New Zealand restaurants have been recognised on the world stage tonight, with fifteen restaurants being awarded MICHELIN stars at the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Restaurant New Zealand announcement.
The MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony New Zealand 2026 was held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) tonight (30 June).
Fourteen stars were awarded with TALA, Inati, Ahi, Ortega, Tantalus Estate, Rata, Logan Brown, Jano Bistro, Tussock Hill, Sherwood, Kika, Paris Butter, Mudbrick and Amisfield, all receiving a coveted MICHELIN star. Queentown’s Essence received two stars.
A number of other venues were awarded the Bib Gourmand and the Michelin Selected Restaurant accolade.
Kristy Phillips, Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) says this announcement “highlights the quality and depth of New Zealand’s food scene.”
“Having the MICHELIN Guide for restaurants in New Zealand puts the spotlight on the quality, creativity and professionalism of our hospitality scene.
“While it’s significant for those recognised, it’s also a milestone for Aotearoa’s hospitality industry, celebrating and building recognition for New Zealand as a hospitality destination.
“With more than 100 restaurants recognised across the MICHELIN awards evening, we are hopeful that this announcement will encourage people to travel to New Zealand to experience our world-class food, beverages and manaakitanga (hospitality).
“Bringing the MICHELIN Guide to New Zealand was one of the key recommendations of the 2024 Hospitality Summit and it’s excellent to see the Government work to support hospitality in Aotearoa’s global brand.
“We would especially like to recognise members Essence and Chef Paul Froggatt, TALA and Chef Henry Onesemo, Tantalus Estate and Chef Axel Curtet-Latreille, Sherwood and Chef Chris Scott, and Kika and Chef James Stapley for their Michelin stars.”
The MICHELIN Guide partnership with Tourism New Zealand is in place for three years, with restaurants in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Acknowledging Hospitality NZ members recognised by MICHELIN:
Two Michelin Stars:
- Essence
One Michelin Star:
- TALA
- Sherwood
- Tantalus Estate
- Kika
Bib Gourmand:
- Bistro Saine
- Paloma Taqueria
- Roca
- Soul Quarter
- Sundays
- The Athens Yacht Club
Michelin Selected:
- Botswana Butchery
- Charley Noble
- Esther
- Floriditas
- Hugo
- Jervois Steakhouse Queenstown
- Kingi
- Metita
- Millhouse
- Napoli
- Otto
- Shed 5
- Soda
- True South Dining Room