Michelin Guide New Zealand reveals 110 top restaurants in debut list

The best dining establishments in New Zealand have finally been recognised on the world stage, with 15 restaurants being awarded prestigious Michelin stars during a glitzy event.

A total of 110 hospitality establishments were recognised by Michelin this evening, with one restaurant, Essence in Queenstown, becoming Oceania’s first two-star restaurant.

Another 14 received one star, 35 achieved Bib Gourmand status, and 60 were put on the selected restaurant list.

The guide’s international director, Gwendal Poullennec, joined host Sonia Gray to present Essence head chef Paul Froggatt with the night’s highest honour at the event held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre.

Froggatt said he was left “speechless” after the restaurant received two Michelin stars less than a year after opening.

Parnell’s Tala also became the world’s first Michelin-starred Samoan restaurant, with chef Henry Onesemo brought to tears as he received a standing ovation.

The 14 recipients of one Michelin star were:

Head chef Sun Peng accepted Amisfield’s Michelin star following misconduct allegations against former executive chef Vaughan Mabee, who left the restaurant earlier this year.

The Michelin Guide previously told the Herald it would not comment on individual circumstances, but shared a statement condemning all forms of violence, harassment, or abuse.

Recognising restaurants that offer exceptional food at reasonable prices, the Bib Gourmand distinction was awarded to 35 establishments.

A further 60 restaurants were added to the first rung on the Michelin ladder, the Michelin Selected List, having impressed inspectors with their gastronomy.

The Michelin Guide also recognised standout individuals from across the industry.

The Michelin Guide Sommelier Award was presented to Matthew Aitchison of the French Cafe, who was said to have built one of the city’s “most impressive” wine lists.

In recognition of his distinctive personal style and technical precision, Christchurch chef Robert Fairs was awarded the Michelin Young Chef Award.

Stina Persen, of Graze, was awarded the Michelin Guide Service Award for hospitality that was described as “attentive without being intrusive”.

Kristy Phillips, chief executive of Hospitality New Zealand, said the 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.”

New Zealand has been campaigning to bring the Michelin Guide to Aotearoa since 2023, culminating in Tourism New Zealand’s $6.3 million partnership with Michelin announced last year.

Poullennec said inspectors had spent almost a year assessing New Zealand’s dining scene and had been impressed “by the diversity, quality and authenticity found across the four regions”.

Restaurants assessed by the prestigious guide had to be based in Auckland, Canterbury, Wellington or Queenstown, to the exclusion of major wine regions Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay.

It’s hoped the guide will provide a much-needed boost to New Zealand’s struggling hospitality industry, putting the country on the map as a world-class food destination.