2 Mile Bay Sailing Centre Cafe & Bar
Taupo
There’s nowhere more lakefront than this Two Mile Bay cafe-cum-pizzeria-cum-bar that's as chilled as the lake (and the Bob Marley tunes). The main dining…
Must-see restaurants in New Zealand
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
Perched at the top of the Sky Waka gondola is this gathering of three eateries – NZ's highest restaurants – including the food-truck-style Four Peaks…
Gisborne
One of Gisborne's best restaurants, the Marina offers casual bistro-style lunches and formal fine-dining dinners, all with a Gallic accent. The building…
Fiordland & Southland
A heritage building and quirky backstory lift Buster Crabb above the ordinary. Named after a British navy frogman who was supposedly spirited away to join…
North Island
This is heaven for vegans, the gluten-free inclined, health conscious and environmentally aware. In winter, raw sweets and salads are complemented by a…
Lake Taupo Region
With lake and mountain views, Oreti restaurant could get away with average food. But the kitchen doesn't compromise, serving fun filo pastry–wrapped…
Gisborne
Serving pizzas out of a converted shipping container north of the river, Neighbourhood Pizzeria draws loyal locals for the East Coast's best pizzas…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
The decor is a tad stark at this spacious upstairs eatery, but a friendly local welcome and plenty of Waikato sunshine easily counter any misgivings about…
Nelson Region
Relocated from its original location after a 2016 fire at the Waimea winery, Cellar Door is a very popular eatery near the rural town of Richmond. The all…
Lake Taupo Region
Destination dining with a view across Lake Taupō and a menu that stays faithful to its favourites: generous pastas, salads, chowder, pan-fried snapper…
Palmerston North
There's a definition of the noun 'farmer' on the wall at this restaurant and bar: 'someone who is outstanding in their field'. And while they may not take…
North Island
Snare a seat in the large conservatory or garden bar at this uptempo, family-friendly cafe-bar – a sunny spot for an afternoon wine or ale, with live…
Hastings & Around
Bright pink with candy stripes, chandeliers and mismatched furniture, cheeky Pipi thumbs its nose at small-town conventionality. The food focus is on…
Coromandel Peninsula
Ohinemuri Estate Winery has Latvian-influenced architecture and serves excellent lunches: shared platters, seafood, soups and vegetarian dishes all…
Taupo
You know you're onto a good thing when the cabinet items – ham, cheese and asparagus vol-au-vents, keto rolls, corn fritters piled high, bacon scrolls –…
Wellington
This consistent culinary star – alongside the Embassy Theatre and perfect for a pre- or post-movie dinner – serves simple, seasonal fare using premium…
Napier
Operated as a Kiwi diner serving steak and seafood for many decades, the National Cafe was reopened in 2017 by descendants of the original Greek owners. A…
The Wairarapa
The ecofriendly sentiments in Avatar weren't an aberration for director James Cameron: the Wairarapa local is a committed vegan, and this health-food…
Gisborne
Alongside the Gisborne Wine Centre, this bistro combines culinary smarts and international flavours with an interesting harbourside locale. Good-value…
Napier
Recently judged NZ'S top restaurant by Cuisine magazine, Pacifica showcases chef Jeremy Rameka's affinity with kai moana (seafood) and traditional meats…
The Great Coast Road
In summer, a food and craft market unfolds in a jaw-dropping location beneath overhanging cliffs 12km north of Punakaiki (follow signs to Fox River car…
Wanaka
An unexpectedly good caffeine oasis in a new residential development at the foot of Mt Iron. The coffee is good and the quinoa kumara fritters with…
New Plymouth
Beside the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, this all-day diner is homey despite its contemporary interior. Perhaps it's seeing handmade pasta…
Wanaka
Wood, corrugated iron and jute-cladding create a rustic feel – part barn, part farmhouse kitchen – for this edge-of-town gourmet provedore. Call in for…
East Cape
This well-run pub with cracker ocean views is a cornerstone of the community, keeping everyone fed and watered (good burgers), and offering visitors a…
Hastings & Around
Occupying a high-ceilinged heritage building – formerly the HB Electric Power Board – our favourite Hastings cafe serves up sophisticated breakfasts and…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
An easy 300m stroll from Morningside train station, this former curtain factory is now a versatile eating and drinking destination. Highlights include…
Taupo
Bistro is in danger of underselling itself with its ‘simple but nice’ strapline, given its ability to turn local and seasonal produce into creations such…
Queenstown
Forget seasonal menus and daily specials; this tried-and-trusted Queenstown stalwart has been dishing up an unchanged menu of pizza and spaghetti for four…
Rotorua
This gourmet 'hamburgeria' slaps together a dozen burgers with global flavours, such as the Saigon Smile (pork crackling, pickled carrot, Vietnamese slaw)…
Lake Taupo Region
One of the best cafes in Tūrangi is a tiny room behind a tackle shop with gear aplenty. On native rimu-wood tables, you can tuck into the likes of a…
New Plymouth
Push your way through the little red door on King St, around the corner from Frederic's gastro-bar, and head upstairs for some hand-picked, dry-aged cuts…
Queenstown & Wanaka
An open kitchen occupies an entire wall of this relaxed Japanese restaurant in the heart of Millbrook Resort. Alongside the greatest hits of Japanese…
Nelson Region
Formerly called Shoreline, this cafe-restaurant near the beach has re-emerged as Kai, a modern and stylish bistro. Breakfast and lunch options include…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
A spin-off from central Auckland's excellent Brothers Beer craft-beer bar, Juke Joint BBQ serves up Southern US–style barbecue in a hip renovated…
Queenstown
Despite being located at the heart of a faux-Tudor resort, this restaurant and bar is an unexpected oasis of cool that's well worth the 3km schlep from…
Gisborne
The creaky old grandeur of the Poverty Bay Club for gentlemen (1874) is reason enough to visit; appealing counter food, all-day brunch, pizzas, blackboard…
Franz Josef Glacier
Piling on the charm with its faux-Tudor decor, Alice May is the classiest restaurant in town. Sure, the menu includes meaty NZ favourites, but they…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Craft beers from the Mackenzie Country's Burkes Brewing Co partner a seasonal menu including platters and pizza at this cosmopolitan spot in Lake Tekapo's…
The West Coast
Purists might balk at flavour combos like smoked chicken and apricot, but Fat Pipi bakes Hokitika's best pizza. There are versions for veggies and gluten…
