Around the World in 6 Plates: International Dining in New Zealand

Your destination: Thailand — in the heart of Northland

There’s a very good reason Suk Jai Thai Restaurant sits at number one on TripAdvisor in Whangarēi: the food is simply outstanding. Operating for over 15 years in the Kensington neighbourhood, Suk Jai is the only restaurant in Northland to have been awarded the prestigious Thai Select Premium Award from the Prime Minister of Thailand — not once, but twice. This internationally recognised accolade is reserved for Thai restaurants outside Thailand that serve authentic cuisine of the very highest standard.

The menu showcases the full breadth of Thai cooking — from fragrant curries and stir-fries to fresh seafood dishes, rice and noodle classics, and beautiful vegetarian and vegan options. The waitstaff dress in traditional Thai clothing, adding to the warm, genuine hospitality that keeps locals and visitors coming back again and again. With outdoor seating available, it’s a wonderful spot to linger over a meal on one of Northland’s glorious days.

Perfect for: Anyone visiting Northland, lovers of authentic Thai cuisine, groups, and diners who appreciate internationally recognised quality.

Your destination: Osaka — in a Queenstown laneway

There's something deeply satisfying about stumbling upon a great restaurant down a laneway — and that's exactly the Tanoshi experience. Tucked into Cow Lane in the heart of Queenstown, Tanoshi channels the energy and informality of Osaka's backstreet dining scene, serving up tapas-style Japanese dishes in a setting that's as fun as it is delicious.

Open for both lunch and dinner, the menu celebrates Japanese comfort food at its finest: don buri, okonomiyaki, ramen, and teppan grill favourites. The drinks list features Japanese sake, whisky, and Japanese lagers on tap. It's the kind of place where you order more than you planned, because everything looks too good to miss.

Tanoshi has been recognised at the Southern Lakes Hospitality Awards for Outstanding Chef — testament to the genuine quality behind the casual atmosphere.

Perfect for: Casual dinners, groups, families, and anyone wanting an authentic Japanese food experience in the South Island.

Your destination: Italy — on the shores of Nelson's Tahunanui Beach

Locally owned and operated, La Farina is Nelson's go-to for authentic Italian done with real heart. Everything is made on the premises using locally supplied ingredients — including flour that is 100% NZ grown and South Island milled from pure non-GM wheat. The centrepiece of the kitchen is a genuine Italian wood-fired oven, fed by clean-burning native wood, which gives every pizza and pasta that unmistakable depth of flavour you just can't replicate any other way.

Situated in the heart of Tahunanui Beach, the setting is as inviting as the menu. The drinks list is equally considered — award-winning wines sourced from Nelson's best local vineyards, and craft beers brewed right here in the region on tap. Gluten-free options are available, and takeaway is on offer for those evenings when the beach is calling.

La Farina is the kind of place that makes a visit to Nelson feel complete — casual, local, and genuinely delicious.

Perfect for: Families, couples, beach-goers, pizza lovers, and anyone who appreciates locally sourced Italian done properly.

Your destination: Mexico — in the heart of Otautahi

Bright, bold, and full of energy — Mexicano's brings the heart and soul of Mexico to Christchurch's Victoria Street. Billing itself as the most vibrant and authentic Mexican restaurant in the city, this is the spot to come when you want bold flavours, great cocktails, and a dining atmosphere that feels like a celebration from the moment you walk in.

The menu is a love letter to Mexican cuisine — fresh, memorable, and made to be shared. Expect everything from tacos and nachos to more substantial mains, all bursting with flavour. The cocktail list is equally impressive. With the option to book for private functions, it's a fantastic choice for any occasion that calls for something a little fiesta.

Pro tip: Mexicano's also runs Taco Tuesday, for those midweek cravings that simply cannot wait until the weekend.

Perfect for: Groups, birthday celebrations, casual dinners, and anyone craving authentic Mexican flavours in the South Island's largest city.

Your destination: Greece — in a Wellington suburb

The name Oikos (pronounced "ee-kos") means family, house, and home in Greek — and that's exactly the spirit you'll find at this beloved Miramar restaurant. Owner-chef Theo Papouis grew up in Wellington dreaming of opening a Greek restaurant, and what he's created is one of the capital's most warmly loved dining destinations.

Using a mix of New Zealand and Greek ingredients, the menu celebrates fresh, rustic Greek food executed with real passion and care. The sharing-plate format encourages the communal spirit that is central to Greek dining culture — order up big and let the table fill with colour and flavour. Must-try dishes include the slow-cooked Kleftiko lamb shoulder, sesame-crusted feta with honey and thyme, and the tahini dip served with warm homemade pita bread. For dessert, the yoghurt with berries, rosewater, white chocolate, and candied walnuts is absolutely worth saving room for.

Oikos has become a destination restaurant that Wellingtonians happily travel to the suburbs for — and once you've been, you'll understand exactly why.

Perfect for: Groups, special occasions, wine lovers, and anyone who loves communal, soul-warming shared dining.

Your destination: Japan — in the heart of Hawke's Bay

Tucked down a laneway off Joll Road in Havelock North, Piku is the only izakaya-style Japanese restaurant and cocktail bar in Hawke's Bay — and it's become one of the region's most celebrated dining experiences. Piku has earned its reputation through exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a drinks programme that's every bit as impressive as the menu.

The menu is designed for sharing across two beautiful courses. Crowd favourites include the Wagyu Meatballs, Spicy KO Tempura Chicken, Sashimi Platter, and the famous Volcano Roll. The cocktail bar is equally impressive — including Piku's very own Yuzu Gin, crafted using locally grown Hawke's Bay fruit. Feeling adventurous? Try the Leap of Faith mystery cocktail and trust the bartender to surprise you.

For a regional gem that punches well above its weight, Piku is absolutely worth booking ahead for — and that's a tip worth heeding, as tables fill weeks in advance.

Perfect for: Couples, groups, Hawke's Bay visitors, and anyone who believes great Japanese food belongs everywhere — not just the big cities.