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Hours
Tue
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Thu
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
New Zealand, Dining bars
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
About
Muttonbird is a casual eatery and drinkery, hidden above one of Wānaka’s laneways with balcony views out to the snow-capped mountains.
CUISINES
New Zealand, Dining bars
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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5.0
123 reviews
Excellent
121
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Kim H
Wanaka44 contributions
Mar 2022 • friends
Don’t be overwhelmed by the dish descriptions - trust the chef.
Go for the chefs choice - each dish was flavoursome and delicious. We talked a lot about the textures and flavours of each dish with our party of 8.
The bar man kept an eye out to ensure no one was thirsty and our waitress explained each dish.
Highly recommended - stand out dishes for us were the kingfish, the artichoke and the king fish.
They also are responsive to peoples dietary requirements
We will be back
Written 18 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beresford Heights
Owaka2 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
What a fantastic place to dine in Wanaka - the food was outstanding. We had the Muttonbird Mix (trust the chef) - this was truly a mouth watering experience and very reasonably priced.
The service was equally impressive - so lucky to have a place like this in Central Otago.
Written 20 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mutton Bird Wanaka
Thanks for your support!
Written 7 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve H
Auckland Central12 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
Rocked up to muttonbird with no real preconceived ideas about what we were about to experience.
I had to deal with the setting sun burning my irises but that was as bad as it got.
The waitress started by asking us if we wanted "tap" water or sparkling. NZ water is generally top notch so no need to spend on mineral. This lack of pretentiousness continued for the rest of the evening.
We chose the Degustation and sat back.. Right from the start the food was amazing, every morsel was perfect, interesting and beautifully presented.
The menu changes regularly (I assume) so wont go into detail. (the onion is very cool though)
The staff were all knowledgeable about the food and lots of fun :-)
If you get the chance to eat here, book early, have a light lunch and dont wear tight pants ....
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mutton Bird Wanaka
Steve this is awesome feedback thankyou. Everything you have said is spot on with the experience we hope our diners are receiving from us. Yes the menu does change regularly to show case the producers and what they can offer us for that day so we hope to see you back again soon Steve!
Cheers MBs
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Peter S
Hastings18 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
We arrived in Wanaka ill prepared for the ubiquitous staff shortages, and had to try and find a place to eat that evening, calling round at 5pm!
Allan at Wanaka Homestead helped greatly and found us a table here.
Good quality food, but just too fussy for us. The crab starter was very disappointing, though to be fair the staff did warn me that they didn’t have the appropriate utensils - so why put it on the (limited) menu?
Obviously many people love this unusual selection, but for us it was not worth the money.
Written 7 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mutton Bird Wanaka
Hi there,
We are surprised to hear that you did you not enjoy our crab dish and you found your whole Muttonbird experience not worth your money.
It seems as though your time at Muttonbird was an exception as our other customers leave more than happy and the crab dish has been very popular. We are sorry that was not the case with your evening.
Yes our menu is small, but intentionally so; to showcase high quality produce from our suppliers, which means it is predominately local, seasonal and rotating daily.
No two dinners at muttonbird is the same, something we pride ourselves on, so we of course welcome you back should you wish to give it another try.
All the best, MBs
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve D
Auckland11 contributions
May 2022 • none
We ate at MB on Tuesday 3 May and were so impressed that we returned 4 days later. The first visit was booked late on and a few other people must have had the same idea! Lucy had given some staff the night off and do was the maître d, waitress, bar steward and washer upper, all of which she carries off magnificently without missing a beat. The food was inventive and delicious ( a tough trick to pull off). We ate dishes that sounded strange, but worked. The pumpkin dish, blooming onion and even dare I say it the chick pea tofu ( Honestly-so tasty). Try as many of these inventive entrees as possible. We shared the lamb neck ( who knew it yielded so much meat) and had no room for dessert on first trip , but had the rhubarb on the Saturday. This was sensational.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hana D
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • solo
I ordered the mutton bird mix tonight, which is a tasting menu of 8 small dishes chosen by the chef. The food was very good and beautifully presented. Out of the 3 meat small plates all were fish. I was hoping for at least one to be red meat. When I asked about the selection I was told the lamb was too big for one person. Does a solo diner at a 5 star restaurant not deserve the same treatment as the rest of the clientele?
Written 21 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mutton Bird
Hi Hana, thanks for coming in on Thursday and great to hear you enjoyed the food.
We absolutely accommodate solo diners. You had the same variety of dishes the other diners received, with the exception of the main.
The lamb neck is 1kg of meat. Hence why it is meant for sharing and would have been too much food on top of the other 7 dishes you had.
So we trust you can understand why this wasn’t offered to you.
Cheers
MBs
Written 23 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WEandME
Wanaka11 contributions
Apr 2022 • friends
Table of 2 couples out to enjoy a very deserved night off the kids. We were offered the trust the chef menu and gratefully took the opportunity to enjoy a night without having to make any choices. Course after delicious course arrived at our table, each very different but all equally enjoyable. Table consensus was our favourites being two courses we underestimated the most, the chickpea tofu and peanut butter dessert. Lucy, the restaurant manager was absolutely delightful, offering superb service with her gorgeous friendly manner. Thank you for a wonderful evening team, we loved every course and minute out!
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ewan M
Wanaka25 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
Sensational dinner in a really pleasant setting. We had the trust the chef menu with one of us being vegetarian and the other non. The team were really accommodating and brought different dishes. The flavour combinations were superb with lots of wee surprises in there. And the service was excellent. Plus a really good wine recommendation. We'll be back!
Written 6 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dahokolomok
London768 contributions
Dec 2024 • friends
The food here is pretty impressive, and this from me who gets a high standard of fine dining in London. Plus, I think it might be the best value for money option in all of Wanaka for high end, innovative food - much better than Kika where we also dined at. Between the two, would choose Muttonbird again, anyday.
The menu is short, so if you're a fussy eater do check it online before you go.
I recommend getting the Feed Me option ($80) instead of going a la carte - you get much better value that way. 3 starters, 2 small plates, 1 main, 2 sides, and 1 dessert.
Despite the name, seafood and other meat dishes excel here too. The only dish that we didn't like was the mushroom in the small plates section - too salty, too saucy. So don't go for that.
Written 1 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah B
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • business
Fabulous all round. I had been before but forgotten how fantastic Mutton Bird is. We had the chefs choice so we didn't have to think, we could engage with our friends and be delighted by each new treat coming out from the kitchen. The flavours, the textures, the variation, the uniqueness of the dishes were all outstanding. Sensational! There was a lot happening but the chefs were calm and enjoying themselves, the atmosphere was perfect and the waiting crew were gorgeous and also enjoyed seeing the joy coming from the tables. Amazing!
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mutton Bird
This is the best read! Thankyou Sarah for all your kind words
Written 30 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
zanzibar948
Canada35 contributions
Sept 2022 • none
We were holidaying from Sydney and were SO impressed by Muttonbird.
Modern casual atmosphere with a pleasant buzz from fellow patrons, many of who were regulars.
Informed, enthusiastic and friendly wait staff. Meals were faultless - delicious and innovative.
The 2 owners are to be commended, especially for their new take on both familiar and less mainstream ingredients. Both were working non-stop in the open kitchen obviously paying much attention to detail of each dish they plated up.
We thought the prices were most reasonable for the ingredients and presentation - and once again the innovation.
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mutton Bird Wanaka
Fantastic feedback thank you!! And wow… all the way from Sydney. This is great to read 🙏🏼
Written 6 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sue
Dunedin7 contributions
Jan 2024 • couples
This place had been recommended to us and it didn't disappoint. The waiting staff were excellent. They gave us extremely thorough instructions on the menu and portion sizes.They clearly knew all about the dishes on offer. Their attention to detail was also impressive and all our needs were met in a very friendly engaging manner.
The food was delicious with very interesting ingredients and flavors. We would certainly eat here again.
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mutton Bird
Thanks for you great be comments! Hope to see you back soon! Cheers, MBs
Written 28 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OnAir52654513232
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • couples
Me and my wife ordered the Mutton bird mix and it was phenomenal, they gave us the lamb neck, we loved everything about the food. And at $80 a person it was a great way to try the menu, and didn't leave hungry. Will definitely be recommending this place to others!
Written 14 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia @Scrumptious Solent
Southampton4370 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
Fabulous food! We opted for the chefs choice (Muttonbird Mix) at $80 ()40) a head for 3+ courses. All were delicious and this option meant I tried dishes that I would never have chosen but were fabulous!
You have no idea what dishes you’re going to get (although they do ask for dietary requirements ahead of serving).
The lamb was the highlight - cooked for 12 hours and soft and unctuous. Served with roast potatoes, salad and bread.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mutton Bird
Thanks for such great feedback! Hope to see you back to try more another time
Written 30 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Connector00780411898
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • couples
My husband and I had such a wonderful experience. Not only is the food at Muttonbird exceptional, the decor and ambience of the restaurant immerses you in the special place that is Wanaka. Once seated by the lovely waiter we knew we weren’t just eating at another nice restaurant. Instead our evening was that of culture, provenance, great food, great wine and great service. If you’re looking for a dining experience that connects you to something beyond delicious food then this is the spot! We loved Muttonbird and will be back.
Written 12 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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