Wanaka has quickly built a reputation for offering fresh, contemporary cuisine, outstanding customer service and award winning local and New Zealand wines.
A large selection of eateries in the township offer a range of menus to suit your tastes, budget, dietary requirements plus any food allergies you may have. From hearty, healthy cafe meals, to organic fare, homemade style deli foods, fast-food takeaways, to ethnic restaurants, family dining, pub meals and fine dining… welcome to the gastronomically delightful township of Wanaka.
Visitors to Wanaka will appreciate the close proximity of cafes, restaurants and bars in the township, most within easy walking distance, while the number of cafes located in the township is impressive to say the least! This is where you can get yourself a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch or cafe style evening meal. Of course, a bracing short black espresso and home-made muffin with the daily newspaper is just fine and dandy!
If you are missing local tastes from your home country or just want to enlighten your senses with something new, there are a few great restaurants and cafes that might just fit the bill (or tastebuds). For a little Mexican you could try AmiGos Mexican Cantina located just a short stroll from the lake foreshore. Enjoy relaxed, affordable family Mexican dining with vegetarian and gluten free options, take-out menu plus fabulous margarita cocktails and premium tequilas. Thai Siam Restaurant is located in Ardmore Street and offers an affordable fresh Thai menu while Yohei Cafe is great for sushi and menu items boasting a unique Asian/New Zealand fusion, and a good curry can be found at the Bombay Palace Indian Restaurant.
Casual daytime cafes are great in Wanaka, including the child-friendly Cafe Fe, Soulfood Organic Cafe, Lakeland Cafe for lake-front seating and the Cheeky Monkey Cafe for home baked breads, croissant, cakes, muffins and locally roasted espresso coffee. Kai Whakapai overlooks Lake Wanaka and is open 7am til late for delicious meals, freshly baked pastries and breads, espresso coffee and local wines.
Evening dining is also in abundance and most restaurants and pubs can be easily located via foot. Oakridge Resort Grand Mercure is set in the heart of Wanaka and features a stylish restaurant and bar for couples and families, while Relishes Cafe on Ardmore Street is open till late for fresh seafood, venison, chicken, steak, vegetarian dishes and tempting desserts. Another popular restaurant is The Cow, which is a gourmet pizza lover’s haven. Many of the locals tend to meet up for special celebrations and romantic dining at Finchys Bar & Restaurant located on the old 1880 Wanaka jail site. Wonderful food, wine and ambience, including a large open fireplace. With so many restaurants available, from seafood to fresh local fare, it is probably a good idea to drop into the local Visitor Information Centre for further dining advice.
On a tight budget or timeframe? Check out the great options for fast food takeaways, including good old fashioned New Zealand fish and chips, Da Vinci’s Pizzeria, Orient Express, The Doughbin Bakery and Subway.
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