Must-see restaurants in New Zealand

  • Stoked

    Coromandel Peninsula

    With a charcoal oven as its kitchen hub, Stoked turns out dishes like manuka-smoked salmon, tandoori chicken thigh and good wood-fired pizza. Views of the…

  • Dizengoff

    Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd

    This stylish shoebox crams in a disparate crowd of corporate and fashion types, Ponsonby denizens and travellers. There's a Jewish influence to the food,…

  • Dimitris

    Christchurch

    Amid a cluster of food trucks in the Container Mall, Dimitris rules the roost with souvlaki full of tasty chicken, lamb or falafel, wrapped up with heaps…

  • Perc

    Dunedin

    Hanging plants, flower-filled vases and large art-deco windows give this central cafe a creative, artsy vibe. The well-executed brunch options, fresh…

  • Charlie Brown

    Wanaka

    Both the retro green 1975 caravan and its owners hail from France, so you can be sure that the sweet crêpes and savoury galettes whisked up within are…

  • Rocks

    Fiordland & Southland

    Tucked away in a shopping arcade, this reliable bistro with chirpy service plates up popcorn squid, slow-roasted pork with fennel, and a smattering of…

  • Le Café de Paris

    Rotorua

    The greeting is très français but this little cafe walks a fine line between a traditional crêperie and the kind of cafe that Kiwi retirees gravitate to…

  • Grille by Eichardt's

    Queenstown

    At this Grille – the newest arrival on the dining scene from Eichardt's Private Hotel – steak unsurprisingly gets star billing, but you can also order…

  • Kappa

    Queenstown

    See if you can grab a spot on the tiny balcony so you can watch the passing parade on the mall as you down a sake or Japanese vodka and graze your way…

  • Kind Grocer

    Dunedin

    Fully vegan and fully delicious, you can dig into the likes of loaded jackfruit with nasturtium and delectable cakes such as raw salted caramel snickers…

  • Saggio di Vino

    Christchurch

    An elegant Italo-French restaurant that's up there with Christchurch's best. Expect delicious, modern takes on classics like duck a l'orange or fillet of…

  • Seriously Good Chocolate Company

    Fiordland & Southland

    The fantastic smell hits you as soon as you walk in the door: house-made chocolates. This is a great place to pick up tasty Kiwi gifts, like chocolate…

  • Lime Caffeteria

    Rotorua

    Occupying a quiet corner near the lake, this zesty cafe offers nostalgic breakfasts with a modern twist, such as mince on toasted ciabatta with a poached…

  • Hula

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Dine at easy-going Hula to fast track to a beachy state of mind. Try the corned beef hash with poached eggs for brekkie, or the fish tacos or coconut…

  • The Med

    Tauranga

    Wonder Woman watches approvingly over the scrum of regulars enjoying terrific coffee and scrumptious all-day breakfasts. Order from the blackboard or from…

  • Coriander Leaf

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Spice up your life at this brightly painted North Indian restaurant complete with bhangra-beats soundtrack. There are plenty of tasty lamb, chicken and…

  • Unknown Chapter

    Christchurch

    Polished concrete, reclaimed timber tables, hanging plants and floor-to-ceiling windows give this cafe in the upcoming St Asaph/Welles St precinct an…

  • Enigma

    Wellington

    Enigmatic Enigma is the pick of the late-night coffee haunts around Courtenay Pl – a grungy, weathered, lived-in and loved-in cafe serving bagels, lasagne…

  • La Cigale

    Parnell & Newmarket

    Catering to Francophile foodies, this warehouse stocks French imports and has a patisserie-laden cafe. During the weekend farmers markets, this cigale …

  • The Social

    North Island

    Despite its insalubrious location in a car park near the mall, this breezy modern pub is a good place to drink, watch the rugby or catch a band. The food…

  • Midori

    Dunedin & Otago

    Midori, housed in a heritage stone building, serves sashimi and sushi that make the most of fresh local seafood. Other carefully prepared dishes include…

  • Raan Ahaan Thai Aroi Dee

    Bay of Islands & Northland

    Don't be put off by the fluorescent lighting and the lunch-bar feel; this unassuming restaurant is one of Dargaville's best. The flavour-filled Northern…

  • Salt Restaurant & Bar

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Views of the Whitianga marina – including the sleepy ferry crossing to Ferry Landing – provide the backdrop for relaxed but stylish dining. In summer the…

  • Deco Eatery

    Auckland Region

    Located amid the heritage vibe of Lopdell House, Deco's decor channels a Turkish ambience, while the menu combines Anatolian classics with a broader…

  • Fergburger

    Queenstown

    Who knew a burger joint could ever be a destination restaurant? Such are the queues at Fergburger that it often looks like an All Blacks scrum out the…

  • Copper Tree Cafe

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    A switched-on young couple have enlivened this main-street cafe. Hearty quiche and homemade pies are served with chips and salad, while eggs Benedict…

  • Domain Cottage Cafe

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Very pleasant daytime cafe in the heritage surroundings of the Te Aroha Domain. Definitely worth a stop for coffee and cake even if you’re only passing…

  • Stella Cafe & Cheesery

    The West Coast

    Kids will love peering through the glass at the beehive in this large deli-style cafe, while their parents occupy themselves in the separate cheese room…

  • Bethells Cafe

    Auckland Region

    Less a cafe and more a food truck with an awning, Bethells Cafe does a roaring trade in burgers (beef and vegetarian), pizza, cakes and coffee. On Friday…

  • Devil Burger

    Queenstown

    If gluttony is a sin, this Devil is doing its job, with 18 burgers coming in sizes regular and large. Wraps include the hangover-busting 'Walk of Shame',…

  • Aloha Sushi

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    Rolled-to-order sushi, udon noodles and donburi rice bowls, all with a touch of hip Hawaiian-Japanese surfer style. Check out the great selection of…

  • Hello Sunday

    Christchurch

    Spread across two rooms of a restored old post office building, this popular cafe is a great spot for all-day brunches, spectacular salads and excellent…

  • La Rumbla

    Queenstown & Wanaka

    Tucked behind the post office, this little gem does a brilliant job of bringing the bold flavours and late-dining habits of Spain to sleepy little…

  • Wakatipu Grill

    Queenstown

    The Hilton sprawls along the lakeside by the Kawarau River outlet, and part of the fun of visiting its signature restaurant is the ferry ride. As the name…

  • Powerhouse Cafe

    Christchurch & Canterbury

    Delicious cakes and good-quality coffee are on the menu at this local favourite, tucked away off the main street. Power up with a huge High Country…

  • Caffeine Laboratory

    Christchurch

    The small-scale, corner C-lab is hooked on coffee, but also cooks up delicious brunches like brioche French toast, house-smoked salmon or chipotle pulled…

  • Sweet Mother’s Kitchen

    Wellington

    Perpetually brimming with cool cats, Sweet Mother’s serves tasty takes on the Deep South, such as burritos, gumbo, pulled-pork po’boys, jambalaya, grilled…

  • Whistling Sisters Fermentery

    Wellington

    Yes, it's another Wellington craft-beer bar, but this one is just as much about good food as the good stuff in your glass. Roll up for some baked eggs and…

  • Lakeview Cafe & Bar

    Fiordland & Southland

    The motor inn's cafe serves substantial meals (pizzas, schnitzels, venison stew and a token vegie dish) with a generous side order of lake views from the…

  • King of Snake

    Christchurch

    Dark wood, gold tiles and purple skull-patterned wallpaper fill this hip restaurant and cocktail bar with just the right amount of sinister opulence. The…

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