Rove Bar & Eatery — Restaurant in Otago

I discovered Barluga on my first visit to Wanaka last year and immediately fell in love with it. I love a good cocktail and I'm never disappointed at Barluga. It was the only place that I drank at last year and I've been looking forward to my return in February... Unsurprisingly again, I only drank there during the week I was there.

Barluga's got comfy couches, a fireplace inside and one outside as well, seating outside and you'll find bottles of champagne, wine and whisky along the walls in closed-off window shelves along the walls inside (I can't help but glance at the bottle of Laphroaig every once in while!)

Behind the bar, you'll find some really great people - Kenny, Stef and Tess are the ones that I've had the pleasure to meet and get to know.

I only met Kenny last year and guys, all jokes aside, he's one of the best bartenders I know - always up for a chat, fun to be around, knows his liqueur, really knows his liqueur!, never tires and always willing to talk and educate the ones interested about any alcohol-related topic. He's exhibits such a passion about his gig, it seems like he was born to do this.

Stef is a genuinely nice, lovely and super-friendly person and I found Tess to be funny as!

I heard that, due to the lack of clientele, the bar might be converted into a sports-bar. I, for one, will be extremely disappointed. Barluga is about providing a place for stylish and sophisticated individuals, couples, mates, girl friends to come in, sit down, grab a drink, relax and chill - A sports Bar certainly does not offer that!

So guys, give Barluga a try. Whenever you get a chance, pop in and grab a beer, a cocktail, a glass of wine, whisky or whatever works for you and say G'day to Kenny, Stef and Tess! You won't regret it.... Oh and did I mention that they've got awesome...

By far the best restaurant/pub in Wanaka! We had been walking in 30° with our dog, after our car had broke down, and we stumbled across the Rove. We were welcomed in and our dog was automatically brought water! The staff were super friendly and our food and drinks were brought to us straight away. A lot cheaper an a more chill environment as opposed to the places down by the waterfront....

LOVED IT!!! no where was open at 9.30pm...all kitchens everywhere was shut but when I called speights Ale house to check if they were still open, a lovely man told me about Rove and highly recommended it. Food was quick and hot. I rang and ordered ahead. The guy on the phone was cool as, really friendly and accommodating - giving me his recommendations etc. Will be back for sure! Thanks...