Big Fig Wanaka

Big Fig serves up quality food for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. The restaurant operates on a “no reservations” basis – you just turn up, make yourself at home, and browse the incredibly diverse Mediterranean/Middle Eastern menu. Selected faves include the meatballs, stuffed pittas, flavoursome salads, and plenty of baked treats for sweet-toothed diners.

I was recommended to go here as a coeliac and wasn’t expecting a buffet style eatery - the food was okay.I went there twice and the first time the hot cabinet had only GF trays of food (which made me comfortable), but then the next day I came for breakfast and they did have one non-gf tray in the same cabinet. This made me uneasy, especially as the tray was the second row in, meaning the spoonfuls of food would have to travel over other gf trays and potentially contaminate them.

Parking: 2-hours free parking by the lake (across the street)Location: 105 Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand (right next to Relishes)Free wifi: YesToilets: Yes. The very first things we noticed at Big Fig Wanaka were their cute decor and their love for the environment. We ordered a takeaway coffee and got these cute little reusable cups in order to avoid single-use waste (you had to pay a deposit for it).

Nestled at the Wanaka lakefront, Big Fig is famous for its ‘slow food served fast’. From slow-braised lamb shawarma or flavor-rich meatballs, to steaming veggie dishes, delicious salads and freshly baked pitta’s, this place pleases both meat lovers and vegetarians. Their “no reservations” policy means that you just turn up, make yourself comfy and dive into their diverse Middle-Eastern style menu.

Lunch was scheduled at the Big Fig and at 7am, after all the eating and drinking of the past day and a half, I could not imagine digesting even a very small fig. Big Fig turned out to be slow food served fast on the Wanaka lakefront. Co-owner Chrissie Lahood brings her Lebanese heritage to the menu as well as a lifetime of sharing home-cooked food, packed with the flavours of the Middle East.

Committed to using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Big Fig has built its reputation on serving slow food, fast, and its modern take on classic Middle-Eastern flavours has made it a hit with both locals and tourists. Tender slow-cooked meats meet tangy dips, spicy meatballs and a raft of vegetarian and vegan dishes in a flavourful menu designed to keep us coming back for more.

Ethical eating and great food are at the heart of Big Fig, with everything made in-house and served canteen style. The restaurant is a local favourite, boasting delicious hot dishes, tasty side salads and barista coffee. Whether you dine indoors or at their outdoor seating, you'll be treated to incredible lake views, making your visit to Big Fig a true feast for the senses.

Best described as healthy comfort food, Big Fig has been serving Wanaka locals and tourists for several years. The Lebanese-inspired breakfast menu serves up fantastic fresh options like the Middle Eastern Granola and Shakshuka. For lunch and dinner, choose your plate size, the meat you want, and between 2 and 4 sides and salads (depending on what size plate you opt for).

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.

Big Fig’s motto is ‘Slow Food, Served Fast’ - think a classy, choose-your-own salad bar that’s actually good. Catering for vegans and generalists alike, the regularly changing hot food selection is seasonal, tasty and good for the soul. Top it with one (or all) of their fresh salads, or indulge in their selection of mezze-style toppings - it’s all a bit fancy.

Big Fig for the lamb shawarma – “The slogan of this Middle Eastern-hearted café is ‘slow food served fast’ and it’s the best way to sum it up. Interesting salads accompany slow braises, rotisserie chicken and flatbreads. The food is generous and tasty, not to mention perfect to take away and enjoy while sitting beside Lake Wanaka.

Situated on Ardmore Street, The Big Fig offers a warm and inviting environment suitable for families. Their menu features an array of tasty dishes, including gourmet pizzas, burgers, pasta, and a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. And they have a dedicated children’s menu with appealing choices for the little ones.

Big Fig’s motto is ‘slow food, served fast’ and honey, we’re here for it. Dishing up a deli-style breakfast from 8am–11am, it’s easy to overindulge in the homely Lebanese-inspired fare. We’re talking Middle Eastern granola with stewed fruit and sweet labneh, the famed shakshuka or sweet treats like tahini chocolate brownie.

Known for their affordable slow-cooked food, this is the perfect go-to place for those wanting quick and healthy meals. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Big Fig gives diners the options to eat in or takeaway. A highlight for breakfast is their fruity chia brekkie pots, something that’s worth waking up early for.

For those on a health kick or just plain vegetable lovers - Big Fig near the lakefront is a great place to grab pitas, salads and baked treats. They have an amazing salad bar with tons of Eastern European and Mediterranean flavours. Why not get your food to-go and go and eat your dinner by the lake on a sunny day?

If you’re craving a home-cooked meal but your accommodation doesn’t have a kitchenette, Big Fig is your answer. This lake-front Wānaka restaurant is all about “slow food served fast” with several meals pre-cooked and ready to dish up. Select a plate size and take your pick of meat, vegetarian and vegan options.

Brunch or lunch at Relishes Café and Big Fig; fill an afternoon with a wine tasting at Rippon Vineyard or a local brew from Wanaka Beerworks; stop by the legendary Cardrona Hotel for a meal and a drink; and dine in style at the likes of Francesca’s Italian Kitchen, Ode, and Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen.

Lake Wanaka has served as a stunning backdrop for several films and television shows. Its dramatic landscapes and picturesque settings have made it a popular location for filmmakers. Notable productions include scenes from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the “Hobbit” series.

I don’t eat out much when traveling, but I did really enjoy The Big Fig. The restaurant is right across the road from Lake Wanaka and perfect for a quick lunch on the move. They serve delicious, though relatively healthy, food (I had a meatball dish that was really tasty).

We ate dinner at the Big Fig, a quick-bite Mediterranean restaurant located on the waterfront in Wānaka. The café had ready-to-serve meals of hummus, pita bread, delicious meats and salads. We enjoyed our dinner with a cold beer on their sunny porch with our kiddo.

It’s located on the main road (across from Lake Wanaka) and very close to Paddle Wanaka (where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards) so perfect for a post-paddle meal!. The food is relatively healthy and the lattes are tasty and beautifully decorated.

If you’re wanting healthy, hearty and homemade look no further. Big Fig is my go to, especially since the one in Queenstown closed, I come here almost every time I come to Wanaka!. They serve up incredible hot options and amazing salads too.

Their menu is packed with tons of vegetarian and vegan hot dishes and salads, with a few slow cooked meat options as well. These Middle Eastern inspired dishes and tasty dessert slices will have you coming back time and time again!

Big Fig serves up huge plates of Mediterranean-inspired dishes every day for lunch and dinner. Just choose your plate size, your meat, vegetables and salad, and the staff will hand over the best-tasting food in town.

Paloma was really good, Big Fig for hearty food, Kai Whakapai is a local fave and the food trucks were such a great place for a bite, the shredded beef burrito was the best I’ve ever had!

Big Fig have a seasonal menu and fixed price per plate – aka fill your plate with as many items from the menu as you want for the same price!

For lunch, you must try Big Fig, with its Moroccan meats and salads and other yummies. The aroma will probably lure you in.