Wānaka restaurateur Francesca Voza has taken on her next project: a grand manor in Christchurch which will host a fine dining restaurant.

Francesca’s New Zealand food journey began in 2010 when she arrived in Wānaka with just $600 in her pocket but lots of big plans. 

She started out with Franceca’s food truck, which expanded into a restaurant which has become a Wānaka mainstay.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19 Francesca’s one of five restaurants from around the country to be named a finalist in the ‘Best Restaurant’ category at the Hospitality Awards for Excellence.

“We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Wānaka locals during the last year,” Francesca told the Wānaka App.

Francesca will create Miro at the Manor at Eliza’s Manor in Christchurch. PHOTO: Supplied

She expanded into Christchurch with a second Francesca’s restaurant, and later, a fine dining restaurant called Miro, among other new restaurants. 

Francesca and her team are now planning to open Miro at the Manor.  

“We fell in love with the history of the building,” Francesca told the Wānaka App. 

Eliza’s Manor was once the home of prominent business and councilmen and their families; was rented as a boarding house for St Margaret’s College; used as a private maternity and general hospital; and in 1981, it was converted into a bed and breakfast.

Francesca said the building had an amazing past “and we want to make sure this isn’t forgotten”.

“We want this to be a venue for all of New Zealand to visit and appreciate the stunning history of the place.”