These Kiwi restaurants across the motu just earned NZ's first Michelin stars

The wait is over. New Zealand has officially joined the global big leagues with the debut of the Michelin Guide New Zealand 2026.

After months of anonymous inspections, the awards were revealed last night, marking the Guide’s first-ever expansion into Oceania - we really came through!

A total of 110 restaurants across the motu were recognised, including 60 Michelin Selected venues, 35 Bib Gourmand picks, 14 one-star restaurants, and one two-star winner.

From Auckland’s food scene to Queenstown’s dining experiences, Aotearoa's hospitality scene is mouth-watering from top to bottom.

International Director of the Michelin Guide, Gwendal Poullennec, said: "It is rare to award such a quantity of Stars in a country’s inaugural launch - New Zealand’s performance has been genuinely impressive."

So, if you consider yourself a foodie and want to know where to find NZ's best, here are the Michelin-recognised restaurants worth a bite.

Queenstown’s Essence gets two Michelin stars

Essence, led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt, has earned New Zealand’s only two Michelin Stars, making it a must-visit destination.

The guide highlights its refined tasting menus built around premium seasonal produce, paired with sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu.

Michelin praised its “refined technique with creativity and modern sensibility” in dishes that deliver "clarity and balance", alongside a wine list that will get Pinot Noir fans excited.

“To receive two Michelin Stars is an extraordinary honour and a proud moment for our entire team. Every service reflects the dedication, precision and passion of the people behind it, from our chefs and front-of-house team to the exceptional New Zealand producers whose ingredients inspire our menus," Director of Culinary Paul Froggatt said

"We hope every guest leaves with a deeper appreciation of this country's extraordinary produce, landscapes and culinary talent."

NZ’s one-star Michelin restaurants

A solid 14 restaurants across Aotearoa have picked up one Michelin Star, recognising high-quality cooking that’s worth a stop.

Auckland

• Ahi – Meaning ‘fire’ in Māori, the food revolves around the wood-fired hearth, taking Traditional New Zealand flavours are reinterpreting them with modern techniques

• Mudbrick – Stunning views and a cuisine that blends European, Japanese and Indian influences

• Paris Butter – Using European techniques combined with subtle Asian influences for refined and modern dining

• Tala – A multi-course experience inspired by Samoan cuisine and culture

• The Estate – Combining French techniques with New Zealand produce

Wellington

• Jano Bistro – Set in a historic cottage, with French cuisine crafted using local ingredients, including herbs and edible flowers from its garden

• Logan Brown – Located in a former bank building, delivering contemporary dishes with layered flavours

• Ortega – Focuses on seafood prepared in diverse styles

Christchurch

• Inati – A shared dining experience, reimagining European classics using high-quality New Zealand produce

• Tussock Hill – A boutique vineyard, offering a lunch-only menu of seasonal sharing plates designed to complement its wines

Queenstown

• Amisfield – Set beside its own vineyard, it offers bold and creative dishes using seasonal ingredients from Central Otago

• Kika – Focuses on bold flavours and premium local produce in a sharing-style format

• Rātā – Modern NZ cuisine, using local Otago produce with a deep connection to the land

• Sherwood – A “garden-to-table” philosophy, with most ingredients sourced from its own garden or foraged locally

Bib Gourmand and Selected spots

Not every Michelin experience comes with a big bill. The 35 Bib Gourmand winners highlight some of the best affordable eats across the country.

• Auckland: Apéro Food & Wine, Atelier, Bianca, Bistro Saine, Boda, Cazador, Gemmayze Street, Goat, Milenta, Osteria Uno, Parro, Pasta & Cuore, and Tempero

• Wellington: 1154 Pastaria, Cicio Cacio, Hummingbird, and Indian Alley

• Christchurch: A'mano, Earl, Fire And Slice, Gatherings, Londo, Odeon, Roca, Soul Quarter, The Athens Yacht Club, and The Monday Room

• Queenstown: Aosta, Bombay Palace (Wānaka), Francesca, Muttonbird, Paloma Taqueria, Sundays, The Cow, and Treehouse

The guide also highlighted a range of restaurants that impressed inspectors across the four regions.

• Auckland: 1947 Eatery, Ada, Advieh, Alma, Baduzzi, Bar Magda, Bossi, Cassia, East, Esther, Gilt, Hello Beasty, Jervois Steak House, Ki Māha, Kingi, Kol, Lillius, Metita, Morell, Mr Morris, One Tree Grill, Onslow, Origine, Otto, Ragtag, Rodd & Gunn The Lodge, Sails, and The French Café

• Wellington: 50-50, Boulcott Street Bistro, Charley Noble, Damascus, Floriditas, Graze, Highwater, Kisa, Koji, Margot, Napoli, Ombra, Rita, Rosella, and Shed 5

• Christchurch: Bessie, Cellar Door, Hugo, and Miro

• Queenstown: Arc, Bianca by Giovi, Billy’s, Botswana Butchery, Jervois Steak House, Millhouse, Nest, Rodd & Gunn The Lodge, Soda, The Dining Room, The Woolshed, Toast & Oak, and True South Dining Room

Well, aren’t we spoilt for choice? Looks like a few trips are needed to check out our now official best of the best!

A HUGE congratulations to all who entered and were awarded - our bellies are grumbling just thinking about what’s on offer around the nation.