Wanaka’s Favourite Café & Restaurant
Famous for our scones, coffee, and all-day breakfast since 2010. We’ve built a space where locals feel at home and travellers feel instantly welcome. Tucked just off the beaten path at 47 Helwick Street, we serve locally sourced, ethically produced food, exceptional coffee, and genuine hospitality, with a deep affection for all things Wānaka.
Sit down, relax, and enjoy our table service.
All-Day Dining
Breakfast, Brunch & Lunch in Wanaka
Made with organic eggs, free-range meat, and locally sourced fresh produce, including from our very own Fed Alley Garden and trusted local producers. Our scones are world-famous in Wanaka: date or cheese, depending on your mood.
Breakfast
(from 7:00am)
From simple, satisfying egg-based plates to a more diverse range of morning flavours – there’s something for every appetite. Cabinet treats, croissants, and house-made baked goods are available to match your pace.
Brunch & Lunch
(11:30am–3:00pm)
Simple done well. Our lunch menu ranges from quick, satisfying bites to a more leisurely afternoon, with local wines, craft beers, and kombuchas for the driver.
Specialty Coffee
Our fully trained baristas are on hand to fuel your caffeine needs, whether that’s a flat white, a long black, or something a little more considered.
Proudly Local Since 2010 Part of Wanaka’s Heart
Federal Diner’s story begins in 2010, when we set out to create a welcoming hideaway where locals feel at home and travellers feel instantly embraced. Tucked down an alley in Wānaka, we quickly became known for warm hospitality, exceptional coffee, and ethically sourced, locally inspired food.
We built a space grounded in community, serving seasonal dishes made with organic eggs and free-range meats, while fostering the kind of genuine connections that keep people coming back. Over the years, Federal Diner has grown into a beloved Wanaka institution: laid-back, heartfelt, and proudly local – where good food and good people come together every day./
What Makes Us Different.
Organic eggs & free-range meats in every dish
Own garden produce from the Fed Alley Garden Project
Single-use cup free – SUC Free Wānaka
Staff who know your name and your coffee order
Part of The Fed Group – Wanaka hospitality at its best
Good Food, Good Values
Federal Diner’s sustainability journey is rooted in local sourcing, environmental responsibility, and genuine community collaboration. We grow some of our own produce through the Fed Alley Garden Project and partner with nearby suppliers to reduce our carbon footprint.
We’re proud participants in the SUC Free Wānaka movement, eliminating single-use cups and championing reusable alternatives across our café. By using organic eggs, free-range meats, and seasonal ingredients, we strengthen local food resilience while serving fresher, more ethical meals every day.
You can also find us at Wanaka’s Festival of Colour, supporting local arts and community life beyond the café walls.
Don’t Just Take Our Word for It
“A busy place but they seated us quickly and service was fast and friendly. Really enjoyed the El Huevo Loco and Bacon and Egg Butty. The Bounty Smoothie was fire! Highly recommend trying this place for breakfast.”
Find Us in the Heart of Wanaka
We’re tucked down an alley just off the main strip, a short stroll from the lake and well worth finding. Look for the signs on Helwick Street and follow your nose.
Opening Hours
Monday – Sunday 7:00am – 3:00pm
Breakfast Service From 7:00am
Lunch Service From 11:30am – 3:00pm
Christmas Day Closed
Boxing Day Closed
New Year’s Day Closed
No bookings required, we welcome walk-ins and run a waitlist on busy days.
Get in Touch
Have a question? Want to enquire about private hire or a function? We’d love to hear from you. Please note: We don’t take bookings for regular dining, walk-ins only.
Hosting a Function or Private Event in Wanaka?
Federal Diner is available for private hire and group functions: perfect for birthdays, corporate events, and special celebrations. We offer our space for evening events and can help you plan something truly memorable.
Explore More
Our Menu
Private Hire & Functions
Gift Vouchers
Sustainably-Fed
The Fed Group