Rotorua
This unexpected and welcoming find in an industrial complex near Whakarewarewa keeps things simple – ciabatta sandwiches done well and a well-named 'long…
Must-see restaurants in New Zealand
Fiordland & Southland
Epic wraparound windows offer spectacular sea views from this swish restaurant by Stirling Point's signpost. Renowned Bluff oysters (or Pacific oysters…
Parnell & Newmarket
Marrying the flavours and shared dining style of Southeast Asian cuisine with an American approach to meat (smoky slow-cooked brisket, sticky short ribs…
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Short for Old Coach Road, OCR has limited opening hours but remains a favourite among locals and visitors. Burgers, sandwiches, salads and breakfasts are…
Central Otago
It's much cheaper to get a takeaway from this hip cafe in Bannockburn, like a spinach and feta roll with homemade chutney ($8). But you can also sit down…
Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter
A makeover in early 2019 incorporated a seafood-focused upscale food court and a relaxed courtyard bar with a good beer and wine selection. Dining options…
Nelson Region
An old Austin truck serves as the coffee station inside this hip, greenery-filled barbecue joint, where lamb and pork shoulders are grilled for 12 hours…
Taupo
Calling all carnivores! SMK slow-cooks beef brisket, pulled pork and shredded chicken on an American wood-fire smoker. It arrives with mac 'n' cheese,…
Napier
This stellar subcontinental outfit should really be charging more for its dishes than it does. Factor in one of the city's best selections of local Hawke…
Hamilton
Located northeast across the river in Claudelands, this farmers market is a Sunday-morning feast of local cheeses, baked goods and produce. A piping-hot…
Waiheke Island
Before school, after school, and on weekdays and weekends, Waiheke locals crowd Island Gelato's shipping-container garden for delicious ice cream, coffee…
Taupo
With a Tiffany-blue colour scheme, local products for sale and 'green dollars' for customers' excess fruit and vegetables, this cafe is all about…
Tauranga
This local legend sells fresh fish as well as frying up arguably Tauranga's best fish and chips – you can pick a fresh fillet yourself and have it cooked…
Coromandel Peninsula
Good coffee, fresh-fruit ice cream and burgers made from meat from local Hereford cattle are the standouts at this rustic self-described ‘farm shop’,…
Central Otago
Renowned throughout the lower South Island since 1959, Jimmy’s pastry delights are best just out of the oven. If you're at a loss about which of the 20…
Patrick's Pies Gold Star Bakery
Tauranga
Winner of NZ’s best pie seven years running. More than 30 types of pie are on offer – mince and cheese is perennially popular but we enjoyed the roast…
Hamilton
River Kitchen does things with simple style: great coffee, cakes, gourmet breakfasts and fresh seasonal lunches (angle for the baked eggs with chorizo)…
Napier
Pizza by the slice (or the whole big disc) comes hot and fresh from this great little art-deco nook, with a skinny wedge of a window seat and punky retro…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
One of Mt Eden's most loved cafes has been reborn after a stylish makeover. The coffee and cakes are still great – especially the baked New York…
Buller Region
Also known as the Broadway Tearooms, this wooden-floored bakery cafe gets by far the most daytime traffic in Reefton, whether for a freshly baked loaf,…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
This busy restaurant and bar in the former railway station celebrates a great location on the station platform with a relaxed ambience and a menu of…
Taupo
Run by two local sisters and operating out of an unobtrusive 1950s house, the Brantry reigns as arguably the best in the region for well-executed,…
Tauranga
In a wonderfully atmospheric 100-year-old boathouse at the end of the Strand, Harbourside is the place for a romantic dinner, with boats as neighbours and…
Coromandel Peninsula
Licensed and right by Waihi Beach, Flatwhite has a lively brunch menu, decent pizzas and flash burgers. Our favourite off the dinner menu is the dukkah…
Christchurch
Can't decide whether you want sushi, pizza or Thai for dinner? At Little High, you won't have to choose – this stylish and energetic food hall is home to…
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
The Powderkeg is the party bar of the Powderhorn Chateau, with DJs in winter and occasional dancing on the tables. Food-wise, it's also no slouch year…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
Traditional Italian flavours inspired by the cuisine of Bologna shine at this friendly neighbourhood eatery. Secure a table in the rear garden and feast…
Coromandel Peninsula
Sixfortysix does tasty counter food like baguettes crammed with hoisin pulled pork, as well as tasty lunch mains such as fish tacos and a prawn and…
North Auckland
Matakana's heritage pub features stylish decor, local wines and craft beers, and decent bistro food, sometimes including Mahurangi oysters. An American…
Wanaka
Far removed from the madding crowd, Gentil ticks plenty of boxes for a memorable night out. Expect a short, focused menu of delicious modern French…
Palmerston North
Yeda feels like an urban mess hall or uni cafeteria – a long, minimalist room packed with students, with easy-clean concrete floors. It covers all the…
The Wairarapa
A perennial local favourite, this airy Italian cafe has a sunny courtyard, great coffee and happy staff (always a good sign). Tasty, home-cooked food…
Rotorua
This slick, barn-like delicatessen-cum-cafe is perennially busy, and with good reason. Breakfasts run from potato waffles to slow-cooked chickpeas and the…
Takaka
Within the cavernous, brightly painted interior of this old theatre is a cabinet groaning under the weight of tempting savoury and sweet options. They…
Parnell & Newmarket
Renowned for some of Auckland's best homestyle baking, the sleek and modern Little & Friday is worth the 500m stroll from Newmarket's main shopping street…
Wellington
If this stretch of Aro St – and this long-running licensed cafe in particular – were any more photogenic it'd be a crime. Order from the cabinet or take a…
Waiheke Island
A wrought-iron-and-glass pavilion backed with a Gaudí-esque mosaic garden is the stage for a very entertaining troupe of servers who will guide you…
City Centre & Britomart
Mediterranean and regional Italian flavours are showcased at this stylish restaurant. Dishes are as artfully arranged as they are delicious, and much of…
Wellington
Buzzing to the point of mild chaos once the after-work crowd descends, this cavernous establishment occupies the gloriously renovated Huddart Parker…
Wanaka
This little organics store offers a healthy range of id-affirming soups, pizzas, muffins and juices. Not everything’s strictly vegetarian, with spiced…
