Quick Links
In Wānaka, we refuel for the next adventure where the food is hearty, the brews are cold, and the company is even better.
Quick bites and brews are an essential after a big day on the trails, and though Wānaka might be small, we pack a mighty punch when it comes to our local food scene.
From legendary burger joints to craft breweries, Lake Wānaka pizza bars and international eateries, here are some of our favourite spots to refuel, relax, and recharge post-adventure, whether you’re eating on the go or settling in for a warm feed.
Dietaries: vegetarian, vegan, and GF options available.
Thinking burgers? Think Red Star. A key part of the Wānaka woodwork for more than 20 years, Red Star has a whole range of hearty burgers stacked with homemade sauces, available for dine-in or takeaway. Whatever your burg of choice, don’t pass on the kumara fries.
Dietaries: vegetarian and GF pizza bases available.
Just a minute from town, b.social dishes up hearty bites and cold craft brews like nobody’s business, with an indoor-outdoor flow and tables for all group sizes. Burgers, fried cauliflower, juicy chicken tenders, and local b.effect beers? Say no more.
Dietaries: vegetarian and GF options available.
Right in the heart of town with balcony seating overlooking the lake, Wānaka Brew Bar is the place to be for easy pub vibes and local brews on tap. Their $15 Pint & Slice deal runs daily from 3pm-7pm, and even longer on Thursday’s Quiz Nights for a cheeky pint and the best American-style pizza in Wānaka.
Dietaries: vegan, vegetarian, and GF bowl options available.
This food-truck staple hit cult status a long time ago. With authentic burritos, tacos, and a spice scale to write home about, choose from slow-cooked meats, fresh fish, or jackfruit for a plant-based twist. Grab a picnic table out front in the food truck courtyard, or eat on the go.
Dietaries: wide range of vegetarian, vegan, and GF options.
Slow food, cooked fast. If you’re after a home-cooked meal better than any home-cooked meal you’ve ever made, this is the place to go. A staple post-mission or epic packed lunch, you’ll find slow-cooked meats, vibrant salads, and a line out the door. Good for eating in or takeaway 9 don’t forget to byo containers for a discount!).
Dietaries: vegetarian and vegan options available.
A newer face on Wānaka’s food scene, Sofi brings a taste of the Mediterranean to the lakefront. With warm mezze share plates, seasonal bites and cocktails inspired by your last Greek holiday, Sofi has your après ski and feast sorted.
Dietaries: food truck options vary — vegetarian and GF often available.
Fresh from the hill? Rhyme x Reason is a local hot spot for craft beers on tap, rotating seasonal brews, live music and good vibes. Grab a bao bun from the Now Bao food truck out front, a fresh flavoured pint, and settle in.
Dietaries: vegetarian and GF options available.
Speaking of local hot spots, Kai Whakapai is the lakefront bar with the small tribe parked permanently out front. Whether you’re popping in early for a coffee and pastry, or you’re grabbing a pizza and pint in Wānaka’s popular lakefront spot, Kai is easy, central, and reliably good.
Eating out is a great way to connect and refuel with friends, strangers and the local community – but there’s a few key ways to reduce the environmental impact of your feast. It’s the little changes that make a big difference, and with environmental sustainability so important to our community, we’re here to make it easy for both locals and visitors to help protect our land. Here’s how.
Whether you’re after a quick brew or a bite you can linger over, Wānaka has no shortage of mouthwatering food and bevvy spots to fuel your next mission. Wherever you land, be it burger joint or craft brewery, get ready to settle in for comfort food, fresh flavours, and a community feel unique to our mountain town.
