Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
446 Reviews
$$
- Friday9 AM–11:30 PM
- Saturday9 AM–11:30 PM
- Sunday9 AM–9:30 PM
- Monday9 AM–9:30 PM
- Tuesday9 AM–9:30 PM
- Wednesday9 AM–9:30 PM
- Thursday9 AM–10 PM
About the Business
Alchemy Bistro & Bar Wanaka | A bustling, lively lakefront restaurant and bar in Wanaka serving up brunch & dinner with a range of excellent local beers & wines, coffee and cocktails.
Contacts
Website
Call Us
+6434432040
151 Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305
Hours
- Friday9 AM–11:30 PM
- Saturday9 AM–11:30 PM
- Sunday9 AM–9:30 PM
- Monday9 AM–9:30 PM
- Tuesday9 AM–9:30 PM
- Wednesday9 AM–9:30 PM
- Thursday9 AM–10 PM
Features
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Delivery
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Toilets
- Dine-in
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Wine
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Bar on site
- High chairs
- Casual
- Cosy
- Groups
- Accepts reservations
- Outdoor seating
- Great cocktails
- Cocktails
- Late-night food
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Happy-hour drinks
- Vegan options
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Dogs allowed
Recommended Reviews
Gregg Carnaffan
21.10.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
I’ve considered the rating a lot before giving two stars. The service here was dreadful. I felt like a burden not a paying customer from start to finish. Despite booking months in advance, clearly they had prioritised bigger groups or walk ins as I was a solo diner. On arrival I was first offered a squashed seat at the end of the bar - people would have had to move their coats and bags. Luckily an alternative high table was also offered. Clearly they don’t look at what reservations they have and hold a table.After a while I was offered the menus and as I didn’t chose immediately, was then forgotten about for around 15 mins. I overheard a waiter at the bar telling a colleague there would be a 30 to 40 minute wait for food.Eventually, the barman asked if I needed any help and I said I’d like to order and so someone came. She didn’t volunteer the wait time, until I asked. Yes it was an Easter weekend, but isn’t the purpose of operating reservations to control demand for the kitchen.20 minutes or so after I arrived, I ordered. No explanation of dishes or volume to order given they have a sharing approach.To be fair, the food first food came after around 20 minutes. And the quality of the food was good. I tried the cheese and truffle muffins, cured salmon and fish of the day with a side of potatoes. All were tasty.I’d finished my glass of wine after the salmon and wasn’t offered another. No one bothered to check if everything was ok. Until, the barman came when I’d almost finished eating and checked on both. Clearly the only person with any hospitality training.I didn’t eat desert so can’t comment.When I raised the service when I paid, was offered an apology and that they were doing their best. I don’t accept this for a higher end restaurant operating a reservation system. It’s just not good enough.
Andrew Hampton
17.10.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
Great food, it's good but you will leave hungry such a shame for spending close to $200
Olivia
15.10.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
The Fried Chicken and Waffles was one of the best dishes my partner and I have eaten!
Dave Westover
06.10.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
1 of only 2 smart NZ cuisine restaurants in town that are open for dinner in the summer of 2023. Sharp, efficient service, well-trained friendly front-of-house staff. Good food. Lively, pleasant atmosphere. I had Pink Oyster Mushroom, coconut glaze, puffed forbidden rice (5) and Crispy John Dory, Green lipped Mussels foam, garlic scales (4). For wine I had Maude SB 2022 (vg) &Man O' War Island Blend (excellent) (this wouldn't match with fish, but would be a great partner for lamb).
Greig Stuart Torpey
19.09.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
A five star dinner experience without doubt! We have been here for over a week now travelling the South Island and this is the best meal we have had yet! Waiting staff were attentive and friendly, service was prompt and professional, food was exceptional and tasty (and reasonably priced for the quality), it came out in waves and at a perfect pace. A snack a small plate two large plates and a dessert were perfect, although could probably have squeezed in something else (a side maybe)! The lamb was exquisite and I would highly recommend it! A great lakeside location with a relaxing atmosphere. Top top meal!
Alvin Wu
19.09.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
The interior design of the cafe is cozy and warm, but the food quality except the breakfast item is above average, the rest is just so so.Soup noodles is very salty and the risotto ball is too dry. The tossed salad on the side is too salty. Seafood Crowder is too thicken. Quite disappointed actually.Still breakfast items, like smoked salmon omelette and waffle are nice.
Derek Phyn
24.08.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
Excellent service but a somewhat limited menu. However, most of what was served was nice. Aged steak was a bit chewy and disappointing given how expensive it was. Korean Fried chicken was good and I recommend Chocolate Nemesis. Some options for GF. Atmosphere was nice for adults wanting some peace and quiet. I wouldn’t rate it as good value but would come back.
Lara H
24.07.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
Loved Alchemy! Had stunning cocktails and dinner while in town and really enjoyed it. Great vibe, lovely staff and yummy food. Their bfast was also super yum!
Emmi M
23.07.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
There's some serious issues with how the lunch menu is constructed. The footnote mentions that the food is supposed to be shared, only there's no mention with how many. I ordered squid bun, and got one (1) bun, apparently to be shared with one person, that one person being myself. We didn't get separate plates or any sort of explanation on how the sharing is supposed to work, either.The food had some resemblance of nice flavors, but all dishes were a tad too oily. The price point and the quality absolutely didn't meet.(Additionally, this might sound like nitpicking but we were moved from the nice window-seat table we were originally sat at, only that table to remain unseated the whole time we were there)
james elvery
22.07.2023
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka
Great food. Great service. Cozy and recently refurbished. Best cafe lake views in town. You can't go wrong at Alchemy.
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151 Ardmore Street, Wānaka 9305
Alchemy Bar & Bistro - Brunch & Dinner Wanaka