Here’s a curated list of the Top Must-Visit Restaurants in New Zealand, where world-class flavors meet stunning landscapes. From elegant fine dining in the heart of Auckland to farm-to-table experiences in Queenstown, these restaurants are celebrated for their exceptional cuisine, creative menus, and authentic Kiwi hospitality.
Top Restaurants You Must Visit in New Zealand
1. Sid at The French Café – Auckland
- Location: Auckland
- Why Go: One of the country’s most acclaimed fine dining spots, blending French technique with modern New Zealand flavors.
- Signature Dish: Seasonal tasting menus with impeccable wine pairings.
2. Roots Restaurant – Lyttelton (near Christchurch)
- Location: Lyttelton, Canterbury
- Why Go: A sustainability-focused restaurant with a daily-changing degustation menu.
- Signature Dish: Wild, foraged ingredients with creative presentation.
3. Amisfield Bistro – Queenstown
- Location: Just outside Queenstown, in Lake Hayes
- Why Go: A must for wine and food lovers with a scenic vineyard backdrop.
- Signature Dish: “Trust the Chef” menu using local produce, paired with estate wines.
4. Rātā – Queenstown
- Location: Central Queenstown
- Why Go: Chef Josh Emett’s restaurant celebrating modern New Zealand cuisine.
- Signature Dish: Lamb shoulder, South Island venison, and local cheeses.
5. Logan Brown – Wellington
- Location: Housed in a restored historic bank
- Why Go: Elegant dining with a focus on seafood and native ingredients.
- Signature Dish: Paua ravioli and Marlborough salmon.
6. Ortega Fish Shack – Wellington
- Location: Mt Victoria, Wellington
- Why Go: Laid-back but serious about seafood, with a loyal following.
- Signature Dish: Fresh catch of the day, oysters, and ceviche.
7. Pacifica Restaurant – Napier
- Location: Hawke’s Bay
- Why Go: Gourmet food in a beach bungalow—fine dining without the fuss.
- Signature Dish: Ever-changing five-course menu using regional flavors.
8. Cocoro – Auckland
- Location: Ponsonby, Auckland
- Why Go: Award-winning modern Japanese dining with a clean, minimal aesthetic.
- Signature Dish: Sashimi platter and seafood tasting menu.
9. The Grove – Auckland
- Location: Downtown Auckland
- Why Go: Sophisticated degustation-style dining with refined European influences.
- Signature Dish: Tasting menus showcasing local meat, seafood, and vegetables.
10. Fleurs Place – Moeraki
- Location: Coastal Otago
- Why Go: A rustic, seaside restaurant using fish caught right outside its door.
- Signature Dish: Whatever was caught that morning—simply grilled or baked.