NZ’s Foodie Capital Has Been Found

Queenstown is setting itself up as the foodie capital of New Zealand as it secures the only two-star Michelin restaurant in the country. 110 restaurants were recognised by Michelin on our fair shores with 15 of them receiving stars, 35 Bib Gourmands and the rest recognised for their excellence, so shouldn’t be written off either.

Queenstown and Wānaka scooped up a good selection of stars. Five restaurants across the two destinations received coveted MICHELIN Stars, including two stars for Queenstown’s Essence. Led by Executive Chef Paul Froggatt it is the only restaurant in New Zealand to receive the prestigious two-star rating.

Queenstown restaurants Rātā, Sherwood and Amisfield each received one MICHELIN Star, while Wānaka’s Kika also earned a one-star distinction.

A further seven local restaurants were recognised with Bib Gourmand awards for offering exceptional quality at good value. Wānaka’s Paloma Taqueria, Bombay Palace, Francesca and Muttonbird were recognised, along with Queenstown’s Aosta, Sundays, and The Cow.

Perched on a hillside above Lake Wakatipu Essence is enjoying ruling the roost with its two Michelin Stars. You may think a dining experience that has achieved this pinnacle may be overwrought, but its understated dining room ensures the focus remains on the cuisine. Two tasting menus showcase premium seasonal New Zealand produce, combining refined technique with creativity and a modern sensibility. Each dish expresses clarity and balance, while the wine list offers a strong selection, particularly for Pinot Noir enthusiasts.

There were plenty of critiques over the selection, what do a bunch of anonymous interlocutors know about our food scene anyway? So while this list should be celebrated, let’s not forget that local knowledge and word of mouth can let us know about the truly hidden gems.

Queenstown & Wānaka MICHELIN Guide recipients

Two MICHELIN Stars
Essence, Queenstown

One MICHELIN Star

Amisfield, Queenstown

Set beside its own vineyard, Amisfield offers bold and creative dishes using seasonal ingredients from Central Otago, paired with wines from its estate.

Kika, Wānaka

A modern New Zealand restaurant with global influences, Kika focuses on bold flavours and premium local produce in a sharing-style format.

Rātā, Queenstown

Named after a native tree, Rātā showcases modern New Zealand cuisine using ingredients sourced locally from Central Otago, reflecting a strong connection to the land.

Sherwood, Queenstown

Overlooking Lake Wakatipu, Sherwood follows a “garden-to-table” philosophy, with most ingredients sourced from its own garden or foraged locally, resulting in a hyper-seasonal and expressive menu.

Bib Gourmand

Aosta, Queenstown
Bombay Palace, Wānaka
Francesca, Wānaka
Muttonbird, Wānaka
Paloma Taqueria, Wānaka
Sundays, Queenstown
The Cow, Queenstown
Treehouse, Wānaka