Hamilton
A dazzling array of ever-changing flavours – how does white chocolate, macadamia and pomegranate sound? – makes Duck Island one of NZ’s best ice-cream…
Must-see restaurants in North Island
Bay of Plenty
Winner of outstanding-cafe-of-the-year awards in 2017 and 2019, this pistachio-green cafe runs an all-day menu that blurs the lines between breakfast and…
Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter
Japanese, Korean and Chinese flavours are all filtered through a fun contemporary vibe near Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. Secure a spot with ocean views,…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Brunch classics – try the chickpea-and-corn fritters – and interesting mains such as kimchi fried rice and slow-roasted lamb shoulder feature at Raglan's…
Hamilton
One of our favourite Hamilton restaurants, Gothenburg showcases a scenic riverside spot with high ceilings and a summer-friendly deck. The menu of shared…
Parnell & Newmarket
Korean flavours continue to influence Auckland's dining scene, and Han's evolution from a food truck to a standalone restaurant is testament to the…
Hamilton
In a heritage riverside building, Chim Choo Ree focuses on small plates such as confit pork belly, or spiced calamari with pickled cucumber and lemon mayo…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Despite the name, Mangawhai's best restaurant is nowhere near the sands. Situated in the heart of the village, Dune is half bar, half cafe – with sunny…
Auckland Region
Complementing its rural aspect with rustic-chic decor, this slick eatery conjures up delicious dishes inspired by the flavours of Asia, the Middle East…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Modern Italian cuisine shines at Cotto, a perpetually busy eatery along Karangahape Rd. On the shared-plates menu, highlights include spinach and goats'…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Nothing about Odette's is run of the mill. Not the bubbly light fixtures or the quirky photography, and certainly not the menu. How about lamb meatballs…
Coromandel Peninsula
Excellent counter food and creative breakfast and lunch mains make Weta one of the region's standout cafes. Sit outside in the courtyard on a warm day and…
North Island
Conjuring a vaguely Robinson Crusoe–esque look, this chipper cafe offers a sophisticated menu and terrific views of Kāpiti Island out the front window…
Rotorua
A spinning wheel and a Mary Poppins–style bicycle lend a folksy feel to Rotorua's best cafe. But there's nothing old-fashioned about the town’s most…
City Centre & Britomart
TV chef Al Brown's popular eatery offers first-rate comfort food in informal surrounds (communal tables, butcher tiles and a constant buzz). Dishes are…
Wellington
A big industrial-minimalist space houses the city's slickest espresso bar and roastery, owned by long-time Wellington caffeine fiends. Beautiful house…
Wellington
An airy affair at the sophisticated end of Wellington's cafe spectrum, Nikau consistently dishes up simple but sublime stuff (pan-fried halloumi,…
Bay of Plenty
Blending South American and Tex-Mex influences, this dark-timbered monument to meat has windows that peel back, and steak that comes straight from the…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Polished concrete floors and a living wall set a quietly stylish scene for a daytime cafe and a night-time bistro. Evening meals are sophisticated and…
Auckland
One of Auckland’s best restaurants, this informal eatery serves up lighter-than-air goats'-cheese soufflés, inventive mains and oh-my-God chocolate…
Auckland Region
Cool beats, excellent coffee and top-notch soft-shell-crab tacos are all dispensed from this cool surf shack a short walk from the beach and Lion Rock…
Bay of Islands & Northland
Asian fusion dishes pack a flavour punch here, but are delicately assembled and delivered by friendly staff. Dishes are light and prices high, so don't…
Viaduct Harbour & Wynyard Quarter
This smart and sassy eatery does sophisticated spins on meatballs – try the crayfish ones – and other robust but elegant Italian dishes. Cosy up in the…
Bay of Islands
There's no better spot in Russell to while away a few hours, glass in hand, than the Duke's sunny deck. Thankfully the upmarket bistro food matches the…
The Wairarapa
Odd name aside, there's much to love about this upmarket but relaxed little restaurant. Expect modern, produce-led country dishes such as pulled lamb with…
Bay of Islands
With one foot in Europe, the other in Japan and its head in the lush vegetation of Wharepuke Subtropical Gardens, this is Kerikeri's most unusual and…
Bay of Islands
A concise seasonal menu of main dishes showcasing regional NZ produce and local seafood underpinned by subtle Asian influences and one of Northland's best…
The Far North
Morning queues of locals attest to the Gecko having the best coffee in town (it roasts its own), and the food's pretty good, too. Kick off another day on…
Parnell & Newmarket
A handy stop when visiting the nearby Auckland Domain and Auckland Museum, Billy is one of several Auckland cafes opened by hip young owners, pointing at…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Formerly a temporary pop-up eatery, the success of Gypsy Caravan has seen it graduate to being a permanent fixture along busy Ponsonby Rd. Seek out the…
Kingsland & Mt Eden
A coproduction between two of Auckland's most respected Japanese chefs, Zool Zool is a stylish and modern take on a traditional izakaya (Japanese pub)…
Parnell & Newmarket
Relax and re-energise at this wholefood cafe a short walk from the best shopping precinct in Auckland. Organic teas and coffees are a speciality – try a…
Waiheke Island
Framed by fruit trees, this 1920s-era wooden cottage makes for a perfect stop away from Waiheke's busier tourist spots. A superior range of teas and…
City Centre & Britomart
Begin with a brunch of matcha latte and yuzu muesli, or escape to the palm-fringed courtyard for Asian-inspired street food, including spicy pulled-pork…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Regional Chinese flavours combine with a funky retro Pacific ambience at this so-hip-it-hurts eatery. The waitstaff are sassy, the rum cocktails are…
Rotorua
Tutanekai St is closed off on Thursday nights as Rotorua lays out a world of food. Buskers, coffee vans and clothing and jewellery makers are dotted among…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Tasty sandwiches and healthy burgers, seasonal salads and rotisserie chickens to take away. Select your baste of choice – Jamaican jerk or truffle butter,…
Waiheke Island
Secure a table shaded by umbrellas in the Shed's rustic courtyard. It serves shared plates imbued with global influences and delivered by the restaurant's…
Taupo & the Ruapehu Region
At the time of writing, Allan Nation is 64 years old. He's been getting up at 2am to bake since he was 17. Allan learned from his late father, who also…
Parnell & Newmarket
Some of Auckland's best counter food – including stonking cream doughnuts – partners with innovative cafe culture at this always-busy eatery near good…
