Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka

"A five star dinner experience without doubt! We have been here for over a week now travelling the South Island and this is the best meal we have had yet! Waiting staff were attentive and friendly, service was prompt and professional, food was exceptional and tasty (and reasonably priced for the quality), it came out in waves and at a perfect pace. A snack a small plate two large plates and a dessert were perfect, although could probably have squeezed in something else (a side maybe)! The lamb was exquisite and I would highly recommend it! A great lakeside location with a relaxing atmosphere. Top top meal!"

Greig Stuart Torpey

"The interior design of the cafe is cozy and warm, but the food quality except the breakfast item is above average, the rest is just so so.

Soup noodles is very salty and the risotto ball is too dry. The tossed salad on the side is too salty. Seafood Crowder is too thicken. Quite disappointed actually.

Still breakfast items, like smoked salmon omelette and waffle are nice."

Alvin Wu

"I’ve considered the rating a lot before giving two stars. The service here was dreadful. I felt like a burden not a paying customer from start to finish. Despite booking months in advance, clearly they had prioritised bigger groups or walk ins as I was a solo diner. On arrival I was first offered a squashed seat at the end of the bar - people would have had to move their coats and bags. Luckily an alternative high table was also offered. Clearly they don’t look at what reservations they have and hold a table.

After a while I was offered the menus and as I didn’t chose immediately, was then forgotten about for around 15 mins. I overheard a waiter at the bar telling a colleague there would be a 30 to 40 minute wait for food.

Eventually, the barman asked if I needed any help and I said I’d like to order and so someone came. She didn’t volunteer the wait time, until I asked. Yes it was an Easter weekend, but isn’t the purpose of operating reservations to control demand for the kitchen.

20 minutes or so after I arrived, I ordered. No explanation of dishes or volume to order given they have a sharing approach.

To be fair, the food first food came after around 20 minutes. And the quality of the food was good. I tried the cheese and truffle muffins, cured salmon and fish of the day with a side of potatoes. All were tasty.

I’d finished my glass of wine after the salmon and wasn’t offered another. No one bothered to check if everything was ok. Until, the barman came when I’d almost finished eating and checked on both. Clearly the only person with any hospitality training.

I didn’t eat desert so can’t comment.

When I raised the service when I paid, was offered an apology and that they were doing their best. I don’t accept this for a higher end restaurant operating a reservation system. It’s just not good enough."

Gregg Carnaffan