Revealed: NZ’s 15 newly Michelin starred restaurants
Tuesday, 30 June 2026
The Michelin Guide has recognised over 100 restaurants in New Zealand’s culinary scene, handing out the country’s first ever Michelin stars.
One restaurant, Essence in Queenstown, was awarded two stars. Fourteen others were awarded one star: Ahi, Tala and Paris Butter in Auckland; The Estate and Mudbrick on Waiheke Island; Logan Brown, Jano Bistro and Ortega Fish Shack in Wellington; Inati and Tussock Hill in Christchurch; Rātā, Sherwood and Amisfield from Queenstown and Kika from Wānaka.
The glitzy ceremony at the New Zealand International Conference Centre in Auckland got off to a dramatic start with a countdown from 10, accompanied by the sound of a beating heart. It set the scene for a surprisingly emotional ceremony, with touches of the eccentric.
Chefs changed into Michelin branded white chef jackets after they got to the stage, and were fist-bumped by Bibendum, known as the Michelin Man as they accepted the accolades.
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The number of chefs who were visibly moved, struggling to speak and holding back tears, highlighted just how much the recognition meant to them and to the broader industry.
Tala head chef Henry Onesemo earned a standing ovation after the Parnell, Auckland restaurant became the first Samoan restaurant in the world to be awarded a Michelin star.
And there was a second standing ovation after Essence in Queenstown stunned the room by becoming a two-star restaurant ‒ just when everyone thought the honour roll call was over.
One Michelin star is considered 'very good and worth a stop', two 'excellent cooking worth a detour' and three stars 'exceptional cooking worth a special journey' (The designations started when the Michelin tyre company launched its guide at the beginning of last century.)
As well as the top accolades, 35 restaurants were given Bib Gourmand awards, marking them out as eateries serving “exceptional food at great value”. And 60 more were given Michelin selected status, recognising them as serving excellent food.
Robert Fairs from Christchurch’s Londo was awarded the Young Chef award. Wellington’s Stina Persen from Graze was awarded the service award. Another service award, the sommelier award, has gone to Matthew Aitchison from The French Cafe in Auckland.
Speaking before the ceremony restaurateur Mark Limacher, whose award-winning restaurant Ortega Fish Shack received a star, said 'food tourists' often plan their itinerary around restaurants.
'Tourists that travel with a Michelin guide will add a lot to our average tourist's spend while here and add many millions to our economy.“
Tuesday’s ceremony marks the first time the Michelin Guide has staged restaurant awards in New Zealand and the wider Oceania region.
It came after months of anticipation following Tourism Minister Louise Upston’s announcement in November that the guide was expanding to New Zealand.
The first year of the programme will cost the country $2.5 million, and an additional $3.8m will be spent in the two following financial years.
While there has been some criticism over these figures, and some debate on whether that cost is worth it, industry leaders have welcomed it, and believe it will be good for business.
Tourism New Zealand’s chief executive, Rene De Monchy, told The Post its research estimated the guide would bring in up to 36,000 more international visitors.
“People want to know more about what we have to offer before they book a trip to New Zealand and the Michelin guide gives potential visitors the confidence that our food and beverage scene is high-quality.”