On 30 June, Aotearoa New Zealand’s inaugural Michelin Guide Restaurant Ceremony revealed recognition for 110 restaurants in the 2026 Michelin Guide New Zealand, including 14 one-star venues and Oceania’s first-ever two-Michelin-star restaurant: Essence, led by chef Paul Froggatt.
The 6.3-million-dollar, three-year partnership between Michelin and Tourism New Zealand selected restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown only, following months of visits from the guide’s professional, anonymous inspectors.
Held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Monday night, the ceremony welcomed a 400-strong crowd of Michelin partners, chefs and restaurateurs, and international media and food content creators. International director of the Michelin Guide Gwendal Poullennec revealed the 15 restaurants to achieve star recognition alongside 35 Bib Gourmand recipients, 60 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, and the recipients of Michelin’s Special Awards for hospitality.
Speaking to Gourmet Traveller after the ceremony, Poullenac shared, “Our first step in a new country and region is always a milestone and, for me, a very emotional moment.”
Chief executive of Tourism New Zealand René de Monchy said in a statement, “This recognition is an acknowledgement of the people, the land, and the culture that make dining in New Zealand a truly unique experience. From the sustainable practices of our businesses harvesting fresh produce, to the deeply rooted Māori culture and manaakitanga (the Māori understanding of Māori for hospitality, kindness, and generosity) that defines how we welcome guests, New Zealand’s food and hospitality scene has something to offer every visitor.”
Oceania’s eyes now turn to South Australia, where Australia’s first Michelin Guide will be launched in October 2026.
New Zealand’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant: Essence
Another standing ovation was delivered as Queenstown restaurant Essence was named New Zealand’s first-ever two-Michelin-star restaurant. Set in the high-end ROKI Collection hotel looking over Lake Whakatipu in Queenstown, Essence serves two tasting menus, and is led by executive chef Paul Froggatt. After the ceremony, the English-born chef explained to GT, “I had a dream of achieving one star at some point in my career. In coming to New Zealand 13 years ago I gave up that dream, so it’s an honour to be recognised. It’s very special for me, and the whole team.”
“New Zealand’s food story, in our opinion, is one of the most compelling in the world, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of it,” said Froggatt.
New Zealand’s one-Michelin-star restaurants
The very first Michelin star to be announced for the Oceania region went to Samoan-New Zealand restaurant Tala, led by executive chef Henry Onesemo. Revealing the Samoan flag on stage as he accepted his Michelin plaque, an emotional Onesomo received a standing ovation as Poullenac revealed the Auckland venue is the first Samoan restaurant in the world to be awarded a Michelin star. After the ceremony, Onesomo told Gourmet Traveller, “I’m so happy that Samoan food is being recognised among the global elite. This Michelin star is great for Samoan culture, and the New Zealand hospitality scene.”
While presenting the stars, Paullenac said, “Being named in the Michelin Guide itself means a lot, but getting a star is another level. It means the restaurant is not only one of the best in your city, but also in your country, and in the world.”
- Ahi, Auckland
- Amisfield, Queenstown
- Inati, Christchurch
- Jano Bistro, Wellington
- Kika, Queenstown
- Logan Brown, Wellington
- Mudbrick, Auckland
- Ortega, Wellington
- Paris Butter, Auckland
- Rātā, Queenstown
- Sherwood, Queenstown
- Tala, Auckland
- The Estate, Auckland
- Tussock Hill, Christchurch
New Zealand’s recipients of Michelin Guide Special Awards
- Michelin Guide Young Chef Award: Robert Fairs — Londo, Christchurch
- Michelin Guide Service Award: Stina Persen — Graze, Wellington
- Michelin Guide Sommelier Award: Matthew Aitchison — The French Café, Auckland
- Michelin Mindful Voices: Benjamin Bayly — Ahi., Auckland
New Zealand’s 35 Bib Gourmand restaurants
- 1154 Pastaria, Wellington
- A’mano, Christchurch
- Aosta, Queenstown
- Apéro, Auckland
- Atelier, Auckland
- Bianca, Auckland
- Bistro Saine, Auckland
- Boda, Auckland
- Bombay Palace, Queenstown (Wānaka)
- Cicio Cacio, Wellington
- Cazador, Auckland
- Earl, Christchurch
- Fire And Slice, Christchurch
- Francesca, Queenstown
- Gatherings, Christchurch
- Gemmayze, Auckland
- Goat, Auckland
- Hummingbird, Wellington
- Indian Alley, Wellington
- Londo, Christchurch
- Milenta, Auckland
- Muttonbird, Queenstown
- Odeon, Christchurch
- Osteria Uno, Auckland
- Paloma Taqueria, Queenstown
- Parro Mediterranean, Auckland
- Pasta & Cuore, Auckland
- Roca, Christchurch
- Soul Quarter, Christchurch
- Sundays, Queenstown
- Tempero, Auckland
- The Athens Yacht Club, Christchurch
- The Cow, Queenstown
- The Monday Room, Christchurch
- Treehouse, Queenstown
Remaining restaurants in the first-ever Michelin Guide New Zealand
- 50-50, Wellington
- 1947 Eatery, Auckland
- Ada, Auckland
- Advieh, Auckland
- Alma, Auckland
- Arc, Queenstown
- Baduzzi, Auckland
- Bar Magda, Auckland
- Bianca, Queenstown
- Billy’s, Queenstown
- Bessie, Christchurch
- Bossi, Auckland
- Botswana Butchery, Queenstown
- Boulcott Street Bistro, Wellington
- Cassia, Auckland
- Cellar Door, Christchurch
- Charley Noble, Wellington
- Damascus, Wellington
- East, Auckland
- Esther, Auckland
- Floriditas, Wellington
- Gilt, Auckland
- Graze, Wellington
- Hello Beasty, Auckland
- Highwater, Wellington
- Hugo, Christchurch
- Jervois Steak House, Auckland
- Jervois Steak House, Queenstown
- Ki Māha, Auckland
- Kingi, Auckland
- Kisa, Wellington
- Koji, Wellington
- Kol, Auckland
- Lillius, Auckland
- Margot, Wellington
- Metita, Auckland
- Millhouse, Queenstown
- Miro, Christchurch
- Morell, Auckland
- Mr. Morris, Auckland
- Napoli, Wellington
- Nest, Queenstown
- Ombra, Wellington
- One Tree Grill, Auckland
- Onslow, Auckland
- Origine, Auckland
- Otto, Auckland
- Ragtag, Auckland
- Rita, Wellington
- Rodd & Gunn The Lodge, Auckland
- Rodd & Gunn The Lodge, Queenstown
- Rosella, Wellington
- Sails, Auckland
- Shed 5, Wellington
- Soda, Queenstown
- The French Café, Auckland
- The Dining Room, Queenstown
- The Woolshed, Queenstown
- Toast & Oak, Queenstown
- True South Dining Room, Queenstown
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