Top Restaurants in the Country

All New Zealand Regions

Auckland

42

New Zealand's largest city with diverse international cuisine

Bay of Plenty

8

Coastal dining with fresh seafood and local produce

Canterbury

15

From urban Christchurch to alpine restaurants

Chatham Islands

12

Unique island cuisine and fresh seafood

Gisborne

45

First to see the sun, with excellent wineries

Hawke's Bay

92

Wine country dining and Art Deco atmosphere

Manawatu-Whanganui

8

Heartland cuisine and rural flavors

Marlborough

5

World-class wines and fresh seafood

Nelson

2

Artisan food and craft beer paradise

Northland

6

Subtropical flavors and coastal dining

Otago

8

From Dunedin to Central Otago wine country

Southland

1

Famous for oysters and hearty fare

Taranaki

1

Mountain to sea dining experiences

Tasman

58

Fresh local produce and seafood

Waikato

7

Farm-fresh dining and riverside restaurants

Wellington

5

Culinary capital with vibrant cafe culture

West Coast

3

Wild food and whitebait specialties

All Cuisines in New Zealand

Afghan

1

Authentic Afghan cuisine and flavors

American

12

Classic American dining and comfort food

Asian Fusion

8

Creative blend of Asian culinary traditions

Bakery

15

Fresh baked goods and pastries

Bar

23

Local bars with pub fare and drinks

Brewpub

3

Craft beer and hearty pub food

Cafes

45

World-class coffee and brunch spots

Chinese

18

Traditional and modern Chinese cuisine

Club

4

Social clubs with dining facilities

Diner

2

Classic American-style diners

Fast Food

25

Quick service restaurants and takeaways

Fish and Chips

19

New Zealand's favorite takeaway

Greek

5

Mediterranean flavors and Greek specialties

Indian

28

Authentic Indian cuisine and takeaways

Italian

15

Classic Italian dining and pizza

Japanese

12

Sushi, sashimi, and Japanese specialties

Mexican

8

Authentic Mexican cuisine and tacos

Mongolian

1

Mongolian barbecue and stir-fry

New Zealand

22

Contemporary Kiwi cuisine

Pizza

15

Pizza restaurants and takeaways

Pub

18

Traditional pubs with dining

Restaurant

89

Diverse dining experiences

Seafood

34

Fresh seafood and fish restaurants

Takeaway

42

Quick and delicious meals to go

Thai

9

Authentic Thai cuisine and flavors

Tunisian

1

North African Tunisian cuisine

Turkish

4

Turkish cuisine and kebabs

Vietnamese

6

Vietnamese cuisine and pho

Wine Bar

7

Wine bars with dining options

Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Food

What is traditional New Zealand cuisine?

Traditional New Zealand cuisine combines Māori hangi (earth oven cooking), fresh seafood, lamb, and Pacific influences. Popular dishes include pavlova, lamb roasts, whitebait fritters, and hangi-cooked meats and vegetables. Modern Kiwi cuisine also incorporates diverse international influences while emphasizing local, fresh ingredients.

When is the best time to visit restaurants in New Zealand?

Peak dining hours are typically 6:30-8:30 PM for dinner. Many restaurants require reservations, especially in tourist areas and major cities. For a more relaxed experience, consider early dining (5:30-6:30 PM) or lunch service. Summer months (December-February) are busiest, so book well in advance during this period.

What's unique about New Zealand's cafe culture?

New Zealand is renowned for its coffee culture, particularly the "flat white" which originated here. Cafes typically serve excellent espresso-based drinks alongside fresh, locally-sourced brunch options. Many cafes roast their own beans and focus on sustainable, organic ingredients.

Are restaurants in New Zealand expensive?

Prices vary widely depending on location and style. A casual cafe meal might cost NZD 15-25, while mid-range restaurants average NZD 25-40 per main course. Fine dining experiences can range from NZD 100-200+ per person. Many restaurants offer lunch specials and early bird menus for better value.

What dietary requirements are well-catered for?

New Zealand restaurants generally cater well to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Many establishments clearly mark menu items with dietary indicators and are happy to accommodate special requests. Major cities offer numerous specialized vegetarian and vegan restaurants.

What's the tipping culture in New Zealand?

Tipping is not expected in New Zealand as service staff are paid a living wage. However, tips for exceptional service are always appreciated. Some high-end restaurants may add a service charge for large groups. Prices shown on menus include GST (goods and services tax).