Restaurant
Muttonbird
33 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Find Muttonbird
33 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, Wānaka 9305, New Zealand
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Muttonbird
Tucked behind MacPac off Ardmore Street, Muttonbird serves an adventurous, generous tasting feast inside a buzzing, art-hung room. Regulars sidestep the menu decisions entirely and back the multi-course Muttonbird Mix. The kitchen operates in plain view, turning out bold, unpretentious plates that rely on honest technique rather than white-tablecloth ceremony. Crusty house sourdough arrives with a dark, whipped coffee butter. Crispy fried monkfish bites pair against tangy aioli, and generous slow-cooked lamb neck pulls apart with a fork alongside chickpea pancakes. The cellar leans into local Central Otago pours alongside blood orange negronis, while the floor staff adjust on the fly for dietary quirks. A chocolate mousse layered with cookie crumble and licorice gel wraps up the night.
- The Muttonbird Mix: A multi-course set menu anchored by fall-apart lamb neck and generous sharing portions that adapt seamlessly to dietaries.
- Sourdough & Coffee Butter: House sourdough served with rich whipped coffee butter kicks off the dinner service.
- Unpretentious Open Kitchen: An open pass set against eclectic artwork delivers attentive hospitality without stiff white-tablecloth formality.
What's On at Muttonbird
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
The Muttonbird Experience
Why diners choose Muttonbird for adventurous chef-led dining in Wanaka
Substantial multi-course tasting menu with daring cuts
Muttonbird's signature multi-course chef's choice feast serves a succession of generous, inventive dishes anchored by slow-braised regional lamb vertebrae.
Selling customers on meaty regional lamb vertebrae is a bold choice, but I'm happy to report the dish was succulent and rustic pickapart food
Dan Adams Signature sourdough paired with whipped coffee butter
Warm house sourdough starter bread is paired with house-whipped coffee butter featuring delicate hints of cocoa.
The coffee bread sourdough was fantastic, with subtle hints of cocoa that paired beautifully with my Blood Orange Negroni.
Jenny Cross World-class culinary skill without formal rigidity
Top-tier culinary technique and thoughtful preparation are delivered in an intimate, comfortable diner setting without formal stiffness.
The food, vibe and service are all world class, and at the same time really relaxed and comfortable.
Melissa Rosenthal Engaging open kitchen and attentive service
An open kitchen format lets diners watch the brigade at work while enjoying friendly, attentive front-of-house hospitality.
I love seeing an open kitchen where the Chefs can get the accolades they deserve face to face and not be hidden away
Helen BARLOW A defining destination dinner in Wanaka
Travelers and holidaymakers consistently make Muttonbird the standout culinary highlight of their itinerary in Central Otago.
Standout dining experience of our holiday. We went after seeing a recommendation on lifestyle programme called Dirt and could not have been happier.
Bianca Topp Seamless accommodation of dietary needs
The kitchen proactively verifies and effortlessly adapts multi-course set menus to guest dietary requirements alongside meat-based courses.
So many dishes, so much extremely high quality food with dietary requirements seamlessly brought out at the same time as meat based dishes.
Johanna Mottram
Most popular items
Signature courses and core tasting favorites defining the dining experience at Muttonbird
Muttonbird Mix Tasting Menu
We opted for the $85 set menu and were very glad we did as the food was spectacular and plentiful! A set menu is normally quality or quantity but Muttonbirds gives you both.
Richard Wilford Royalburn Lamb Neck
The food was exceptional, but the standout for us was the lamb neck, it was absolutely mind-blowing. Tender, rich, and full of flavour, it was one of the best lamb dishes we’ve ever had.
K W Sourdough with Coffee Butter
Got started with the most amazing Sour Dough bread and coffee butter which was unreal! I knew it was going to be an amazing night!
Helen BARLOW Kingfish Head
I ordered the kingfish head seasoned with turmeric and curry leaves, stracciatella cheese with mushrooms, and custard with strawberries and ginger (in shaved ice! I think…). I absolutely loved everything and the best part is the meal was surprisingly affordable.
Alison
Other favorites
Complementary drinks, starters, sides, and desserts that complete the Muttonbird experience
Blood Orange Negroni
The coffee bread sourdough was fantastic, with subtle hints of cocoa that paired beautifully with my Blood Orange Negroni. I had planned on enjoying a glass of wine with dinner, but the cocktail was so impressive that I happily stuck with it throughout the meal.
Jenny Cross Chocolate Mousse
The absolute highlight of the meal was dessert: the chocolate mousse with cookie crumble, licorice gel, and ice cream. It was one of those desserts that's worth coming back for on its own.
Jenny Cross Garlic Potatoes
The snapper with tomato sauce was equally delicious, as were the black olive dressed salad and the garlic potatoes.
Jenny Cross Lamb Tongue
It was my husband's and my first time trying lamb tongue and lamb neck and we were both blown away by how soft and tender the meat is, and how good the flavours came together in each dish.
Jolene Chui
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful gestures and hospitable hospitality details that define dining at Muttonbird
Advance Dietary Care & Menu Customization
The kitchen proactively contacts diners the day before their reservation to verify dietary needs, ensuring bespoke adjustments arrive smoothly alongside standard meat courses without hesitation.
Signature Sourdough with Whipped Coffee Butter
Every feast opens with house-baked sourdough paired with an unexpected whipped coffee butter that introduces the meal's inventive flavor direction.
Open Kitchen Connection
An open brigade format lets guests view chefs at work and share feedback directly, blending high culinary technique with informal warmth.
Welcoming Bar Dining for Solo Guests
Solo patrons and walk-ins are welcomed at the central bar with engaged service, attentive course pacing, and easy neighborly conversation.
Before you head over
Practical advice on finding the hidden entrance, booking the tasting menu, and navigating dietary options.
Finding the Entrance
The restaurant can be tricky to spot from the road because street signage is small and the venue is tucked away in the second row behind Macpac, about a five-minute walk from the lakefront.
Reserve Ahead
Book well in advance for dinner, especially if you want the multi-course Chef's Choice or Muttonbird Mix tasting menus, as Wanaka visitors consistently make reservations before arriving.
Dietary Accommodations
The kitchen readily accommodates dietary requirements—including vegetarian diets and pork exclusions—often confirming details beforehand and serving custom alternatives alongside regular courses.
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