Impress Your Tastebuds with Wānaka's Most Delicious Dishes
It’s important to get a taste of whatever place you’re visiting, and the best way to do that is to simply get out and about and sit yourself down at some of the neatest restaurants in town.
If you’re short on time in Wānaka or you’re just eager to go straight to the best, we’ve done our fair share of taste testing to bring you Eat Wānaka – a foodies' guide to what to order where.
Hot Mac Burger, Red Star Burgers
26 Ardmore Street, Wānaka
If the rave reviews of most of the town are anything to go by, then you best buy your next burger from Red Star. Most of the burger ingredients come from Mediterranean Market next door, while the team craft the rest (sauces, chutneys and patties) in-house each day.
For something to really quell the hunger pains, go for the Hot Mac: a chargrilled beef pattie, Swiss cheese and jalapeños in the freshest of buns. Don’t kid yourself by picking up a knife and fork — this beast needs taming by serious eaters only.
Roti Roll, Federal
47 Helwick Street, Wānaka
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, so the saying goes, hence why Federal Diner’s most popular lunch dish ain’t going anywhere.
Braised pork shoulder with hoisin sauce, coriander, Vietnamese mint, QP mayonnaise and pickled chilli on a deliciously soft and flaky roti: this is lunchtime feasting at its best, and a hearty meal that won’t leave you hungry. Beware wandering forks from your lunch partners though, as this one is hard to resist a taste of.
Vegan Pie, Fedeli
47 Helwick Street, Wānaka
When your devout meat-eating customers also start buying your vegan pies, you know they must be darn good. A satay mix made with coconut cream, carrots, beans and other veggies, the whole pie mix is encased in fresh and crunchy olive oil pastry.
A pie like no other, it’s no wonder that if you arrive after lunchtime there will be only crumbs left in the cabinet.
Bao Buns, Cardona Hotel
Cardrona Valley Road, Cardrona, Wānaka
A lunchtime excursion out to Cardrona Hotel is more than likely to give you an appetite, so once you’ve finished fawning over the most beautiful historic building in the region park up at a table and set your eyes on the excellent menu.
You can’t go past the bao buns here — the kitchen has got creative with slow-braised beef brisket rendang, pairing it with crispy shallots, cucumber, pickled chilli and coriander. Wrapped in fluffy bao buns, these morsels are a sight (and taste) that make the trip well worth it.
Fish Tacos, Burrito Craft
42 Brownston Street, Wānaka
Ask the team at Burrito Craft why fish tacos are their best seller, and they’ll simply tell you ‘it’s coz they’re delicious’. There’s no real arguing with that, and when you’ve tried one yourself you’ll be inclined to agree.
The fish is battered in polenta and cornflour (making this a gluten-free goodie, too), while the cabbage has been pickled in lime to give it a real flavour zing. All packed into the perfect little taco pouch, it’s best to order three at once 'coz they’ll be gone before you know it.
Homemade Ice Cream, Kika
2 Dunmore Street, Wānaka
Perhaps not the first thing you think of when it comes to fine dining, the dessert menu at Kika is just as stunning as the main menu. Proud to push the boundaries when it comes to flavour and presentation, Kika has pulled out all the stops to make the humble ice cream on a stick into something special.
Coming in flavours like lavender and shortbread, the desserts are adorned with additional exciting ingredients and served on locally made rimu blocks.
Neat Wānaka Places
Rubys Cinema and Bar
Appreciative of the time when going to the pictures was a real experience, Rubys plays arthouse films as well as the latest blockbusters in its cosy and plush interior.
General Service
Tucked down an alleyway in the heart of Wānaka is a place where the inhabitants look forward to coming to work each day.
47 Frocks
Wānaka is no sleepy town when it comes to being on trend with the latest fashion. Thanks to the friendly team at 47 Frocks, you can wander the lakeside dressed to impress with the latest styles and accessories from NZ designers.