How many times have you gone out to a restaurant in New Zealand only to find yourself disappointed with the menu and the quality of the food?
Disappointment doesn’t just happen at “cheap” fast food restaurants; even the high-end ones can be guilty of serving up subpar dishes. This can be even more frustrating if you’ve spent a fair amount of money on your meal, only to leave feeling like it was a waste.
While it’s true there’s no guarantee of finding a fabulous restaurant—especially since everyone’s taste is different—reading reviews and asking for recommendations can certainly help. Online reviews can’t always be trusted, but if you’re seeing the same type of complaints over and over again, there’s probably some truth to them. There are great meals with exceptional experiences to be had all across the country. The thing about these restaurants is that many cost a lot of money, which you could spend on something arguably more exciting, like gambling at Casinos.com, instead.
To ensure you get your money’s worth when it comes to a great meal, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a list of some of the best-rated restaurants in New Zealand. We’ve got details such as menu options and pricing to help you narrow down your options. Let’s get right to it!
If you like the warm and rustic vibe, then the Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room in Matakana, Auckland, North Island, will be right up your alley. It’s the kind of place you walk into and feel instantly welcomed and at ease. The restaurant focuses on hearty food, preservative-free beer, and dishes that use local ingredients, in particular fish. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Opened in 2016, this restaurant has amassed a loyal following, so you may want to make reservations before heading over. Be advised that the menu can change at any time. Some of the dishes that may be offered include crispy pork hock, flatbread, Moroccan-style pulled lamb shoulder, the German platter, custard pannacotta, and poached pears to name a few.
The restaurant’s pricing ranges from mid-range to expensive.
Another fabulous offering, Plume Restaurant is located in Warkworth and provides a modern atmosphere. The restaurant is part of the Plume Vineyard, which is well-known for its grapes. Head straight to the restaurant, or take time for a wine tasting first. And this one isn’t just meant for adults, it’s got a family-friendly menu that includes options for the kids.
The restaurant serves lunch from Thursday to Sunday and dinner on Friday and Saturday. Part of the allure is the views you’ll be treated to while dining here. Menu items include a vineyard platter for two, market fish crudo, pork terrine, crispy squid, beef eye fillet, and many others.
The restaurant’s pricing is high-end.
When you think of the best restaurants in New Zealand, you may not factor Mexican cuisine into the equation, but the Mexico Silverdale in Silverdale will make you think twice. The restaurant features traditional Mexican dishes like tacos, quesadillas, nachos, and guacamole. It also has a sharing plates menu that is perfect if you want to share with your date, friends, or family.
Another great feature of this restaurant is the budget-friendly menu.
The Verandah @ Cable Bay Vineyards in Oneroa, Auckland, North Island provides diners with exceptional Mediterranean cuisine that is known for its flavourful, light, and bright dishes. This restaurant, which uses fresh local ingredients, is both elegant and cosy at the same time, specialising in fish, sharing plates, fresh produce, slow-roasted meats, Italian pizzas.
You can visit for lunch on Wednesday to Sunday and dinner on Friday and Saturday. The pricing is considered mid-range, yet the food itself is nothing short of luxurious.
Sometimes you’re in the mood for a special dining experience, the kind that blends exceptional food with breathtaking views in a sophisticated dining room. This is exactly what FISH Restaurant in Auckland offers. The dining room looks out over Princess Wharf, giving you the perfect view. The decor in the restaurant uses soft nautical colours, helping to set the tone. While you don’t have to wait for a special event to visit FISH Restaurant, it’s a great place for date night.
FISH Restaurant is known for using ethically sourced seafood. It relies on local fishermen for fresh ingredients, ensuring that diners are getting the best quality possible. Some of the dishes on the menu include crab cakes, wagyu beef tartare, lamb cutlet schnitzel, cider battered blue cod, confit duck leg, rib eye of beef, and many other options.
This is a true high-end dining experience, and the pricing reflects it.
How about a little Brazilian cuisine to get your mouth watering? Wildfire is known for its bold Brazilian menu with items that are authentically cooked over the fire. Cooking over the fire helps to bring the flavours out of the meats and other ingredients. But before you count this one out for the vegetarians in the group, don’t worry—there are vegetarian dishes too.
One of the more popular menu options at Wildfire is the all-you-can-eat menu. Just as its name implies, you can keep eating until you’re full without having to worry about the price adding up. Combine these features with a waterfront view, and you have a recipe for success.
This restaurant is moderately priced.
New Zealand is teeming with fabulous eateries. Some are more ostentatious than others, while there are also quaint little restaurants that you may not notice at first glance. If you want to ensure a fabulous dining adventure in New Zealand, picking a restaurant off this list will certainly prove wise. You really can’t go wrong with any of these!