New Zealand's premier restaurants and wineries serve as showcase for the country's finest produce and unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Discover the flavours of Aotearoa New Zealand with this curated list of top restaurants from across the country.
Amisfield Restaurant might have been named by global food and wine experts as the number three restaurant in the world, but Executive Chef Vaughan Mabee believes it’s the local ingredients that are the star of the show. He sources from a select group of carefully chosen suppliers to create menus that read like poetry and dishes that look like works of art.
A genuine icon of Wellington’s dining scene, Logan Brown(opens in new window) has spent over 25 years consistently serving up the best food in Wellington. Their pāua ravioli (on the menu since day one) and roasted hapuku (a newcomer but here to stay) are their signature dishes, but the restaurant is continually innovating. Vinegar oyster mushrooms, burnt leek, pickled blueberry, bee pollen, black lime salt, yuzu cloud, dashi beurre blanc – the list of new ingredients is seemingly endless.
According to Chef Guilo Sturla, Mapu(opens in new window) restaurant is his test kitchen. This means no menus, no opening hours, and no expectations. Guilo gave up his award-winning restaurant 'Roots' and the managerial and marketing responsibilities that came along with it, so he could focus on what he loves: cooking. What he cooks is generally guided by what he’s grown or foraged. Previous meals have included clams with blackcurrant syrup, dry-aged moki in pinenut milk, and porcini gelato with kelp cream. Meals can be up to nine courses and will be like no other dining experience you’ve ever had.
For some, the restaurant’s unusual name, along with its peacock blue sofas and faintly distressed windows, are enough to spark more than mild curiosity. But these things are mere garnish for this temple of Auckland dining. Paris Butter's(opens in new window) legendary ‘evolution menu’ is degustation perfection, beginning with snacks (plural) and ending with desserts (plural) – all beautifully presented and carefully paced.
Taking the title of New Zealand’s best regional restaurant many times over, Pacifica(opens in new window) provides a definitive answer on the age-old question of what constitutes New Zealand cuisine. Their five-course degustation menu, emphasizing local ingredients, is unpretentious yet exquisite – you might say, you can't get more Kiwi than that.
New Zealand’s eight winegrowing regions each have unique soils and climatic conditions that are expressed in their wines. Here is a quick snapshot from some of the most popular regions.
Felton Road’s(opens in new window) organic and biodynamic wines continue to set the benchmark for the industry. Their cellar door is by appointment only, and in keeping with the tradition set by Europe’s old estates, it is free to attend.
This prestigious winery produces critically acclaimed Bordeaux reds with a price tag to match. Destiny Bay(opens in new window) is not open to the public, but they do offer tastings for those interested in becoming Patron Club members.
Established in 1896, Te Mata Estate(opens in new window) remains family-owned, producing internationally recognised wines from its Hawke's Bay vineyards. Their heritage tour offers the chance to meet the team, tour the vineyards, and enjoy a private tasting of their premium wines, including the Te Mata Estate Coleraine.
Bell Hill Wines(opens in new window) is a renowned winery in North Canterbury, known for its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Grown on an old limestone quarry, their wines reflect the unique terroir and are crafted using organic and biodynamic practices. While the winery is not open to the public, visits can be arranged by appointment, offering a rare insight into their meticulous winemaking process.
The restaurants and wineries listed above represent just a small selection of New Zealand's finest proprietors. For more information on what’s available, the sources below are great starting points.
For an extensive guide to New Zealand’s top restaurants, visit the Cuisine Good Food Guide(opens in new window). Produced by a panel of experts, restaurants are reviewed annually and awarded points based on food, service, beverages, and ambience.
Unlike their European counterparts, New Zealand’s wineries tend to be boutique, family-run startups. This means that – when it comes to New Zealand wineries, at least – the landscape is constantly innovating and changing. Selecting New Zealand’s top vineyards is a challenging and ongoing task; therefore, your best bet is to refer to the Real Review’s(opens in new window) top New Zealand wineries, which is updated annually.
For comprehensive information on New Zealand’s wineries, cellar doors, and winery accommodation options, visit New Zealand Wine(opens in new window).
