A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka

The clever clever people at Francesca’s Kitchen; Francesca Voza and James Stapley bring you Kika. Right in the heart of beautiful Wanaka, tapas style dishes oozing with freshness and local produce. To share- either piccolo (small) or grande (larger) and then the ‘Just feed me’ menu (which we experienced), all delicious, full of flavour and a beautiful fireside table to boot, we were in cozy eat-all-the-food heaven.

A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka

Kika have cemented themselves as a ‘must-do’ here in Wanaka. It’s dark and seductive enough for a first date (nothing better than sharing food with a new date to get to know them) and cozy for an old romantic couple to enjoy an evening by the fire.

A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka

It was a freezing cold night and my guest and I were so ready for some comfort food. To start, we delved into buffalo milk stracciatella, tamarillo, pickled wakame, brazil nut and crostini. Light and delicious for a first dish.

We then moved on to Jerusalem artichokes, black garlic and the most delicious nettle aioli. So delicious we stuck our fingers in it at the end and wiped it all up. The artichokes were thick and chunky and such a delicious way to have them lightly fried. Like big chips!

Half a chicken, black garlic, mushroom xo, cavil nero (a type of kale), roasted cauliflower whipped tahini, pine nut furikake (Japanese seasoning), dates. Charred carrots, harissa, yoghurt and rye granola.

A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka

Because the plates are just enough for each course there is room for dessert. I always worry there won’t be room left for dessert and so tend to avoid either a starter or get a small main but no need to here, it was a perfect amount to get on to the last course.

The Tom Selleck – coconut, white chocolate, vadouvon orange (Indian curry blend of spices and delicious) alongside ‘carrot cake’; gelato, white chocolate, hokey pokey crumb and carrot gel. The cleverest dessert I’ve had in a while. Light and creamy and of course it has vegetables in it (carrots) so it’s all good for you.

I’m also obsessed with anything white chocolate at the moment so I was in good company.

A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka A cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka A cozy fireside dinner at Kika WanakaA cozy fireside dinner at Kika WanakaA cozy fireside dinner at Kika WanakaA cozy fireside dinner at Kika WanakaA cozy fireside dinner at Kika WanakaA cozy fireside dinner at Kika WanakaA cozy fireside dinner at Kika WanakaA cozy fireside dinner at Kika Wanaka

Kika also has a fine wine list but as I’m eating for two I didn’t have the chance to have any. Next time. Such a gorgeous spot to soak in Wanaka, get cozy by the fire and also congratulate Kika on their Cuisine good food award.

Kika
2 Dunmore Street
Wanaka
03 443 6536


I was a guest of Kika Wanaka but as always my views and opinions are my own.