Bay of Plenty
Pronto's menu of gourmet burgers reads like it belongs in a bistro: chicken parmigiana, herb-grilled chicken salad, scotch and bacon, pulled pork… The…
Must-see restaurants in New Zealand
Queenstown
The Hilton sprawls along the lakeside by the Kawarau River outlet, and part of the fun of visiting its signature restaurant is the ferry ride. As the name…
Christchurch
The small-scale, corner C-lab is hooked on coffee, but also cooks up delicious brunches like brioche French toast, house-smoked salmon or chipotle pulled…
Wellington
Perpetually brimming with cool cats, Sweet Mother’s serves tasty takes on the Deep South, such as burritos, gumbo, pulled-pork po’boys, jambalaya, grilled…
Wellington
Yes, it's another Wellington craft-beer bar, but this one is just as much about good food as the good stuff in your glass. Roll up for some baked eggs and…
Fiordland & Southland
The motor inn's cafe serves substantial meals (pizzas, schnitzels, venison stew and a token vegie dish) with a generous side order of lake views from the…
Christchurch
Dark wood, gold tiles and purple skull-patterned wallpaper fill this hip restaurant and cocktail bar with just the right amount of sinister opulence. The…
Dunedin
In the heart of Dunedin's warehouse precinct, Vogel St Kitchen offers smashing breakfasts and wood-fired pizzas in a cavernous two-storey red-brick…
Nelson Region
This relaxed cafe-bistro is a versatile slice of cosmopolitan cool. Kick off with eggs Benedict for brunch, before returning at dinner for fish and chips,…
Palmerston North
Simple, fresh, authentic Japanese food cooked by Atsushi Taniyama in an unpretentious suburban house with empty sake bottles lining the window sills. All…
Central Otago
Formerly a general store and butcher, this heritage building has been sensitively transformed into a humdinger of a cafe-restaurant. Exposed stone walls…
Buller Region
Way up at the northern end of the main Palmerston St strip, this smart bistro serves cooked breakfasts on the weekends, along with the usual pubby bistro…
Rotorua
Italian restaurants bookend Eat Streat, but Leonardo’s is our favourite. The wine list is good and while the menu has few surprises – arancini, carbonara,…
Christchurch & Canterbury
A deservedly popular roadside stop, this bright, friendly cafe in Leithfield (south of Amberley) serves delicious bakery fare, like gourmet sausage rolls…
Blenheim
Located in the thick of Renwick wine country, Marlborough's most lauded restaurant focuses on local produce fashioned into top-notch contemporary dishes…
Bay of Islands & Northland
It's well worth a trip to the suburbs to seek out this cheerful and relaxed restaurant, popular with Thai expats for its authentic flavours, gutsy…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
The service is first-rate at this modern, upmarket restaurant, which introduces Asian flavours to predominantly French- and Italian-style bistro dishes…
Nelson
Nelson's resident Scandinavian baker serves up delicious breads, pastries, cakes and small chocolate treats in this bijou bakery cafe. The freshly filled…
Nelson
This saffron-coloured Edwardian bungalow houses a convivial Indian restaurant serving impressive interpretations of standards such as tandoori chicken,…
Coromandel Peninsula
In summer everyone wants a garden table at this excellent cafe. For a lazy brunch, try the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or the legendary Big Breakfast…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Stylish Kiwiana decor combines with good coffee at this appealing place attached to the tourist office. Grab a table on the expansive deck and tuck into…
Auckland
Run by a charming pair of sisters, Siostra is the perfect little neighbourhood bistro, serving up hearty Italian fare with a modern sensibility…
Blenheim
Injecting a little Latin passion into the Blenheim dining scene, Gramado's is a fun place to tuck into unashamedly hearty meals such as lamb assado,…
Christchurch
Despite being hidden away in suburbia, this acclaimed Japanese restaurant has a loyal following, so it's wise to book. Tuck into the likes of sashimi,…
Dunedin
Authentic kebabs, dips and salads are on the menu at this long-running Dunedin favourite. It's a top place for takeaways, and most nights the spacious and…
Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel Town’s most upmarket option dishes up generously proportioned meals with an emphasis on local seafood. On a summer’s evening, the courtyard…
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Chateau Tongariro's elegant and formal à la carte restaurant, with white tablecloths and chandeliers. Bookings are recommended and the dress code excludes…
Bay of Islands & Northland
This cafe, high above Helena Bay, is one of the main stops on this route. Offering excellent organic fair-trade coffee, scrummy cakes until close, and…
Kaikoura
Beachy artwork fills the walls of this cosy cottage cafe but, despite the name, it's on the highway with no water in sight. Choose between tasty muffins…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Slightly north of Waipara township, one of the valley's oldest vineyards has a fine line in righteous rieslings. The casual cafe serves platters and…
The Wairarapa
Housed in a 1920s cottage abutting the Cobblestone Museum, Schoc sells a wide range of truffles in unusual flavours (mango cardamom, pinot noir, caramel…
The Far North
Start the day with a cooked breakfast and Ahipara's best coffee on the sunny front deck of this relaxed little cafe. Come back at lunch for a burger, fish…
Auckland
Sophisticated cafe fare combined with excellent views of Takapuna Beach ensure that this cafe constantly buzzes. If you can’t snaffle a table, grab an…
Dunedin
This funky little place with mismatched formica tables, plastic animal heads, and lounge chairs for slouching in is popular with students and those who…
Bay of Islands
Northland’s best falafels, lamb shawarma (kebab) and meze platters, all served with a smile and a social vibe. Most mains come with rice, pitta bread,…
Bay of Islands
Bagels, baguettes and croissants all feature with the best coffee in town at this compact spot one block back from the waterfront. Beans are locally…
Queenstown
Pitching itself as both heavenly and devilish, Halo is a stylish, sunny place that effortlessly blurs the line between breakfast, lunch and dinner. The…
Taranaki & Whanganui
Well above the high-tide mark on Oākura's main street, boho little High Tide offers superfresh cabinet fare – maybe a smoked-salmon croissant or some…
Rotorua
Our pick of the global selection of ethnic eateries along Tutanekai St, the Thai overcomes an unimaginative name with excellent service and top-notch…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Polished timber and leadlight windows lend atmosphere to this conservative but reliable local favourite. Highlights include good coffee, hearty all-day…
