Bay of Islands
With hilltop views over the turquoise waters of the Bay of Islands, this winery restaurant overlooking manicured lawns is worth the drive. A limited mains…
Must-see restaurants in New Zealand
Auckland
Mission Bay has long been a mediocre dining destination, but this recent opening in the heritage Melanesian Mission building is definitely worth the…
Auckland
Part of the Whoa! Studios complex in Henderson, the Grounds has pulled off the trick of being equally attractive to children and their parents. Handmade…
Nelson Region
The art-bedecked interior of this popular place opens on to an outdoor terrace with distracting views. Seafood is showcased on the menu, including kokoda…
Coromandel Peninsula
Repurposed timber and corrugated iron feature at this rustic but chic vineyard en route from Hahei to Ferry Landing. Seafood, cheese and charcuterie…
Hastings & Around
This authentic American barbecue joint a couple of kilometres north of Hastings conjures up a Mex-Tex rancho vibe with Spanish hacienda architecture,…
New Plymouth
Worth visiting for a fancier dinner, Table at Nice Hotel consists of a lush dining space with opulent furniture, a New York–style bar (open 3pm until late…
Queenstown
Gantley's French-influenced menu and highly regarded wine list justify the 7km journey from Queenstown. The atmospheric dining experience is showcased in…
Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty
Okere Falls, 20km northeast of Rotorua, is a rafting town, so it's not just the fridge full of craft beers that's chilled out here. The food at this store…
Auckland
Housed in a high-ceilinged, heritage former post office, Kokako is one of Auckland's best vegetarian and vegan cafes. Cold brew and organic nitro coffee…
Napier
Bistronomy is proof that NZ's regional restaurants can create high-end cuisine just as well as the spiffy eateries in Auckland, Wellington and…
Queenstown
Elegant without being stuffy, the small bar attached to Eichardt's Private Hotel is a wonderful refuge from the buzz of the streets. The breakfast menu is…
Dunedin
A prime position overlooking St Clair Beach is only the beginning at this relaxed Italian cafe-restaurant from the same team as No 7 Balmac. Drop in…
Taranaki & Whanganui
Plenty of timber, foliage and conical straw light fittings lend a tropical feel to this Asian fusion restaurant. Owned by the same people behind Hour…
North Island
Covering a lot of bases (cafe, bar, restaurant, takeaway joint), black-painted Pram Beach is a newcomer to the Paraparaumu waterfront, facing off with the…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
A tasty work-in-progress – new eateries are also scheduled to open – the K'Road Food Workshop combines an interesting mix of good-value gourmet flavours…
Christchurch
This health-and-wellbeing complex – occupying the repurposed industrial warehouses of the Welder – combines a yoga studio and plenty of opportunities for…
Hamilton
Simple, sophisticated Palate has a well-deserved reputation for lifting the culinary bar across regional NZ. The innovative menu features hearty…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Relocated in late 2019 to include an excellent cafe and boutique accommodation, Barker's is a long-standing producer of favourite fruity preserves,…
Auckland
Easily reached by bus from midtown Auckland, this brick-lined laneway off Takapuna's main shopping street features cool eateries serving up everything…
Coromandel Peninsula
In a historic cottage 2km from central Tairua, the TBC combines a rustic Kiwiana vibe with a focus on sustainable produce and ingredients from the…
Whanganui
Inside a gorgeous old Whanganui red-brick building, Big Orange is a babbling espresso bar serving gourmet burgers, big breakfasts, muffins, cakes and…
Nelson
Addictive burgers with international flavours partner with craft beer, wine and cocktails at this recent opening on Nelson's Trafalgar St eating and…
Christchurch & Canterbury
The town centre's best cafe serves up big breakfasts including waffles with bacon and maple syrup, and Middle Eastern-inspired shakshuka baked eggs. For…
Waiheke Island
Poderi Crisci has quickly gained a sterling reputation for its food, particularly its legendary four-hour lunches on Sundays ($70 per person). Italian…
Fiordland & Southland
Pretty ceramics, a warm terracotta colour scheme and a European soundtrack establish Suzie's Iberian tone. The wine list is Kiwi-dominated with a few…
Buller Region
Check out this retro yellow-and-white caravan for tasty burgers made with sourdough ciabatta buns and crammed with vegan ingredients including spiced soy…
New Plymouth
Inside what was once the Salvation Army Citadel, this on-trend restaurant is filled with neon charm and taxidermy...but you can sidestep the hanging pigs'…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Located upstairs in the Onerahi Yacht Club, around 10km from central Whangārei, TopSail serves superlative French-style bistro classics and lots of fresh…
Taupo
Forgive the corny phrases on the wall ('espresso yourself', 'stay grounded', etc.), Body Fuel delivers something for everyone. From raw breakfast salads…
Hamilton
Located amid Lovegrove Lane's funky tangle, which includes a florist and a yoga studio, GG's serves up the best coffee across the river in Hamilton East…
Christchurch
Expanding into the central city from its farmers market and Sumner Beach roots, Utopia's thoroughly modern take on icy treats includes interesting…
Bay of Islands
Named after a local fishing legend, and with possibly the biggest deck in all of Northland, Zane Grey's has you covered all day, from traditional…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Excellent coffee, counter food, cosmopolitan brunches and lunches, and a kitchen store all feature at this sunny spot. Try the hearty farmers' breakfast…
Whanganui
Considering it's located within the i-SITE, Mud Ducks is a pretty spiffy cafe, with an outdoor deck and interesting timber beams. Brunch could be a…
Marlborough Region
Pleasant corner cafe and bar with views of the harbour through the foreshore’s pohutukawa and palms. This consistent performer turns out fish dishes,…
Auckland
Specialising in the sort of Mughlai cuisine you'd find on the streets of Hyderabad, Paradise serves a delicious array of curry and biryani dishes from…
Lake Taupo Region
Step back in time at Cadillac, which is decorated with vintage chairs, posters and an impressive toy collection from the 1950s and ’60s. Classic board…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
In a heritage former post office, the stylish and elegant yet informal and approachable Alpino cucina e vino is one of the best restaurants in the Waikato…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Pan-Asian flavours with a strong Japanese influence are the focus at Super, with the fun ambience further enhanced by bright and colourful anime…
