Review: big Fig, Wanaka
Perched on Wanaka's stunning lakefront at 105 Ardmore Street, Big Fig delivers exactly what climate-conscious travellers hope to find: delicious, healthy food that happens to be environmentally friendly, served in one of New Zealand's most breathtaking settings. This vibrant cafe proves that sustainable dining and spectacular scenery make perfect companions.
Our recent visit showcased Big Fig's impressive commitment to plant-based options that feel both nourishing and indulgent. The apple raspberry rose cake demonstrated their in-house bakery's skill with vegan baking—moist, flavorful, and beautifully balanced with the delicate floral notes of rose complementing the fruit perfectly. It's the kind of dessert that makes you forget you're eating something dairy-free and egg-free.
The pumpkin slice with chocolate ganache elevated humble vegetables into something truly special. The combination of earthy pumpkin with rich, velvety chocolate created a dessert that felt both wholesome and decadent—exactly what you want when treating yourself to cake with a view of Lake Wanaka. The slice showcased how seasonal produce can be transformed into memorable sweet treats.
The salad embodied Big Fig's promise of "fresh salads loaded with flavour." Rather than feeling like a healthy obligation, it was clearly composed with care and creativity, featuring ingredients that worked harmoniously together. This attention to making vegetables genuinely appealing reflects their understanding that plant-based eating should be a pleasure, not a compromise.
The roast pumpkin and caramelized onion gozleme stood out as perhaps the most satisfying dish of our meal. The combination of sweet, caramelized vegetables wrapped in perfectly prepared bread created comfort food that happened to be vegan. The roasted pumpkin's natural sweetness paired beautifully with the rich, jammy onions, creating flavors that celebrated seasonal produce at its best.
From a sustainability perspective, Big Fig represents the ideal approach to climate-conscious dining. Their focus on slow-cooked dishes, fresh ingredients, and in-house baking reduces packaging waste while maximizing flavor. The emphasis on vegetarian and vegan options alongside their other offerings creates an inclusive environment where plant-based eating feels natural rather than specialized.
The lakefront location adds another dimension to the sustainable dining experience—enjoying climate-friendly food while surrounded by the natural beauty we're working to protect creates a meaningful connection between food choices and environmental stewardship.
For visitors exploring Wanaka or locals seeking reliable plant-based options, Big Fig delivers quality, flavor, and stunning views in equal measure.
