Muttonbird Wanaka

Amazing dinner at Muttonbird, we did the trust the chef option, we had 7 starters/snack plates, lamb neck main and a lovely dessert. The setting is relaxed, the service is great, our waitress Lucy was lovely. The food is absolutely top notch, the wine list and beer are superb, we'll be back next time we are in Wanaka without doubt!

My husband and I went there for dinner tonight on our last night in Wanaka and we absolutely love it! I have a small appetite so between us, we ordered the Muttonbird sourdough and the lamb tongue starter plus the lamb neck main to share. Everything was so on point! I love sourdough and the bread had a great texture. It was my husband's and my first time trying lamb tongue and lamb neck and we were both blown away by how soft and tender the meat is, and how good the flavours came together in each dish. We definitely would recommend Muttonbird to anyone who visits Wanaka and will be more than happy to dine here again when we get the chance.

Let me tell you, Muttonbird is a pretty special dining experience. I love to eat out and this is the first time I’ve been really surprised by the food in a while. (In a good way.) The creativity of the dishes blows me away, along with the fantastic flavours that catches you by surprise while also avoiding the common trap of presenting an overly complicated flavour profile. I ordered the kingfish head seasoned with turmeric and curry leaves, stracciatella cheese with mushrooms, and custard with strawberries and ginger (in shaved ice! I think…). I absolutely loved everything and the best part is the meal was surprisingly affordable. Where I’m from, a comparable dining experience would easily be $100+ CAD. I paid $55 CAD. Wow…

MUST TRY! The best restaurant in Wanaka hands down. We got the Muttonbird mix and it was incredible. Standouts where the Lamb neck Whole curried fish, butternut pumpkin and beef carpaccioThe flavours were fresh and zingy and tasty. The place also caters to vegetarians with some of the best dishes being vege and also catered to one of our dinners being dairy free. Amazing for all types of diners. Good quality ingredients, lovely staff and beautiful fit out.

Looking at all the great 5 star reviews on Google, we just had to try when we came to Wanaka. We were here for dinner just last week on 20th May and ordered the mutton bird mix which is $68 per person. Essentially, this is similar to Japanese Omakase where the chef chooses what you eat for the day. Mostly, these turn out great and this was no exception. The mix turned out to be 8 dishes. The mutton bird sourdough with fennel butter is a great starter. Warm and oh so fragrant with the fennel butter. Chicken liver parfait was such a surprise! Smooth, refreshing and the crispy crouton completed the dish. Chickpea tofu with tomato sace is soo good! I would order this again. It tastes like Singapore Chili crab sauce on a well fried tofu. Awesome! The blooming onion is nice and crispy. Tuna carpaccio is delicious! Very refreshing and the fish was sweet. Market fish crudo with green Chili is this bomb! I loved this dish and love how the Chili sauce with mint just makes this so palatable. Jerusalem artichokes could be a full dish on its own. Filling, fragrant and love what I believe is goat cheese that makes the base. Market fish with sides of potatoes and salad as a main. The fish is marinated with turmeric and curry leaf and tastes great. We did find it a tad salty but otherwise, awesome. Branch creek honey semifreddo was the dessert and such a good way to end the dinner. Needless to say, we were completely stuffed by the end of the meal but wished we could have a bigger stomach to eat more. That, imho, is testament to the success of the restaurant. Highly recommended.