Best Restaurants in New Zealand 2026

Bluff Oysters

The world's most celebrated oysters, grown in the cold waters off Bluff at the southern tip of New Zealand. Available May to August, they are prized for their creamy, mineral-rich flavour. Found at fish markets and seafood restaurants nationwide during season.

Where to try: Fishmongers and seafood restaurants nationwide, May-August season

Price: NZD $25-45 for a dozen

Green-Lipped Mussels

New Zealand's iconic large green-shelled mussels are farmed in Marlborough Sounds and Nelson, producing some of the world's most flavourful shellfish. Steamed with white wine and cream, or grilled with herb butter, they are a New Zealand staple.

Where to try: Any New Zealand seafood restaurant or supermarket fish counter

Price: NZD $15-25 (restaurant), NZD $6 (supermarket)

Whitebait Fritters

A seasonal New Zealand delicacy made from tiny juvenile fish (inanga) bound in egg batter and pan-fried. Whitebait season is August to November and genuine whitebait fritters should contain 100% fish with minimal batter.

Where to try: West Coast cafes, Westland region, South Island seafood restaurants during season

Price: NZD $18-35

Hangi

Traditional Maori earth oven cooking where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked over heated rocks in a pit. The smoky, earthy flavour is unique. Available at cultural experiences in Rotorua and at some Maori-owned restaurants nationwide.

Where to try: Mitai Maori Village, Te Puia Rotorua, Tamaki Maori Village

Price: NZD $55-110 (as part of cultural experience)

Rack of New Zealand Lamb

New Zealand produces the world's finest lamb from merino and romney sheep raised on lush natural pastures. A rack of Central Otago or Canterbury lamb at a quality restaurant showcases the clean, sweet flavour that has made New Zealand lamb globally prized.

Where to try: Any quality New Zealand restaurant, especially in the South Island

Price: NZD $38-65

Rata Dining

Celebrity chef Josh Emett's flagship restaurant showcasing the best of Central Otago produce. Sophisticated menu featuring local lamb, venison, and seafood with creative modern techniques in elegant lakefront setting.

43 Ballarat Street, Queenstown 9300

Fergburger

Queenstown's legendary burger joint serving massive gourmet burgers with creative toppings. Cult following ensures queues but burgers are worth the wait. Open late for post-adventure fuel.

42 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300

Hell Pizza (Multiple Locations)

New Zealand's iconic pizza chain with irreverent branding and quality ingredients. Creative toppings, vegan options, and late-night delivery make it backpacker favorite.

Various locations nationwide

Hare Krishna Food for Life (Multiple Cities)

Free vegetarian meals served in parks across New Zealand cities, funded by donations. Delicious Indian curries, rice, and desserts creating community atmosphere.

Various park locations

Floriditas Wellington

Iconic Wellington cafe on Cuba Street serving exceptional coffee, brunches, and all-day dining. Buzzing atmosphere and consistently excellent food make it local institution.

161 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011

Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door

Award-winning restaurant at renowned Central Otago winery featuring locally sourced ingredients, house-made charcuterie, and estate wines. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame spectacular mountain and vineyard views.

10 Lake Hayes Road, Queenstown 9371

Ortega Fish Shack Wellington

Casual seafood restaurant celebrating Pacific Rim flavors and sustainable fishing. Fresh daily catches, oysters, and creative fish dishes in relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

16 Majoribanks Street, Mount Victoria, Wellington 6011

Velvet Burger Auckland

Award-winning burger joint serving creative combinations with quality ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options alongside beef and chicken burgers in hip setting.

489 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021

New Zealand Meat Pie

The quintessential Kiwi street food — a flaky pastry pie filled with mince, steak and cheese, butter chicken, or lamb and mushroom. Found at every bakery and dairy (convenience store) for NZD $5-8.

Find it at: Bakeries and dairies nationwide

Fish and Chips

Fresh snapper or blue cod in a crispy batter with thick chips, wrapped in paper with salt and vinegar, is New Zealand's most beloved takeaway. Coastal towns have exceptional chippies using the day's freshest catch.

Find it at: Fish and chip shops nationwide, especially at beach towns

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

New Zealand's most beloved ice cream flavour — vanilla with small pieces of honeycomb toffee — is available at dairies, supermarkets, and ice cream shops nationwide.

Find it at: Dairies, supermarkets, ice cream parlours nationwide

Pavlova

New Zealand and Australia both claim the pavlova, but Kiwis are passionate about their claim to this meringue dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh kiwifruit.

Find it at: Cafes and bakeries nationwide

Otago Farmers Market

Dunedin's weekly Saturday market at the railway station is New Zealand's finest producers-only market with over 80 vendors. Fresh oysters, artisan cheese, organic vegetables, and local breads.

Hours: Saturday 8AM-12:30PM

Harbourside Market Wellington

Wellington's largest Sunday market on Cobham Drive beside the waterfront with fresh produce, food stalls, and artisan goods. Strong Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, and Pacific food vendor presence.

Hours: Sunday 7:30AM-1PM

Riccarton Sunday Market, Christchurch

Christchurch's massive Sunday market at Riccarton Racecourse with hundreds of stalls covering produce, food, vintage goods, and crafts. New Zealand's largest outdoor market.

Hours: Sunday 9AM-2PM