Restaurant
Kai Whakapai Eatery & Craft Beer Bar
121 Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Find Kai Whakapai Eatery & Craft Beer Bar
121 Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Kai Whakapai Eatery & Craft Beer Bar
Perched on Ardmore Street opposite Lake Wānaka, Kai Whakapai nails the transition from morning recovery fuel to evening taproom energy. Mornings run on flat whites dusted with Whittaker’s chocolate and the signature Brisket Benny, stacked over crunchy house-made hash browns instead of bread. Upstairs tables catch open lake views, while the heated streetfront terrace fills with hikers and skiers unwinding over pints of Canyon Brewing hazy IPA, brisket loaded fries, and thin-crust pizza.
- Brisket Benny on Hash Browns: Tender beef brisket balanced over crunchy, house-made hash browns rather than standard bakery toast.
- Craft Taps & Thin-Crust Pizza: A seamless transition to evening pints from South Island brewers paired with shareable loaded fries and thin-crust pies.
- Lakeside Heated Terrace: Two levels of lake-facing space, from upstairs water views to heated pavement seating bustling in cold weather.
What's On at Kai Whakapai Eatery & Craft Beer Bar
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Visit Kai Whakapai Eatery & Craft Beer Bar
Hearty scratch-made plates, regional craft taps, and prime lakeside views tailored for Wānaka days.
Scratch-Baked Breakfast Foundations
Morning dishes feature scratch-made foundations, including loaves baked on site and beef brisket benedict layered over crisp house-made hash browns instead of standard toast.
It was baked in store as are all their baked goods and it was perfectly toasted.
Telena Hearty Morning Fuel
Hearty breakfast plates and robust coffee pairings deliver dependable, generous sustenance for early-morning starts and demanding alpine adventures.
The Eggs Benny was absolutely delicious—perfectly poached and full of flavour. Coffee was just as great, smooth and rich.
Samirah Kern Seamless Day-to-Night Taproom Hub
The venue transitions from early morning bakery service to late afternoon craft beers on tap and thin-crust artisan pizzas shared over drinks.
In the early morning has a totally different vibe than the evenings. Anyhow, their breakfast were banging. The salmon and poached egg sandwich was just excellent and so was their coffee. Friendly staff and quick service. Beers in the afternoon is also a great idea here
Cristian Garcia Post-Adventure Gathering Spot
An unpretentious gathering space welcomes skiers, hikers, and travelers straight off the trails with cold craft beers, hearty burgers, and lively pub energy.
Skiers, hikers, van lifers, and adventure addicts pile in, all chasing the same reward: cold craft beer and food that actually satisfies after a day in the mountains.
Stephen Pinter Elevated Lakefront Sightlines
Upstairs indoor tables look straight across Ardmore Street to Lake Wānaka, providing scenic vistas alongside casual dining.
One of the BEST burgers I've had in a loooong time, add that to the awesome lake view from the upstairs seating area and you've got yourself a standout eatery in Wanaka.
Natasha Popple Heated Outdoor Lakeside Vibe
The active roadside patio with generous outdoor heating provides a prime vantage point for taking in the town's lively outdoor culture in any season.
Lots of outdoor heaters kept the outdoor seating warm, and the indoor temperature was cozy too.
Matthew T
Most popular items
Beloved brunch staples and post-adventure hearty favorites
Brisket Benny
My husband had the brisket Benny and loved it. It’s served on two house-made hash browns rather than bread, so crunchy and delicious!
Zoë Hall Eggs Benedict
The Eggs Benny was absolutely delicious—perfectly poached and full of flavour.
Samirah Kern Katsu Burger
I tried the Katsu Burger, and it was absolutely delicious—crispy, flavorful, and well-balanced with fresh ingredients.
Philipp Haze Burger
The Haze Burger steals the show: rich, savoury, and infused with that malty depth that feels tailor made for the tap list.
Stephen Pinter
Other favorites
Specialty sips, shareable sides, and evening bites
Matcha Latte
The matcha latte was elite, and the addition of cinnamon was an unexpected tactical masterstroke. High-quality brew.
Tengli ChubỖ Loaded Fries
The loaded fries with thick cut fries was heavy as needed, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
David S Salvhicha Martinez Pizza
Then there’s the Salvhicha Martinez chorizo, jalapeno and red pepper pizza…..smoky, spicy, and built for sharing over pints you didn’t plan on ordering but absolutely will.
Stephen Pinter Chèvre Pizza
The Chèvre pizza and cheesecake were highlights. Would absolutely come again!
Jonathan de Jong
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to find seating during peak hours?
The eatery can get very busy, especially during peak morning and evening rushes, which can make finding a table or navigating the counter ordering line tricky. However, seating options extend to an upstairs lake-view dining area as well as outdoor tables equipped with heaters for cooler weather.
What makes the breakfast and bakery offerings stand out?
The kitchen puts creative spins on classic breakfast items, such as the Brisket Benny served over house-made hash browns instead of bread, as well as in-store baked breads and pastries like almond croissants.
What food and drinks are available in the evening?
Yes, Kai Whakapai serves a hearty evening menu featuring burgers like the Haze Burger, thin-crust pizzas, and loaded fries, accompanied by an extensive lineup of craft beers on tap and cider.
Is parking available near the venue?
Yes, parking is straightforward in the central area, with free street parking, free parking lots, and paid parking lots available nearby.
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