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?

Big Fig is all about soulful food with a home-cooking vibe. Our dishes include slow-cooked meats, gratins, pilafs, tagines, fresh salads and many vegetarian and vegan dishes, with a modern Middle Eastern influence.

6. Are there vegan and vegetarian options available?

Yes, we offer many and varied 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, family-style catering for groups of 12-100 people. We cater any event, from wedding catering, to special occasion dinners, to light lunches for meetings.

Big Fig catering menus are versatile and affordable, and feature the delicious dishes that our modern Middle-Eastern cafe is famed for. Our catering services cover every kind of event including weddings, parties and family celebrations and we give you the option of casual self-catering or full-service.

All of our catering is low-waste and 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?

For business or job enquiries email wanaka@bigfig.co.nz, if you need to contact the eatery the number is 03 443 0423.

9. Do you have a rewards programme?

Yes, we have thousands of people in our Big Fig Locals rewards programme earning 1 point for every $1 they spend with us. Joining is easy by following this link and you don’t even have to be a local.

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 takeaway containers, and we have no food waste - all food scraps feed local pigs. Read about our sustainability journey here.