Popina

The story

Popina Dining in Wanaka | Modern New Zealand Kitchen

The Kitchen Philosophy

Popina brings a refined New Zealand kitchen to the quiet hills above Wanaka. The Queensberry location opened in 2026 as a dedicated space for slow dining. The kitchen focuses on straightforward preparation that lets regional ingredients speak without heavy manipulation. Staff treat every guest like a neighbour rather than a transaction.

Shareable Plates and Local Produce

The menu centres on generous portions designed for sharing among groups or families. Diners commonly order the smoked local salmon alongside the charcoal grilled lamb shoulder, accompanied by warm focaccia and house pickled vegetables. The Cuisine Good Food Guide recently highlighted this spot as a destination, noting how the tightly curated selections pair well with the surrounding landscape. This approach to Kiwi cooking keeps the focus squarely on texture and provenance.

Architecture and Daylight Views

The building itself was constructed specifically to capture the rolling farmland stretching toward the mountains. Floor to ceiling glazing floods the dining room with natural light throughout the afternoon hours. Visitors frequently note how the structural lines complement the surrounding vineyards and orchards. The layout keeps sightlines open while maintaining comfortable spacing, which suits this relaxed style of rural dining.