Francesca
Chef Lukas Botta champions Wanaka-style Italian cuisine rooted in tradition, but reinterpreted with super-fresh local produce. Handmade pasta is a definite highlight, especially the gnocchi with braised beef cheeks starring soft, chewy dumplings and fork-tender beef. Wood-fired, thin-crust Margherita pizza is another classic. The cosy room feels warm and lively, and the covered terrace is relaxing whatever the weather.
Pearl is the En Primeur Club membership app — saves, bookings, and concierge access live there. Same editors, same standards.
- Address
- 93 Ardmore Street, Wānaka, 9305, NZL
- Phone
- +64 3-443 5599
- Website
- francescawanaka.co.nz
- Directions
- Get directions
Saves & bookings on Pearl
Chef Lukas Botta champions Wanaka-style Italian cuisine rooted in tradition, but reinterpreted with super-fresh local produce. Handmade pasta is a definite highlight, especially the gnocchi with braised beef cheeks starring soft, chewy dumplings and fork-tender beef. Wood-fired, thin-crust Margherita pizza is another classic. The cosy room feels warm and lively, and the covered terrace is relaxing whatever the weather.
Recognition history
Dated appearances from independent guides and award organizations, with the underlying list record or original source where available.
Michelin Bib Gourmand
Michelin
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At a Glance
- Lively
- Cozy
- Modern
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Date Night
- Group Dining
- Family
- Celebration
- Casual Hangout
- Special Occasion
- Design Destination
- Standalone
- Terrace
- Extensive Wine List
- Craft Cocktails
- Farm To Table
- Local Sourcing
- Sustainable Seafood
- Street Scene
- Mountain
A warm, lively and cozy Italian restaurant with a lively buzz, wood‑fired oven glow, and relaxed but polished feel, combining new‑school Italian energy with a distinctly Wānaka, farm‑to‑table sensibility.