Francesca's Italian Kitchen
Francesca Wānaka
A Michelin Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant near the Wanaka lakefront, famous for its handmade pasta and wood-fired thin-crust pizzas.
Originally named Francesca's Italian Kitchen, located at 93 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, this eatery started as a mobile pizza truck before opening its brick-and-mortar shop in 2012. It is now featured in the 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand. The menu changes seasonally, offering Wanaka-style Italian dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The guide highlights the handmade potato gnocchi and the wood-fired thin-crust Margherita pizza, while reviews frequently praise the duck ragu pappardelle and tiramisu. Open for both lunch and dinner, making it a perfect dining spot after exploring the lake. Located in the central lakefront district, within easy walking distance.
Opening hours
Daily Lunch 12:00–15:00, Dinner from 17:00
Nearby sights
- Wānaka Township & Lakefront
- That Wanaka Tree
- Puzzling World
- Roys Peak Track
- Cardrona Bra Fence
- Cardrona Hotel
- Cardrona Alpine Resort
- Crown Range Road Summit Lookout