ABOUT US

About Big Fig - slow-cooked healthy food on the Wanaka lakefront.

Two sisters started Big Fig Wanaka in 2016. Shaz and Chrissie Lahood grew up in a food-obsessed Kiwi family of ten kids and named the café for the fig tree that grew in their Taranaki backyard. The food is inspired by their Lebanese heritage.

Since we opened, our eatery has stood apart for its unique ‘slow food, served fast’ concept and distinctive style.

Our commitment to sustainability 

We never stop looking for ways to be more sustainable:

• We’re 100% single-use cup-free.

• We offer three plate sizes to ensure people are getting the quantity of food they need and discourage waste.

• We use no plastic in our takeaways and work constantly to reduce plastic in our system.

• We offer a $1 discount to people who bring their own takeaway containers.

• 100% of our food scraps go to feed local pigs.   

• We offer a $2 discount on all vegetarian and vegan plates on Mondays to encourage plant-based eating.

Read more about our sustainability journey

Wanaka’s best hospitality jobs? Join the Big Fig team

We employ baristas, servers, runners, chefs, preppers and kitchenhands (a.k.a. dishies).

Because we’re busy, we have lots of staff and positions coming up all the time. We like people who are hard-working and fun.

If that sounds like you, apply now using the button below.

FAQs

1. What are your opening hours?

We are open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Breakfast is served from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, lunch from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and dinner from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Coffee and baked goods are available all day.

2. Do you accept reservations?

No, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not take bookings. Just turn up and grab a table.

3. Where are you located?

We are on the lakefront at 105 Ardmore Street, Wanaka, New Zealand.

4. Do you offer takeaway options?

Yes, all our meals are available to both dine-in and takeaway.

5. What type of cuisine do you serve?

Our menu features 'slow food, served fast' with a modern Middle Eastern influence, including slow-cooked meats, vegetarian and vegan dishes, and fresh salads.

6. Are there vegan and vegetarian options available?

Yes, we offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. On Mondays, we provide a $2 discount on all vegetarian and vegan plates to encourage plant-based eating.

7. Do you provide catering services?

Yes, we offer delicious catering for groups of 12-100 people. We do everything from wedding catering to light lunches for meetings. Our catering is casual, so our chefs create your delicious meal and you do the rest.

You can pick up either hot and ready to eat, or chilled to reheat later in your own time. This casual approach is a great option for people who want tasty catering that’s also the most affordable.

All of our catering comes in returnable trays, bowls and crates.

If you want our family-style food and full-service, we partner with the excellent services of Sonya from Girl On The Ground who will bring her vast experience in full-service catering to your event. You can find out all about our menus and prices here.

8. How can I contact you?

You can reach us by phone at 03 443 5023 or by email at wanaka@bigfig.co.nz.

9. Do you have a rewards programme?

Yes, you can join our Big Fig Locals rewards programme and earn 1 point for every $1 you spend with us. You don’t even have to be a local. Joining is easy by following this link.

10. Are you committed to sustainability?

Absolutely. We are 100% single-use cup-free, use no plastic in our takeaways, offer discounts for customers bringing their own containers, and ensure all our food scraps feed local pigs. Read about our sustainability journey here.