New Zealand is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering everything from fine dining experiences to budget-friendly hidden gems. Whether you’re craving modern fusion, traditional Māori flavours, or a casual bite, these restaurants will satisfy your taste buds. Here’s where to eat across New Zealand’s top cities and towns.
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Auckland: A Culinary Melting Pot
Auckland is a playground for food lovers, with flavour-packed experiences across our city centre, eclectic neighbourhoods, island escapes, and charming regional towns.
City Centre Icons & Elevated Dining:
- Ahi – A celebration of Aotearoa’s land and sea, Ahi serves modern New Zealand cuisine using hyper-local ingredients.
- Kingi – A sustainable seafood bistro in The Hotel Britomart, offering fresh fish and natural wines.
- Amano – A vibrant Italian eatery known for its seasonal pasta, fresh bakery goods, and lively Britomart atmosphere.
- Paris Butter – French-inspired fine dining with a Kiwi twist, offering inventive tasting menus in Herne Bay.
- Gilt Brasserie – A chic city-centre brasserie serving refined European dishes in a lively, stylish setting.
- Bivacco – Waterfront Italian dining with sun-soaked terraces, classic cocktails, and coastal flair.
- Esther – Mediterranean flavours meet QT Auckland glamour in this vibrant, Riviera-inspired restaurant.
- Cassia – Indian fine dining reimagined with bold spices and elegant presentation by chef Sid Sahrawat.
- Metita – A modern tribute to Pacific cuisine, fusing island flavours with contemporary style.
Rooftop Escapes with a View:
- QT Rooftop Bar – A trendy rooftop lounge with harbour views, eclectic design, and sunset cocktails.
- Bar Albert –
- Queens Rooftop & Wineshop – A laid-back rooftop hideaway offering natural wines and city views.
- Auckland’s highest bar serving vintage vibes, skyline views, and top-shelf drinks.
- The Churchill – A sleek gin bar with over 170 varieties and panoramic views from the top.
Budget-Friendly Bites with Big Flavour:
- Depot – A bustling spot for oysters, woodfired plates, and Kiwi-style casual dining.
- Federal Delicatessen – A nostalgic NYC-style deli with hearty sandwiches, soups, and bottomless coffee.
- Best Ugly Bagels – Woodfired, hand-rolled bagels loaded with creative toppings and local flair.
- Mezze Bar – Mediterranean small plates and cosy charm make this a downtown favourite.
- Giapo – Artistic gelato creations that turn dessert into an unforgettable experience.
- Tanuki’s Cave – A lively underground izakaya with yakitori, sake, and late-night vibes.
- Explore Lorne Street – A vibrant strip of Asian eateries, bubble tea spots, and hidden gems.
Rotorua: Local Flavours & Stunning Views
Rotorua offers an exciting mix of contemporary dining and comforting classics, from fusion dishes to traditional favourites.
Top Picks:
- Poco Tapas and Wine – Contemporary sharing plates featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients
- Stratosfare – Buffet dining with panoramic views at Skyline Rotorua
- Ciabatta Bakery & Cafe – Artisan breads and creative brunch options
- Eastwood Café – Wood-fired pizzas, great cabinet food, and a forest-side setting
- Capers Café & Store – Gourmet brunch, fresh cabinet fare, and local artisan products.
- Okere Falls Café – Laid-back vibes, organic eats, and epic coffee and craft beers.
Affordable & Tasty:
- Oppie’s Fish & Chips – A go-to spot for classic fish and chips.
- El Mexicano Zapata – Generous portions of flavour-packed Mexican fare
- Saigon 60s – Delicious Vietnamese dishes
- River’s Catch – Kiwi fish & chips with a Filipino twist, including adobo tacos
- Basecamp at Secret Spot – Toasties, craft drinks, and chill forest views – try out their Shinny Dips (mini foot hot tubs).
Wellington: New Zealand’s Culinary Capital
Wellington is known for its buzzing food scene, where innovative chefs push culinary boundaries.
Top Dining Experiences:
- Logan Brown – Iconic fine dining in a former bank, focused on local ingredients.
- Hiakai – A celebrated restaurant showcasing Māori and Polynesian flavours.
- Capitol – Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a New Zealand twist.
Great Eats on a Budget:
- Rasa – Affordable South Indian and Malaysian dishes.
- Chow – Tasty and reasonably priced Asian fusion cuisine.
Christchurch: A Mix of Tradition and Innovation
Christchurch has a thriving food scene, offering a perfect blend of fine dining experiences and laid-back casual eats for every taste.
Highly Recommended:
- Twenty Seven Steps – Relaxed yet refined modern European cuisine.
- Manu – Celebrating our culture with Pacifica and Maori flavours
- King of Snake – the best of Euro-Asian cuisine in the vibrant “The Terrace” dining precinct
Best Budget-Friendly Options:
- Riverside Market – A multi-vendor food court with affordable international choices.
- The Church Pub – An iconic venue with wood-fired pizzas and live music
- The Welder – An urban oasis featuring a mix of artisan hospitality and retail outlets
Dunedin: A Blend of Classic and Contemporary
Dunedin’s food scene combines hearty meals with fresh, creative flavours, offering a delicious mix of traditional comfort and innovative dishes.
Best Picks for a Memorable Meal:
- Moiety – Intimate and creative degustation dining with a local twist.
- Plato – A welcoming spot specialising in fresh seafood and comforting dishes.
- Buster Greens – Vibrant brunches with a contemporary twist.
- No.7 Balmac – A suburban favourite offering modern, locally inspired dishes.
- Vault 21 – Exceptional and innovative Asian-fusion.
- Commons Eatery – Day and night eatery with fresh dishes and uncomplicated flavours.
Destination Eateries to Go Out of Your Way For:
- Esplanade – Italian inspired eatery with fresh pasta and pizza overlooking St Clair Beach.
- Careys Bay Hotel – Fresh seafood, caught locally and served at this historic eatery on the harbourside.
- Augustine of Portobello – Breakfast and lunch favourites using in-house preserves and located on the stunning Otago Peninsula
Budget-Friendly Gems:
- Graze & Glow – A contemporary space offering an assortment of tapas all for $9 a plate.
- Best Cafe – Classic retro fish and chip shop with freshly caught seafood, Bluff oysters and hand-cut chips.
- Good Good – Creative, affordable burgers and sides.
- Velvet Burger – Gourmet burgers in a casual setting.
- George Street – The main street in Dunedin, it’s home to countless budget-friendly Asian restaurants.
Queenstown: Scenic Dining at its Finest
Queenstown delivers breathtaking views alongside exceptional dining experiences, where stunning landscapes perfectly complement top-notch cuisine.
Top Restaurants:
- Rātā by Josh Emett – Modern New Zealand cuisine highlighting local ingredients.
- Amisfield Bistro – Famous for its “trust the chef” menu paired with Central Otago wines.
- Botswana Butchery – Premium meats and seafood in a stunning lakeside setting.
- Walter Peak Homestead – A gourmet lakeside feast featuring a farm-to-table buffet with spectacular views.
Great Eats That Won’t Break the Bank:
- Fergburger – Legendary, generously sized burgers at reasonable prices.
- Margo’s – A vibrant Latin-inspired eatery serving bold, playful flavours and creative cocktails in the heart of Queenstown.
- Devil Burger – Another local favourite for hearty, affordable burgers.
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Wherever you find yourself in New Zealand, there’s an unforgettable dining experience waiting. From high-end dining to casual and affordable favourites, these spots showcase the best of Kiwi cuisine. Happy eating!
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