Savouring Excellence! 8 Award-Winning Restaurants in Aotearoa.

Amisfield earned the prestigious worlds 50 best restaurants 2025, extended list, 2021 - 2023, 2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards Restaurant of the Year, along with 3 hats every year since 2019 at the Cuisine Good Food Awards. This remarkable achievement places it at the pinnacle of Aotearoa dining.

The Experience

Located 15 minutes from central Queenstown, in the picturesque Arrowtown, the restaurant offers breathtaking views over Lake Hayes with the Remarkables mountain range as a dramatic backdrop, all housed in an iconic stone building. The combination of exceptional wine, innovative cuisine, and stunning scenery creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Best For

Wine enthusiasts, special occasions, and those seeking the ultimate in fine dining with a view.

Located in Hotel Britomart, this seafood specialist recently was awarded a prestigious Michelin Key demonstrating consistent quality at the highest level.

The Experience

Kingi celebrates local, sustainably caught seafood that captures the essence of Aotearoa's oceans, dunes, river mouths and reefs. Located in Auckland's vibrant Britomart precinct, the restaurant offers all-day dining seven days a week.

Best For

Seafood lovers, sustainable dining advocates, and those seeking exceptional Auckland waterfront dining.

This Otago gem swept the 2024 Otago Hospitality Awards, winning Outstanding Restaurant, People's Choice, and Outstanding Establishments.

The Experience

Cucina creates a consistently comfortable environment where guests can appreciate Oamaru's finest fare, with a strong commitment to supporting local businesses and incorporating fresh, local produce.

Best For

Families, local produce enthusiasts, and those exploring the Otago region's culinary offerings.

Margot has won the Outstanding Restaurant Award at the Wellington Hospitality Awards! This prestigious recognition celebrates the team's dedication to exceptional dining and service, cementing Margot's place among Wellington's finest restaurants

The Experience

Husband-and-wife team Tom Adam (chef) and Juno Miers (front-of-house) helm this restaurant with rustic, European-inspired shared plates at the centre of a regularly changing menu focusing heavily on local produce. The warm, welcoming atmosphere features electrifying cocktails and a funky wine list that showcases Aotearoa's most exciting small producers.

Best For

Intimate dining, wine enthusiasts, those seeking European-style small plates, and anyone wanting an authentic Wellington neighborhood dining experience.

Cassia has consistently earned national award recognition and chef/ owner Sid Sahrawat is one of Aotearoa's most awarded Chefs - for his work at both The French Cafe and Cassia. This modern Indian restaurant represents culinary excellence with numerous accolades.

The Experience

Chef Sid Sahrawat marries creative culinary skills with traditional Indian dishes, presenting classic spice and flavor combinations reworked with contemporary and premium Aotearoa ingredients. Now located at SkyCity, Cassia offers intimate dining with plush interiors and maintains its reputation as Auckland's go-to for elevated authentic Indian cuisine.

Best For

Modern Indian cuisine enthusiasts, special occasions, shared-plate dining, and those seeking innovative fusion of traditional spices with Aotearoa ingredients.

Led by award-winning Aotearoa Chef Ben Bayly and Front of House professional Chris Martin, Ahi brings proven excellence to Auckland's Commercial Bay. The pedigree of its leadership team alone makes this a must-visit destination. Winning Restaurant of the year at the 2024 Cuisine Good Food Awards

The Experience

The restaurant's name translates from Te Reo Māori to mean Fire, reflecting both the kitchen's energy and the passion driving exceptional customer experiences where fine dining quality meets laid-back sophistication.

Best For

Business dining, special celebrations, and those seeking refined yet relaxed waterfront dining.

Terra dominated the Savour Northland 2024 awards as Overall Winner of the Savour Northland Challenge, Winner of Perfect Pairing, and Winner of Plated Produce – a triple crown achievement.

The Experience

This neighborhood eatery in Central Paihia offers amazing views over the Bay of Islands while showcasing passion for modern dining, global cooking techniques, food sustainability and the unique ingredients of the Far North.

Best For

Tourists exploring the Bay of Islands, food and wine pairing enthusiasts, and sustainable dining advocates.

Black Barn Bistro has been consistently recognized as a Hawke's Bay culinary icon. The restaurant has established itself as one of the region's premier dining destinations with its picturesque vineyard setting.

The Experience

An avenue of fig trees leads to this charming bistro gazing out over the vineyards and slopes of Hawke's Bay. The restaurant showcases seasonal, locally sourced produce with dishes that highlight the region's finest ingredients, all paired with Black Barn's award-winning wines. The cozy open fire, leather couches, and warm atmosphere create the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience.

Best For

Wine lovers, vineyard dining enthusiasts, special occasions, and those seeking the quintessential Hawke's Bay food and wine experience.