Welcome to Advieh, where a tapestry of Middle Eastern flavours seamlessly weaves into New Zealand's rich landscapes, inviting...
One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious culinary authorities, the Michelin Guide has officially launched its first-ever New Zealand edition, unveiled at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) on the evening of 30 June 2026. It was a landmark moment for Aotearoa’s hospitality scene, celebrating the talent, craft, and character that shape dining across the country.
With more than 100 restaurants acknowledged across the guide, it was a strong reminder of just how good dining out in NZ is and how many spots are worth having on your radar!
At the heart of it all were the Michelin Stars, the ones everyone has their eye on, awarded to restaurants delivering standout cooking, consistency, and technique. Alongside those came the Bib Gourmand awards, spotlighting great food at a more accessible price point, plus a wider list of restaurants that are simply worth knowing about.
After months of build-up, speculation, and crossed fingers, the results are finally in. It’s a huge milestone for the industry, signalling a new level of global recognition for Aotearoa’s dining scene.
Scroll on to see which city-centre spots made the cut, from Michelin Stars to Bib Gourmand and beyond!
One Michelin Star
Coveted by many chefs but awarded to only the most exceptional few, a one‑star rating signifies high‑quality cooking prepared with top‑tier ingredients and executed with consistent skill. It marks a restaurant as truly worth a special stop.
Ahi has been awarded one Michelin Star!
Led by chef Ben Bayly, Ahi is celebrated for its refined yet deeply rooted approach to New Zealand cuisine. The restaurant champions local producers, seasonal ingredients, and distinctly Aotearoa flavours, all expressed through thoughtful technique and warm hospitality. Its menu reflects a commitment to storytelling, each dish honouring the land, the people, and the traditions that shape modern New Zealand dining.
Bib Gourmand
Awarded to restaurants offering exceptional food at great value, the Bib Gourmand highlights places that deliver quality, flavour, and consistency without the fine‑dining price tag.
BODA
BODA brings a vibrant, modern take on Korean dining, with bold flavours, creative dishes, and a lively, polished atmosphere. Perched above the city with sweeping harbour views, it’s an easy spot to settle into. Relaxed yet elevated, BODA strikes that sweet spot between casual dining and a night out.
Bistro Saine
Bistro Saine brings a bright, modern energy to classic bistro dining. With a focus on clean flavours and thoughtful, produce‑driven dishes, it offers a relaxed neighbourhood charm paired with a level of care and precision that elevates every plate.
GOAT
GOAT is bold, playful, and full of character. Celebrating modern Indian cuisine with global influences, its menu delivers inventive dishes that feel fresh yet approachable. With confident, spice-led flavours and a lively atmosphere to match, it’s a favourite for diners who love a bit of fun woven into their food.
Milenta
Milenta showcases the beauty of open‑fire cooking, infusing its South American‑inspired dishes with smoke, warmth, and vibrancy. Seasonal ingredients take centre stage, and the menu is designed for sharing - creating a dining experience that feels generous, expressive, and full of soul.
Michelin selected restaurants
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...
Serving up Indian cuisine with a modern twist, Cassia is an award-winning restaurant from famed chef Sid Sahrawat.
A 100% vegetarian restaurant! 75% percent of the dishes on offer at East are vegan and 70% are gluten-free.
QT Hotels & Resorts signature restaurant 'Esther' in collaboration with Chef Sean Connolly set to open this November.
Gilt Brasserie is a bustling, vibrant restaurant serving simple, unfussy European fare.
Serving up contemporary cuisine inspired by regions of Japan, Korea and China, Hello Beasty is a cult eatery on Auckland's...
kingi is the newest seafood restaurant opening in Britomart, and it's all thanks to the founders of the ever popular (and...
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.
One of Auckland's well-known dining destinations is entering an exciting new chapter, with Origine at Commercial Bay evolving...
Building on Rodd & Gunn's ethos of sourcing only the finest materials, The Lodge Bar presents a carefully curated offering of...
1947 eatery presents you with some of the city's most contemporary yet authentic Indian cuisine as well as delicious...
Bib Gourmand (Image supplied)
One Michelin Star (Image supplied)
Michelin Selected (Image supplied)