New Zealand is so much more than just the home to the All Blacks – all across this beautiful country, there are culinary wonders just waiting to be explored.
Below is a list of our top New Zealand destinations for lovers of all things food.
Sidart
Founded by award-winning chef Sid Sahrawat, Sidart has been at the very top of New Zealand eateries for many years.
This special place pays tribute to fine dining, and dishes are plated not only to look fabulous, but also to blow everything you ever thought you knew about flavour completely out of the water.
No trip to New Zealand would be complete without a meal (or two!) at Sidart.
Mudbrick Restaurant & Vineyard
Located on Waiheke Island, Mudbrick Restaurant and Vineyard draws its magic from its finely manicured garden landscapes and chic mud brick buildings.
But it’s so much more than just what meets the eye at first-glance. In fact, it’s situated among the island’s best wineries, which makes for a wonderfully unique experience true feast of the imagination.
The eatery boasts a rich seafood menu, with wine matched to perfection.
Roots Restaurant
Located in Canterbury, Roots Restaurant is an earner of top acclaim both locally as well as internationally.
The restaurant is famous for preparing its dishes from homegrown produce only, not to mention ingredients of an exceptional quality.
The atmosphere is cosy, and the dining experience is perfectly complimented by a spacious open kitchen and a beautiful garden setting where you can relax with friends or browse Australian betting sites while you eat.
Rata
Rata is simply the best culinary experience that Queenstown has to offer.
This glorious eatery came from a partnership between world-class restauranteur Fleur Caulton and Michelin-starred chef Josh Emmett.
Rata serves lunches and dinners to die for, and on the wine list, diners will discover some of the very best creations to have come out of Otago and surrounds.
Riverstone Kitchen
Located some 12 kilometres outside of Oamaru, Riverstone Kitchen is a no-nonsense seasonal eatery.
While following a tradition of no-fuss, no-frills, Riverstone is famous for its crowd-drawing classy culinary creations. Ingredients are sourced locally, and in most cases, from the eatery’s very own private garden.
Amisfield Winery & Bistro
This is a New Zealand location no wine lover should ever have to go without during their lifetime.
What’s especially breath-taking about his unique spot is that it overlooks the majestic Lake Hayes. Situated in lovely Queenstown, the eatery and winery is the considered one of the original homes of the “trust the chef” tasting menu.
Famous additions to the menu include cured meats, venison, seasonal beets, and Wild Bluff Oysters.
Elephant Hill
Elephant Hill Wine Estate & Restaurant is perhaps most famous for its incredible views of Cape Kidnappers.
Here, diners will discover some of the region’s finest wines and local cuisine.
The focus is on European cuisine, but also features local creations such as olive oil from Aquiferra New Zealand, and some of the best freshly-baked breads in the country.
Be sure not to miss out on the locally caught shellfish.