Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(18 Helwick St; mains $10-20; 9am-5pm)
A classic 21st-century Kiwi cafe, Ritual is smart but
not too trendy, gay-friendly but family-friendly too, and filled to the gills with delicious
food. The counter positively groans under the weight of tasty salads, slices and scones.
CAFE
$$
Federal Diner
(
www.federaldiner.co.nz
;
47 Helwick St; mains $9-21; 7am-4pm; )
Tucked away in a back lane, this
cosmopolitan cafe delivers robust breakfasts, excellent coffee and chunky gourmet sand-
wiches. Try the 'Roaster Coaster' with slow-roasted pork shoulder and apple sauce on
ciabatta. Service is sometimes chaotic.
Bistro Gentil
MAP
FRENCH
$$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 03-443 2299;
www.bistrogentil.co.nz
;
76a Golf Course Rd; mains $30-42; 11.30am-2pm Sat & Sun, 5-9pm
Wed-Sun, extended Dec-Feb)
Lake views, fabulous NZ art, oodles of wines by the glass and deli-
cious modern French cuisine - Gentil ticks plenty of boxes for a memorable night out. On
a balmy night, request an outside table.
The Landing
( 03-443 5099;
www.thelandinglakewanaka.co.nz
;
L1, 80 Ardmore St; mains $29-39; 5-10pm)
Local beef,
lamb and salmon is served in innovative ways in this upmarket upstairs restaurant at the
apex of the main streets. The beautifully presented dishes do well to compete with the
spectacular lake views.
MODERN NZ
$$$
Drinking & Nightlife
Barluga & Woody's
MAP
BAR
GOOGLE MAP
(Post Office Lane, 33 Ardmore St; 4pm-2.30am)
The tucked-away Post Office Lane complex is
Wanaka's coolest drinking destination - despite the lack of lake views. Sharing both a
courtyard and owners, these neighbouring bars operate more or less in tandem, especially
when there's a DJ event on. Barluga's leather armchairs and retro wallpaper bring to mind
a refined gentlemen's club. Wicked cocktails and killer back-to-back beats soon smash
