Whanganui
The counter at Ambrosia is full of fab pies and quiches (not to mention cinnamon scrolls!) or you can order something from the kitchen – perhaps a vegan …
Must-see restaurants in New Zealand
Christchurch
Polished concrete, reclaimed timber tables, hanging plants and floor-to-ceiling windows give this cafe in the upcoming St Asaph/Welles St precinct an…
Wellington
Enigmatic Enigma is the pick of the late-night coffee haunts around Courtenay Pl – a grungy, weathered, lived-in and loved-in cafe serving bagels, lasagne…
Parnell & Newmarket
Catering to Francophile foodies, this warehouse stocks French imports and has a patisserie-laden cafe. During the weekend farmers markets, this cigale …
City Centre & Britomart
Tucked away at the rear of the Elliott Stables food court, this excellent Indian eatery serves lip-smacking curries (Kerala beef, coconut lamb shank, …
Bay of Islands
This waterfront bistro is mostly popular for its location right on the water's edge. The menu ranges from breakfast to burgers, plus wines and craft beers…
Bay of Plenty
Don’t come for the decor – it feels a bit like sitting in a community art gallery – but do come to experience seasonal produce creatively transformed into…
Bay of Plenty
At this classic French cafe you’ll be greeted with a bonjour, then a menu of crêpes and a display cabinet of croissants and apple-and-blue-cheese tartines…
Central Otago
Round the back of a fruit-and-veg shed, this outdoor kitchen will smoke your meal in an old French-oak pinot-noir wine barrel and serve it with a tasty…
Bay of Plenty
This retro-fitted cafe serves up robust homemade burgers, toasties, steak sandwiches and salads, with guest appearances by the likes of pulled-pork pita…
North Island
Despite its insalubrious location in a car park near the mall, this breezy modern pub is a good place to drink, watch the rugby or catch a band. The food…
Blenheim
The humble pie rises to stratospheric heights at this fabulous bakery-deli on Blenheim's rural fringes; try the pork-belly or steak and blue cheese, or…
Dunedin & Otago
Midori, housed in a heritage stone building, serves sashimi and sushi that make the most of fresh local seafood. Other carefully prepared dishes include…
North Auckland
Decked out with quirky NZ-themed art – mostly for sale – this cafe serves excellent coffee, robust eggy breakfasts and delicious homestyle baking…
Central Otago
Carrick's stylish restaurant opens out on to a terrace and lush lawns. The seasonal menu features excellent share platters and is a pleasurable complement…
Coromandel Peninsula
Views of the Whitianga marina – including the sleepy ferry crossing to Ferry Landing – provide the backdrop for relaxed but stylish dining. In summer the…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Don't be put off by the fluorescent lighting and the lunch-bar feel; this unassuming restaurant is one of Dargaville's best. The flavour-filled Northern…
Palmerston North
A wonderful option for Japanese in Palmy. The all-wooden interior gives the place a warm and rustic vibe, but the food is nothing but meticulous. The…
Auckland Region
Located amid the heritage vibe of Lopdell House, Deco's decor channels a Turkish ambience, while the menu combines Anatolian classics with a broader…
Queenstown
Who knew a burger joint could ever be a destination restaurant? Such are the queues at Fergburger that it often looks like an All Blacks scrum out the…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
Pan-Asian shared plates at the stylish Xoong include smoked salmon in a Vietnamese-style curry, Wagyu beef with Thai basil, and kimchi dumplings with…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
A switched-on young couple have enlivened this main-street cafe. Hearty quiche and homemade pies are served with chips and salad, while eggs Benedict…
Bay of Islands
This unassumingly looking family-friendly restaurant delivers when it comes to delicious pizzas (gluten-free available) topped fresh produce and free…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Very pleasant daytime cafe in the heritage surroundings of the Te Aroha Domain. Definitely worth a stop for coffee and cake even if you’re only passing…
Bay of Islands
The interior of this winery restaurant is large and featureless so opt for the covered terrace at the rear, which has wonderful views over the vines and a…
Takaka
Sweet-toothed travellers should start their days with a chocolate-and-almond croissant at this cute little shop, where all the chocolate truffles,…
The West Coast
Kids will love peering through the glass at the beehive in this large deli-style cafe, while their parents occupy themselves in the separate cheese room…
Palmerston North
Bring your future husband or wife for taste of Kerala right on The Square, with fun, un-Bollywood decor (love the coconut wall) and aromatic food. You'll…
Bay of Plenty
Breezy Bluebiyou is a casual, maritime-styled bistro riding high on the dunes and serving big brunches and a mix of meaty and fishy dishes. The beer…
Bay of Islands
This excellent Chilean-owned cafe has the best coffee in town and terrific breakfast burritos, tacos and baked-egg dishes, such as spicy huevos rancheros…
Auckland Region
Less a cafe and more a food truck with an awning, Bethells Cafe does a roaring trade in burgers (beef and vegetarian), pizza, cakes and coffee. On Friday…
Palmerston North
This bright cafe is also a registered charity that teaches 12 to 19-year-olds how to cook nutritious and sustainable food. One hundred per cent vegan, the…
Queenstown
If gluttony is a sin, this Devil is doing its job, with 18 burgers coming in sizes regular and large. Wraps include the hangover-busting 'Walk of Shame',…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Rolled-to-order sushi, udon noodles and donburi rice bowls, all with a touch of hip Hawaiian-Japanese surfer style. Check out the great selection of…
Christchurch
Spread across two rooms of a restored old post office building, this popular cafe is a great spot for all-day brunches, spectacular salads and excellent…
Banks Peninsula
On SH75 between Christchurch and Akaroa, the flourishing settlement of Little River is home to this fantastic combo of contemporary art gallery, shop and…
Central Otago
International dishes are whipped up here, including in the traditional wood-fire oven, but Paulina particularly showcases her South American heritage with…
Queenstown & Wanaka
Tucked behind the post office, this little gem does a brilliant job of bringing the bold flavours and late-dining habits of Spain to sleepy little…
Nelson
Located upstairs in the State Cinemas complex, this Italian-run joint turns out the town's best pizza. Thin, crispy, authentic and delicious, with some…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Delicious cakes and good-quality coffee are on the menu at this local favourite, tucked away off the main street. Power up with a huge High Country…
