Kika

Chef-owner James Stapley has been on the pans since the age of 16 and is the mastermind behind some of Wānaka’s hottest eateries. Here the focus is on a modern sharing menu that is dedicated to showcasing high-quality, seasonal dishes. You will find a front-of-house team who are smiling, knowledgeable and confident, and food that nails the ‘contemporary Kiwi cuisine’ description, perfectly demonstrated in dishes such as the whole market fish and roasted fennel with scampi bouillabaisse. Lake Ohau wagyu short rib does a lively dance with some smoked shallot purée, and house chimichurri and roasted Brussels sprouts are beautifully presented in chestnut butter, with aged balsamic and toasted rice. We were thrilled to see their beef tartare with its shimmering confit egg yolk and a delicious layering of miso mayo and soy jelly is still on the menu. Think big, bold flavours in small and larger plates that showcase local heroes and you’ve got the picture.