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Wānaka’s reputation as a stunning natural playground is well established, and its culinary scene is now a destination in its own right. The last 12 months have seen a wave of exciting new additions and thoughtful renovations, transforming the town’s dining landscape and offering locals and visitors an incredible array of fresh, innovative, and stylish options. From modern wine bars to sophisticated fine(fun) dining, cosy new cafes and permanent local favourites, Wānaka’s eateries are stepping up their game.
The heart of Wānaka’s dining community is being revitalized with significant updates to some of its most cherished establishments.
Carbohydrate heaven, Francesca Italian Kitchen is under new ownership and has undergone a magnificent transformation. Unveiling a full kitchen renovation and a suite of pasta machines, ensuring that for the first time in Wānaka, every dish is laden with handmade ribbons of delight. On top of this, they have a redesigned dining room enhancing the restaurant’s warm, bustling atmosphere, all while maintaining the same beloved Italian(ish) dishes married with the best Kiwi ingredients. The go-to dish is of course Francesca’s famous braised beef cheek gnocchi or any of the wood-fired pizzas.
A long-standing local favourite, Kai Whakapai, has also recently undergone a massive renovation, completely overhauling both its kitchen and front-of-house spaces. This significant investment has breathed new life into the iconic Wānaka establishment, without taking away any of its original charm. It remains the most popular spot for a lakeside drink in a humble setting surrounded by locals and tourists alike. Kai is famous for its large and ever-changing roster of local craft beers which will have everyone at the table covered.
Still the new kid on the lakefront, Sofi Mediterranean has also re-emerged with a stunning new look. A brand-new kitchen and dining room renovation has a comfortable and easy-going feel that completes their distinct dining experience. Sofi’s vibrant and fresh Mediterranean flavours now shine in a space that perfectly complements their light, healthy, and delicious menu, and with the best view in town. Sofi’s kofta will change your life: spiced Royalburn lamb mince with harissa and yoghurt alongside the signature pomegranate margarita. A slice of the good life, even on a cold day.
Meanwhile, the ever-popular Muttonbird has received a beautiful refresh. Retro updates to its dining room, balcony, and bar have created an even more beautiful environment (if that was possible). Guests can now enjoy the stunning views and refined menu in a space that feels both contemporary and timeless. The humble fish bites are what we order before we even sit down, dipped in a spicy Vietnamese green sauce and oh-so-crispy.
A true culinary institution, the updates at Kika are warm and elegant. The full dining room redesign has given this renowned restaurant a fresh look and is sure to maintain its reputation for exquisite fine dining. Kika offers a modern European-style menu using the best produce you can find, and in their new space, a truly unforgettable experience. Our tip would be to try the KFC (Kika Fried Chicken) which will never be able to come off the menu, with good reason.
A local favourite moved across the river to a permanent home. Curbside Bagels, which started as a beloved food truck, has graduated to a permanent address. Now with a fantastic creekside eating space, patrons can enjoy their delicious, freshly made bagels in a serene and picturesque setting. This move is a testament to their popularity and the community’s support. Try the Reuben bagel for a holy experience.
Finally, the charming Verve Wine Bar has made its cosy interior even more appealing. But the biggest news for wine lovers is that you can now take your favourite bottle to go! This new option adds a fantastic layer of convenience, allowing guests to enjoy Verve’s thoughtfully curated selection of wines at home after a delightful evening. Honestly, just try any of the rotating wines that they have on offer, they are always delicious and perfect to celebrate, or just because.
The excitement doesn’t stop with renovations; Wānaka’s dining scene is welcoming a host of new concepts catering to every craving you might desire.
The town’s cafe culture has been elevated with the arrival of Crumb, a new spot from the minds behind Scroggin Cafe that has quickly become a local favourite. Specialising in fresh, artisanal bread, delicious sandwiches, and handmade sweets, Crumb offers a perfectly simple menu that is both satisfying and wholesome. Tucked down a laneway, it’s the ideal spot for a quick bite or a relaxed coffee with friends.
For those seeking a unique dining experience, Treehouse has opened its doors, offering a fresh take on Kiwi cuisine. Their innovative tapas-style menu encourages sharing and exploration, making it a perfect spot for social gatherings and trying a variety of new flavours in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. The beef skewers with romesco and peppercorn sauce are both nostalgic and new, and hard to forget.
Wānaka’s growing reputation is also attracting established names from outside the region. Bambina, an Italian restaurant chain from Queenstown, brings a taste of their renowned hospitality to Wānaka. Bambina promises authentic Italian cuisine, handmade pasta and Italian wines in a stylish new setting.
Similarly, Ramen Ramen, a new restaurant from Japanese group Tanoshi, also based in Queenstown, is satisfying cravings for warming, delicious ramen, further diversifying the town’s offerings. Perfectly cooked noodles in your choice of broth, Ramen Ramen is cheap, cheerful and ideal for those cold winter nights.
Next time you’re wandering through Wānaka, take a moment to duck into one of these places. The people behind them have put real heart into what they’re doing, and it shows in every dish.
This flurry of activity is more than just a coincidence: it’s a clear signal that the old guard and the new are investing heavily in Wānaka’s dining scene. This commitment from both established businesses and new ventures is a huge win for everyone. For locals, it means an ever-expanding choice of incredible places to eat, drink, and socialise. For visitors, it solidifies Wānaka as a destination that offers not only breathtaking scenery and adventure, but also a vibrant, sophisticated, and diverse culinary landscape. The future of Wānaka dining is incredibly bright, and it’s a testament to a community that values quality, creativity, great food and good times. Well done.
