NZ Michelin Star Restaurants announced
- Publish date
- Wednesday, 1 Jul 2026, 1:55PM
The wait is over for New Zealand's restaurant scene.
After months of speculation, the country's first Michelin Guide selections have finally been revealed, putting a spotlight on some of Aotearoa's best dining destinations.
Michelin inspectors visited restaurants anonymously, paying for their meals and judging each venue on the quality and consistency of the food. As a result, chefs never knew whether the diners seated quietly in the corner might be assessing them for one of the world's most sought-after dining accolades.
Restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown were recognised with Michelin stars, Bib Gourmands and Michelin Selected honours, shining an international spotlight on New Zealand cuisine.
Originally launched by French tyre company Michelin more than a century ago, the guide has grown into the world's most influential restaurant ranking system — and now, New Zealand is officially part of it.
Our very own Lorna Riley has visited Essence, and had this to say:
I was lucky enough to experience the ten-course Journey menu at Essence in Roki Queenstown as part of a hotel review I did for the NZ Herald - this was last September, just after it opened. I knew of Paul Froggatt's reputation from luxury lodges Kauri Cliffs and Huka Lodge, but I wasn't prepared for the level of creativity, gastronomic magic and sheer artistry of the menu. One of my first bites was a glazed cherry - or so I thought! As I popped it in my mouth, I realised I'd been fooled in the best possible way. It was, in fact, chicken parfait! And I will never forget the dessert that was served amongst the foliage of a pop-up forest scene. Essence is not cheap, but if you're after a culinary experience like nothing else in the country, start saving for that special occasion!
Below is the full list of restaurants:
Auckland
Ahi
Mudbrick – Waiheke Island
https://mudbrick.co.nz/?srsltid=AfmBOor6uw8LiQyGhrNJdsoiSyMZgmIWTBQHFMtuBZLzSbD7s6Bs3QbD
Paris Butter
Tala
Tantalus Estate Restaurant – Waiheke Island
https://tantalus.co.nz/restaurant/
Wellington
Jano Bistro
Logan Brown
Ortega Fish Shack
Christchurch
Inati
Tussock Hill
Wānaka-Queenstown
Amisfield
https://amisfield.co.nz/?srsltid=AfmBOor0z59i7dUUTG2Ik9Vqkk5LxHWbCbK3QWw5bGfjw_k3aHlahN14
Essence – Two stars
https://roki-collection.com/dine/
Kika
Rātā
https://www.ratarestaurant.com/
Sherwood
https://www.sherwoodqueenstown.nz/
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