Come for a morning coffee and freshly baked Spanish pastry, breakfast, lunch or dinner, and those slower moments in between...
After months of tasting their way through New Zealand’s buzzing food scene, Cuisine magazine has dropped its annual Good Food Awards and 40 standout spots from the city centre have made the list!
Now in its 22nd year, the awards are seen as the ultimate stamp of approval for top-notch dining in Aotearoa. A team of food pros from around the country, led by well-known critic Kerry Tyack and Cuisine Editor Kelli Brett, spent the year doing anonymous reviews to pick the winners.
This time around, 19 category champs were crowned, each showing off the best of the best in their field. Restaurants are rated using the Hat system - 1 to 3 Hats, celebrating amazing food, service, and the whole dining vibe. Scroll down to see which city centre spots earned their Hats!
The Best of the Best at Cuisine Good Food Awards 2026
-
Specialist Restaurant of the Year 2026: alma
-
Hotel Restaurant of the Year 2026: Bistro Saine
Bistro Saine brings understated sophistication to Albert Street with a French-Mediterranean concept that marries classic...
3 Hats
Earning 3 Hats is the ultimate honour in New Zealand’s dining world, placing a restaurant firmly among the country’s culinary elite and attracting food lovers from far and wide.
Ahi is one of just six restaurants to achieve this prestigious status in 2025 and 2026, scoring an exceptional 19 out of 20. It also claimed the coveted title of American Express Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 Cuisine Good Food Awards, all while holding strong to its three-hat distinction.
2 Hats
These restaurants continue to set the bar high, delivering masterfully prepared dishes, professional service and an ambience that’s both refined and inviting. Every detail from the plating to the mood lighting contributes to a dining experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
Come for a morning coffee and freshly baked Spanish pastry, breakfast, lunch or dinner, and those slower moments in between...
This Italian restaurant is a sophisticated casual dining in Wynyard Quarter. Rated Metro Peugeot's Restaurant of the Year...
Bistro Saine brings understated sophistication to Albert Street with a French-Mediterranean concept that marries classic...
An American style menu with a traditional Yum Cha twist is well worth checking out at this Wyndham Street eatery.
A culinary journey through India, bringing a unique touch to Auckland's premiere dining experience.
Creative Head Sid Chopra...
Serving up contemporary cuisine inspired by regions of Japan, Korea and China, Hello Beasty is a cult eatery on Auckland's...
Michael Meredith has joined the SkyCity dining precinct with his Pacific inspired restaurant.
Nestled in the old Cafe Hanoi site in Auckland’s Britomart precinct, Mr. Morris is a warm, welcoming restaurant whose name...
Onslow is the culmination of Josh Emett's culinary journey from London to New York and back to Aotearoa.
SOUL is in the heart of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, with a focus on the finest, freshest local ingredients and an emphasis on...
1 Hat
These standout spots deliver expertly crafted dishes bursting with flavour, paired with warm, attentive service that elevates the entire dining experience. If you're diving into New Zealand’s rich and varied culinary landscape, these gems are truly not to be missed.
Welcome to Advieh, where a tapestry of Middle Eastern flavours seamlessly weaves into New Zealand's rich landscapes, inviting...
Depot is a fast paced eatery and oyster bar by award winning NZ chef Al Brown. The focus is on seasonal produce and simple...
QT Hotels & Resorts signature restaurant 'Esther' in collaboration with Chef Sean Connolly set to open this November.
Anchored in the heart of Westhaven’s harborside, First Mates Last Laugh is all about bringing fresh vibes and incredible...
Gilt Brasserie is a bustling, vibrant restaurant serving simple, unfussy European fare.
This all-day bistro is bringing a sophisticated European vibe to the heart of the city.
With Chef Nic Watt at the helm, head to MASU for world class Japanese cuisine in the style of a robata restaurant and bar.
Authentic South American eatery in the historical Victoria Park Markets.
Building on Rodd & Gunn's ethos of sourcing only the finest materials, The Lodge Bar presents a carefully curated offering of...
With bright, bold and fresh Asian flavours and some of the best harbour views in town, this is definitely an eatery to get...
More on the Guide
Amano is one of Britomart’s most prominent restaurants with a seasonal menu that is sure to tempt your palate.
Cafe Hanoi has opened its new doors in the bigger, better site of the old 1885 nightclub. A modern Vietnamese restaurant in...
An American style menu with a traditional Yum Cha twist is well worth checking out at this Wyndham Street eatery.
Ebisu offers something new, a sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya style of informal drinking and dining. ...
Al Brown has put his spin on Jewish deli food - go here for the best Reuben sandwiches in town, and New York cheesecake.
Waterfront fine dining at its best, featuring breathtaking harbour views, large outdoor dining area and fireplace.
Huami, a contemporary, yet authentic Chinese restaurant, is the latest addition to SKYCITY's award-winning Federal Street...
For a taste of Eastern-Mediterranean delights in the city centre.
kingi is the newest seafood restaurant opening in Britomart, and it's all thanks to the founders of the ever popular (and...
Kureta offers an intimate and unconventional Teppan House experience that honours Japanese craftsmanship while drawing...
Odettes brings a slice of Eastern Mediterranean chic to City Works Depot
Onemata is formed out of the passion and enthusiasm that our Chefs have for New Zealand, its plentiful fresh produce, premium...
A wineshop and rooftop bar at the top of Commercial Bay... and it is fabulous!
SUMI brings the ancient craft of Robatayaki to life with modern elegance. Grilled over Bincho Tan charcoal, every dish...
Serving fresh corn tortillas, quality ingredients and tasty salsa, Tacoteca is the place to go for authentic Mexican fare.
The Grill serves exceptional New Zealand steak and seafood with a classic, modern approach.
Trivet celebrate people, culture and heritage. Each dish tells a story blending flavours and techniques from around the world...
Uncle Man’s menu carries simple but authentic traditional dishes similar to those you would find on a side cart along the...
Click here to discover the full 2026 Cuisine Good Food Guide.
Award-winning eats
Article
The Lewisham Awards recognises excellence across 19 categories, celebrating the people and places driving Auckland...
Article
Starred restaurants, Bib Gourmand and all the MICHELIN restaurants in the city centre
Article
The finalists for the 2026 Iconic Auckland Eats are here, and 28 are from our delicious city centre restaurants!