Francesca
Michelin Bib Gourmand · Cuisine Good Food Guide Selection
Our verdict
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
- Hours
- Daily 12–9 pm
- Website
- francescawanaka.co.nz
- Directions
- Get directions
The menu
What to order
- Wood-fired pizza
- Handmade pasta
- Tiramisu
- Pavlova with berries
- Venison ossobuco tagliatelle
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
Cuisine Good Food Guide Selection
Cuisine Good Food Guide
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Details
- 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 La Carte
- Small Plates
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Gluten Free Options
Current opening hours
- Monday
- 12–9 pm
- Tuesday
- 12–9 pm
- Wednesday
- 12–9 pm
- Thursday
- 12–9 pm
- Friday
- 12–9 pm
- Saturday
- 12–9 pm
- Sunday
- 12–9 pm
Hours can change for holidays and private events. Last verified .
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.