Fifteen NZ restaurants awarded Michelin stars

Tala's umu chicken. (Source: Manja Wachsmuth)

Fifteen New Zealand restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars at a ceremony in Auckland this evening.

The winners of the first Michelin Guide New Zealand restaurant awards were in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

In Auckland, the restaurants included Tala, Ahi, The Estate, Mudbrick and Paris Butter.

Tala was the only Samoan restaurant in the world to be awarded a Michelin star.

In a statement, Tala co-owner and executive chef Henry Onesemo said it was "such an honour for all of us at Tala".

"We have always believed that Samoa deserves a place on the international culinary stage and Michelin agrees! The world is ready for Samoan food – we can’t wait to welcome more guests to TALA to experience fa’a Samoa. Fa’afetai tele."

In Wellington, among the big winners were Ortega Fish Shack and Logan Brown.

Christchurch, meanwhile, boasted Inati and Tussock Hill.

Among the winners in the Wānaka-Queenstown region were Amisfield, Rātā and Sherwood.

In a statement, Rātā founder Fleur Caulton said receiving the star was "an incredible honour and a proud moment for everyone connected to Rātā".

"This recognition belongs to our entire team, past and present, as well as the producers, growers and suppliers who have been part of the journey," she said.

"We're proud to share this moment with Queenstown and with New Zealand hospitality as a whole."

Essence’s Paul Froggatt told Seven Sharp he was “gobsmacked” after the restaurant was awarded two stars.

The only restaurant to be awarded two Michelin stars was Essence in Queenstown.

In addition, more than 30 restaurants received Bib Gourmands, an accolade recognising restaurants that serve "exceptional food at great value".

Hospitality NZ chief executive Kristy Phillips said it was a "significant" milestone not only for those recognised, but also for New Zealand’s hospitality industry.

"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)," she said.

The winners were in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston congratulated all of the winners this evening, adding that the achievements "recognise New Zealand’s truly exceptional dining experiences".

"Being included in the Michelin Guide is a mark of professional recognition which reflects overall quality and consistency for a restaurant. Sixty New Zealand restaurants have achieved this distinction tonight. This recognition places New Zealand firmly on the world stage as an amazing food destination."

Upston said while the guide focused on Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, the awards "also helps shine a light on New Zealand’s entire hospitality sector, encouraging visitors to explore outstanding regional food and beverage experiences across the country".

“Our Government congratulates all the restaurants and individuals highlighted in the first MICHELIN Guide for New Zealand."

Full list of Michelin star recipients

Auckland

Ahi

Mudbrick – Waiheke Island

Paris Butter

Tala

Tantalus Estate Restaurant – Waiheke Island

Wellington

Jano Bistro

Logan Brown

Ortega Fish Shack

Christchurch

Inati

Tussock Hill

Queenstown

Amisfield

Essence – two stars

Kika

Rātā

Sherwood

Bib Gourmand winners

Auckland

Apero Food & Wine

Atelier

Bianca

Bistro Saine

Boda

Cazador

Gemmayze Street

Goat

Milenta

Osteria Uno

Paloma Taqueria

Parro

Pasta & Cuore

Tempero

Wellington

154 Pastaria

Cicio Cacio

Hummingbird

Indian Alley

Christchurch

A'mano

The Athens Yacht Club

The Monday Room

Fire and Slice

Gatherings

Londo

Odeon

Roca

Soul Quarter

Queenstown

Aosta

Bombay Palace

Francesca

Muttonbird

Sundays

The Cow

Treehouse