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There is nothing like spring in Wānaka – sun on your face, evening stretching out a little longer each day, and dining slowly making its way outdoors.
Whatever kind of al fresco experience takes your fancy – a winery lawn, lakefront deck, or a riverside courtyard – there’s a table for you. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best al fresco dining in Wānaka so you can make the most of the inviting springtime atmosphere.
One of the many reasons to love our region is the abundance of wineries just down the road.
Maude Tasting Room is a must-visit for any wine lover. Wanaka family-owned and operated for 32 years, their Méthode Traditionnelle is featured on many-a-menu around Wānaka and there’s no better place to try it than straight from the source. Choose one of their patio tables or beanbags and enjoy the lake view.
Paddons Paddock is just five-minutes from Wānaka, and made for long afternoons that stretch into evenings. Graze on a platter or sample a wine flight, all from the tables scattered across the lawn surrounded by vines and views of the snow-capped peaks. They often have live music and events, so keep your eye out.
You’ll find Nanny Goat Vineyard a little bit further out in Queensberry, but it’s well worth the drive. Here you’ll trade the mountain views for the serenity of rolling farmland and the Pisa Range. It’s a stop to linger over, while enjoying the grazing menu and a glass of their famous pinot.
Closer to town the outdoor tables come with a different backdrop – our beautiful lake itself.
For al fresco options a few steps from the water’s edge, Edgewater and Sofi are spots to know. Edgewater is one of the only true lakefront destinations in town – butting right up to the water’s edge. Wander off the waterfall creek trail and straight into brunch, lunch, or dinner. Sofi sits tucked into Ardmore Street’s lakeside stretch, bringing Mediterranean mezze and relaxed vibes. Settle in for a long lunch or stay through to the golden hour and watch the sky change colour over Roy’s Peak.
For options slightly off the beaten path, you can’t beat FuDog and Bistro Gentil. FuDog, found down a hidden alleyway, has a balcony to soak up the sun while you make the most of its Asian-inspired cocktails and delectable menu. Bistro Gentil – the food partner to Maude Tasting Room – sits up the hill in a garden setting. It’s Wānaka’s spot for modern French cooking, using produce from their own garden and the wider Central Otago region. Go à la carte or let the kitchen take you through a full dégustation, before enjoying a game of pétanque on the lawn.
And if you’d like to explore even further afield, Cardrona Distillery is well worth the drive. Swap lake views for tussock hills and mountain peaks, while you enjoy a spirits tasting and meal in their outside glasshouses.
Not every al fresco meal needs fanfare. Sometimes the best meals are the ones you end up sharing after a day’s hike or filling tummies after family fun. The food trucks on Brownston Street have you covered. With everything from Curbside Bagels, Burrito Craft (be sure to add some spicy sauce), Firebird, and more, it’s a tasty stop on any adventure.
Just look out for cheeky ducks that steal your pizza slice and jump back into the creek when you’re not looking (true story). It’s the perfect solution for low-key, low-fuss, and maximum-taste al fresco options.
Make a day of it. Work up an appetite with a walk up Mount Iron, before a long lunch on a winery lawn, or pair a booking at Edgewater with a bike along the waterfront. Wherever you end up, the best ingredient is the view and that fresh spring air.
If you’re still not sure where to go, browse our Eat & Drink guide or Wine Trail for more ideas.
