, you will find yummy freshly baked cakes, biscuits, and pitas. I highly recommend the Tahini chocolate brownie – if it’s not already sold out.
Big Fig is open from 8 am to 8:30 pm every day.
3. Federal Diner
- Location: 47 Helwick Street
- Price range: From $13 NZD for a breakfast dish
- Come here for: Great brunch options
- Takes reservations: For dinner only
The locals like to call it their ‘little secret’ which is a fitting name seeing as Federal Diner is hidden down a laneway off Helwick Street. It’s particularly popular for lunch and brunch – so get here before the rush to nab yourself a table.
From the breakfast menu, the Winter Warmer and Bacon Butty are two lighter but great options. And from the lunch menu, I loved the braised pork shoulder roti, but the Lamb kofta flatbread also sounds incredible.
In a hurry? Grab yourself a coffee, they serve the excellent Emporio coffee from Wellington and a cheese scone or almond croissant from the counter.
Federal Diner is open from 7 am to 9:30 pm on Wednesday to Saturday and closes early at 3 pm Sunday to Tuesday. *Reopened for dinner June of 2023.
4. Bombay Palace
- Location: Level-1/145 Ardmore Street
- Price range: Classic curries from $25 NZD
- Come here for: The lamb korma
- Takes reservations: Yes
One of the few Indian restaurants in Wanaka, The Bombay Palace offers a fusion of different Indian cooking styles, which is what Bombay means, referring to the gateway of India.
The Bombay Palace has lots of vegetarian options such as the Dal Makhani and Matar Paneer. Many of the curries are also vegetarian and gluten-free too. Vegan, dairy-free, and nut-free options can be prepared too – just ask your server.
A popular option is their banquet menu, which starts at $46 NZD per person for the vegetarian option and $48 NZD for the Bollywood Feast. These come with poppadoms, a starter of your choice, two curries of your choice with basmati rice, and garlic naan or tandoori roti depending on which menu you pick.
The prices are a bit on the higher side for casual dining, but the portions are large, so you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. Just be sure to visit with an empty stomach!
The interior of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, plus there’s a deck for outdoor seating that has a clearer view of the lake than from inside.
Bombay Palace is open 7 days a week from 12:30 pm to 3 pm for lunch and 5 pm to 9:30 pm for dinner. On Friday and Saturday, they often stay open a bit later until 10 pm.
Related Read: Headed to Queenstown? Check out the best restaurants in Queenstown!
5. Bistro Gentil
- Location: 26a Golf Course Road
- Price range: From $41 NZD for a main
- Come here for: Date night
- Takes reservations: Yes
Situated a few minutes’ drive from Wanaka, Bistro Gentil boasts the most spectacular view – and you may be dining surrounded by lavender depending on the season. It is truly a gorgeous location with views of both Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps, making it one of the most romantic restaurants in Wanaka.
The focus here is on traditional French cuisine. For starters, there’s a varied selection from the must-try French onion soup with Gruyère croutons or the Fromage board with imported cheese from France. The Te Mana Lamb, Confit Duck Leg, and Free Range Pork Belly are all excellent options from the main menu.
Bistro Gentil is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm.
6. Cardrona Hotel
- Location: 2312 Cardrona Valley Road
- Price range: From $34 NZD for a main dish
- Come here for: Great food at an iconic spot
- Takes reservations: Yes
The Cardrona Hotel serves traditional pub favorites with their own unique twist! It’s tucked away in the scenic valley between Wanaka and Queenstown and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can even spend the night here!
For breakfast, I’d highly recommend the toasted banana bread (yum!) or the classic cooked breakfast if you’re feeling a little extra hungry. Off their dinner menu, I had the beef Wellington, and it was superb – sooo juicy and tender. And if you’ve got enough room for dessert, then you really can’t go wrong with their local ice cream or sticky date pudding.
Probably my favorite part about this restaurant (apart from the amazing food!), is the gorgeous garden with plenty of seating. Even if the weather isn’t looking so hot, they have warm glass houses which you can cozy up inside!
If you’re planning a visit in the ski season (June to October), then reservations for the restaurant are required, which you can make by either emailing or calling them directly.
The Cardrona Hotel is open for breakfast from 8 am to 11 pm, with breakfast served until 10:30 am and dinner served from 6 pm.
Related Read: Be sure to check out the best stops between Wanaka and Queenstown before hitting the road.
7. Kika
- Location: 2 Dunmore Street
- Price range: From $52 NZD for a large sharing dish
- Come here for: Award-winning cuisine
- Takes reservations: Yes
Kika is a tapas-style restaurant with multi-award-winning Head Chef James Stapley at the helm.
As mentioned, sharing style plates are the norm here and all of the produce is seasonal. Smaller style sharing dishes like the seared tuna or beef tartare are excellent options, whilst the larger plates like the Te Mana lamb shoulder or half-roast chicken are again fantastic. For vegetarians, there are plenty of options, including Jerusalem artichokes, shiitake mushrooms, and more.
Be sure to save room for dessert though, I tried the crème fraiche cheesecake with plum sorbet, and it completely blew me away!
Kika is open from 5:30 to 8:30 pm on Sunday to Thursday and stays open until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday.
8. Francesca’s Italian Kitchen
- Location: 93 Ardmore Street
- Price range: Pizza from $28 NZD
- Come here for: The woodfired pizza
- Takes reservations: Yes
Francesca’s Italian Kitchen is very well-known in Otago for its authentic Italian food and, as a result, is jam-packed every night. So, definitely book in advance! It’s been open since 2012 and even has its own cookbook as well as two other locations (in Christchurch and Dunedin).
The pasta here is homemade and the homemade gnocchi with braised beef cheeks and the merino lamb shoulder ragù are some of my favorite dishes on the menu. Most people, however, come here for the traditional woodfired pizza.
After polishing this off, I’d recommend finishing off your evening with a traditional Italian dessert, like the cannoli, tiramisu, and affogato – so good!
Francesca’s Italian Kitchen is open daily from 12 pm to 3 pm for lunch and from 5 pm until late for dinner. They do occasionally have planned closures for large functions, so make sure to double-check the website just in case!
Related Read: If you miss Francesca’s Italian Kitchen in Wanaka don’t worry, you can always visit after driving from Wanaka to Christchurch.
9. Charlie Brown Crepes
- Location: 77 – 79 Brownston Street
- Price range: From $7.50 NZD for a crepe
- Come here for: Authentic French crepes
- Takes reservations: No
This tiny mint green caravan is a must-visit whilst in Wanaka. Charlie Brown Crepes is famous for its sweet crepes and savory galettes which are made fresh throughout the day. It’s such a treat to fill your homemade crepe with a choice of tasty fillings, from lemon curd to Nutella to caramelized apples.
As for the savory galettes, you can choose between the Kiwi Breakfast (bacon, cheese, egg, and tomatoes) or Summer (smashed avocado, tomatoes, and olives), as well as a few more interesting flavor combinations.
The galettes are made from gluten-free flour and so are suitable for gluten-intolerant and vegans, they can also be used for the sweet crepes!
There’s no seating available here, so I’d suggest taking your crepe or galette to the lake and eating it with a view – this is easily one of the best cheap things to do in Wanaka.
Charlie Brown Crepes is open 8 am to 4 pm daily.
10. Fedeli
- Location: 47 Helwick Street
- Price range: Sandwiches starting at $10 NZD
- Come here for: The seasonal salads
- Takes reservations: No
Fedeli is a deli with a difference and is nearly always busy, so expect to queue. It’s from the same owners as The Federal Diner nearby, in fact, you will see that a lot of people who can’t get a seat at the diner will come here for a takeaway because the food is just as good.
There’s no seating here, so why not your food to the lake or with you on one of the many awesome hikes in the Wanaka area?
You can choose from their fresh selection of sandwiches, seasonal salads, and sweet pastries. The coffee is of course excellent – you’re in New Zealand after all (home of great coffee).
Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan/vegetarian options are also available.
Fedeli is open Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 2:30 pm.
Related Read: After Wanaka, keep the adventure alive! Check out all the best stops between Wanaka and Franz Josef!
11. The Cow
- Location: 33 Ardmore Street
- Price range: From $25.90 NZD for a pizza
- Come here for: The spaghetti bolognese
- Takes reservations: No
The Cow is a family-friendly restaurant with large portions that has been serving the Wanaka community since 2006. Its sister restaurant in nearby Queenstown has been operating since 1977! In fact, it’s the oldest, and one of the best, restaurants in Queenstown.
The spaghetti bolognese is the specialty here (super good!) and the wide selection of pizzas are always popular. The interior is cozy and warm and is particularly popular with families – kids just love it here!
Be warned, they don’t take reservations so aim to get here before 6 pm if you want to guarantee yourself a table, especially on the weekends.
The Cow is open daily from 5 pm to 10 pm.
12. Lake View Seafood Restaurant
- Location: Level 1/155 Ardmore Street
- Price range: From $32 NZD for a main
- Come here for: Kina fried rice
- Takes reservations: Yes
Another restaurant right on the Wanaka Lakefront from the top floor of the building. Lake View Seafood Restaurant serves authentic Chinese food. The interior of the space is very elegant, and the prices are expensive but not as over-the-top as some of the other high-end restaurants in Wanaka.
One of their top dishes is their Signature Kina Fried Rice, which really surprised me with just how full of flavor it was! Kina is the type of sea urchin that is found in New Zealand, and they also serve it by itself. If that’s a bit outside of your comfort zone, the roast pork and duck and crispy pork are also seriously good.
Lake View Seafood Restaurant is open every day from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and again from 5 pm to 10 pm.
13. Burrito Craft
- Location: 42 Brownston Street
- Price range: $16 NZD for a small burrito
- Come here for: The burritos
- Takes reservations: No
A taste of Mexico in Wanaka – Burrito Craft is a large food truck that serves up tacos, burritos, and a variety of sides. Fillings like the tasty Yucatán pulled pork shoulder, smoky shredded beef brisket, and pulled chicken are available as both burritos or tacos, as well as vegetarian options like jackfruit and mixed vegetables.
Gluten-free is available in any of the above, you just have to choose the burrito bowl option. If you’re traveling with kids, you can’t go wrong with a burrito or quesadilla!
Also at Burrito Craft on 42 Brownstown Street are a couple of other excellent food trucks, including Firebird which serves up excellent southern fried chicken dishes. There’s a selection of picnic benches here to enjoy your food, or you can walk a short distance to the lakefront and enjoy your food there with a view.
Open at 42 Brownstown Street every day from 12 pm to 8:30 pm.
Related Read: Visiting Wanaka during the winter in NZ? Check all the best places to ski in Wanaka!
14. Red Star Burger Bar
- Location: 26 Ardmore Street
- Price range: From $15 NZD for a beef burger
- Come here for: The burgers
- Takes reservations: No
I guess you could say that Red Star Burger Bar is the “Fergburger” of Wanaka and has been delighting locals and tourists since 2004! Serving up gourmet beef burgers like the Mofo with beef patty, Swiss cheese, mushrooms, bacon, and egg, you really can’t go wrong.
Not into beef? No worries, they also have chicken, lamb, fish, and venison burgers. It’s a casual and family-friendly restaurant with a small number of indoor seats and an outdoor courtyard.
Red Star Burger Bar has weekly burger specials which are typically very creative, like the pork gyoza burger with Asian slaw and wasabi mayo. This is easily the best place to get a burger in Wanaka!
Red Star Burger Bar is open from 12 pm to 8 pm from Saturday until Thursday and closes 30 minutes later on Friday.
15. Relishes Cafe
- Location: 1/99 Ardmore Street
- Price range: From $11 NZD for a breakfast dish
- Come here for: Fantastic breakfast and coffee
- Takes reservations: No
Located right in the center of Wanaka, you’ll find Relishes Café, which has been serving the Wanaka community for over 15 years!
There’s a varied and fresh menu available, with old-time classics like eggs benny or a full-cooked breakfast. But there are a few more unusual menu items that sound really interesting, like the Jalapeño cornbread with a free-range fried egg, whipped feta, and marinated tomatoes.
They also serve lunch if you fancy something a little later in the day. It’s really hard to pick a favorite, but their garlic bread would be my recommendation – it simply melts in your mouth!
Relishes Café is open from 7:30 am to 3 pm, with breakfast served until 2:30 pm and lunch from 11:30 am.
Related Read: Still booking your holiday in Wanaka? Check out my blog about where to stay in Wanaka to ensure you choose the best accommodation!
Other Things to do in Wanaka
- Cardrona Valley Mountain Quad – Zip up into the mountains on a quad bike! This tour makes sightseeing a little bit more thrilling as you’ll follow your guide through winding dirt tracks past lush farmland. Look to spot sheep and cattle and learn from your local guide about the area! You’ll stop to take in the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains of the Cardrona Valley. It’s only a 2-hour tour, so you will still have a lot of time for other activities.
- Wine and Maori Culture Tour – You’ll get to taste wine right from the land of the indigenous Maori people in Wanaka. This tour is a half-day experience that includes round-trip transport, so you don’t have to worry about driving. Just focus on the wine and beautiful landscapes as you visit the different wineries and enjoy the provided cheese platter.
- Horse Riding Trek – This is the perfect leisurely sightseeing activity that takes you up into the countryside and past historical gold-mining locals for some fabulous views and information from your local guide about this area’s past. You’ll navigate through cattle farms and across a river and end the day with a free beer from the Cardrona Pub on the way back to base.
- Jet Boat, Hike, and Raft Adventure – This is one of the best tours in Wanaka for thrill seekers! It’s a full day of activities including a jet boat and rafting ride on the Matukituki River and a nature trek to take in the beautiful landscapes of Mount Aspiring National Park where you’ll stop for lunch at the base of a glacier! It costs $226 NZD, but it is more cost-effective than booking these activities separately.
Where to Stay in Wanaka
There are tons of places to stay in Wanaka. Seriously, you’ll have so many options that it can be overwhelming. Luckily, I’ve stayed in Wanaka countless times and can recommend the below accommodation options:
Hawea Hotel – $
The Hawea Hotel is the perfect budget option for anybody looking to save a few dollars. That said, the rooms are really comfortable, clean, and offer incredible lake views! It is likely the best value for money hotel in Wanaka, with all rooms including a flat-screen television, a private bathroom, and a balcony too.
A one night stay here starts from around $180 NZD per night, with budget dorm rooms as well as double rooms and family rooms available. You can check your dates and reserve your room here on Booking.com.
Manuka Crescent Motel – $$
When I travel, I often like to stay in apartment-style hotels so that I can cook my own meals. The Manuka Crescent Motel offers studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments, as well as two-bedroom apartments for really reasonable prices! These are great for families or people traveling in groups (I stayed here last time I traveled with friends).
The motel is located only a short drive from town in a peaceful area – talk about holiday bliss! Room rates start at around $190 NZD per night, averaging around $255 NZD in the high season. You can check availability and book your stay online on Booking.com.
Clyb Wyndham Wanaka – $$$
If you’re visiting Wanaka to relax and spoil yourself, then there’s no question that you should stay at Club Wyndham! This hotel is located right in town only minutes from Lake Wanaka and features an outdoor heated pool, waterslide, hot tub, sauna, and an onsite bar and café.
All rooms here come with a kitchenette or full kitchen, and many also offer lake views. You’ll also have access to their fitness center too if you fancy working up a sweat before hitting the sauna! Rooms here at Club Wyndham start at around $274 NZD and can be booked here on Booking.com.
You can also choose from a huge selection of Airbnbs and holiday home rentals in Wanaka. These are typically better for groups or a family traveling together. Or, simply anybody who wants to have their own kitchen!
For more detailed information, check out my blog all about where to stay in Wanaka! It includes different areas to stay in and the best hotels for all budgets!
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in New Zealand
Let’s face it, you’re going to need wheels to get around New Zealand. Although a small country, buses between destinations are infrequent and expensive. Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips!
You have three options when it comes to getting wheels in New Zealand; a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A normal car is the cheapest rental vehicle you can get in New Zealand. It’ll get you around to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels or Airbnbs during your travels (no camping.) The easiest place to rent a car in New Zealand is on Discover Cars where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van that has a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It is what most budget backpackers get for traveling around New Zealand since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping! You can easily compare campervans, prices, and book on the website Motorhome Republic. We also have a 5% discount code (DTRAVEL5) with Mad Campers, which you can use at checkout.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting New Zealand. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one, you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. Motorhome Republic is my suggested website for booking a motorhome in New Zealand simply because they are a reliable company and the website is super easy to use! We are also partnered with Kiwi Motorhomes, which is well known as the top motorhome rental company in New Zealand. You can get 5% off using the code Queen5. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in New Zealand!
- JUCY – JUCY is one of our favorite rental companies in New Zealand! They have a huge inventory and offer regular cars, small campervans, larger campervans, and even motorhomes! The prices are also super competitive and their multiple offices around NZ make pick-up and drop-off a breeze. You can check availability, prices, and book with JUCY online here.
Thanks for reading!
There are so many amazing restaurants in Wanaka that deciding between them can seem like an impossible task! With this list, I hope I’ve narrowed the search down for you, and, depending on what you love, you now know that there’s a restaurant for you.
Thanks so much for reading! I really hope you loved this blog and found it helpful. If so, be sure to check out more of my blogs. I’ve been busy writing about Wanaka, Queenstown, and New Zealand in general. Or enjoy some of my more popular posts below:
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