Wānaka’s Food Scene: Global eats in our little mountain town

Mexican done right, great vibes and even better margaritas.

Nestled near the end of The Precinct’s sleek grey laneway, Paloma stands out with its welcoming pink arrow, leading you into a realm of authentic Mexican fare. Named after both a bird and a grapefruit tequila cocktail, Paloma transports you to a different world entirely.

Executive chef and owner James Stapley, renowned for his other acclaimed Wānaka establishments Kika and Arc, has crafted something special with Paloma. The mission is straightforward yet undeniably important: to create the best possible tacos using New Zealand ingredients.

Pair your tacos with Mexico’s beloved cocktail, the Paloma, available in various fruit bases. Whether celebrating a birthday or enjoying a casual Tuesday night out, being at Paloma feels like a whakanui / celebration every day of the week.

For fine dining without the formality, give FuDog a try. Located down an unassuming alleyway, sort of making it a local’s secret, step between FuDog’s canine guardian statues and make your way to their balcony for stunning lake views.

Chef and co-owner John, who has honed his skills at Kika and Federal Diner, brings his passion for Asian cuisine to FuDog. His vision is to deliver the refined techniques of high-end establishments in a casual, accessible setting.

The menu reflects this vision, featuring dishes like Mongolian beef, whole steamed fish, house-made dumplings, and fried cauliflower. Did we mention the fried cauliflower? Seasonal changes and culinary inspirations keep the offerings exciting and fresh.

Drinks at FuDog are a highlight, with Asian-inspired cocktails incorporating ingredients like lychee, yuzu, and Szechuan peppercorn. The sake is sourced from Queenstown’s Zenkuro Brewery, and the rotating selection of Ground Up craft beers and local wines ensures happy days indeed.

In 2016, sisters Shaz and Chrissie Lahood opened Big Fig, bringing their love for food and their Lebanese heritage to Wānaka. Named after the fig tree in their childhood backyard, Big Fig specialises in slow food served fast—delicious hot dishes, fresh salads, barista coffee, and baking, all made with love.

Big Fig stands out for its unique concept and distinctive style. Food is served canteen-style, but with consistently excellent standards. Everything is made in-house, from the fresh pitas to the slow-cooked meat dishes. Ethical eating is a priority, with free-range meat and rewards for bringing your own container.

Sweet treats reflect the sisters’ heritage, with offerings like Persian cake with almonds and chocolate, lemon pistachio cake, and carrot cake with cardamom and dukkah. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast, lunch on the go, or settling in for a meal, Big Fig’s ethos of delicious, ethical kai / food will leave you with full bellies and smug faces.

Francesca’s is an Italian dining experience rooted just as much in Melbourne as it is in Milan, with a menu that is ever-changing and seasonal, featuring Italian snacks, house-made pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. Whether you’re there for a leisurely Sunday meal or a quick pizza and beer, the focus is on local produce and Italian flair.

Expect uncompromisingly friendly service, a great wine selection, and polenta fries with a truffle aioli dip that will change your life. Take a table inside, or in the outdoor glasshouse – where heating and rugs will keep you toasty as you dip into some of the best dough in Wānaka. 

Off Wānaka’s main street, Shinaburo is a hidden Wānaka must-try. This cosy Korean eatery offers warm welcomes and comforting plates that will fill you up from your toes to your eyebrows. With handcrafted wooden tables and a cabin-like interior, you can spread around a big table or find a cosy corner.

The menu features Korea’s best culinary offerings, with the bibimbap being a standout. Choose your topping, pour the original bibimbap sauce, and enjoy it in a stone-roasted bowl. Other highlights include Korean-style fried chicken, kimchi fried rice, and slurpy udon noodles.

Shinaburo is the master of comfort food, making it the perfect place to unwind with a beer and bowl of something warming.

1. If you’re in the centre of town, head to where Helwick St. meets Brownston St. and hang a left. Just a few hundred metres away is the old Brownston Street food truck lot. Here, you’ll find Curbside Coffee & Bagels, Burrito Craft, Firebird and plenty more that’ll leave you spoilt for choice. 
2. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner – crêpes are appropriate. Adrien, one of the co-founders of Charlie Brown Crêpes, has been serving up traditional crepes in Wānaka for over 8 years. Sweet or savoury you can’t go wrong, everything is made from scratch with the highest quality ingredients, and there is even a buckwheat crêpe option (galette) for a gluten free option. Fun fact: the caravan is a renovated vintage 1975 European model that came all the way from France to Lake Wānaka! Post-crepe head across the road to lose yourself in Next Chapter Books or catch a movie at Paradiso Cinemas. 
3. For nutritious, whole foods whipped into delicious meals, look no further than Dripping Bowl. The best of NZ local produce is found in every dish. Buddha bowls offer hot and cold options year round and just as the leaves change colour, soups make their comeback to warm you from the inside out.  

Wānaka’s food scene is a vibrant tapestry of global flavours, with each eatery offering a unique dining experience, there’s something for every palate.

Embrace the winding roads of Wānaka’s food culture and explore these gems for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Wānaka’s dining options promise to delight, inspire, and satisfy. Haere mai / welcome to our table.