In 2025 we are delighted to announce that more than 300 establishments have been featured in our Cuisine Good Food Guide presented by American Express. It’s our pick of the nation’s top restaurants and must-visit dining destinations from fine dining and regional destinations to metropolitan and neighbourhood favourites.

Twenty category winners and 102 hatted restaurants – including the American Express Restaurant of the Year and Cuisine Chef of the Year – were announced at the highly anticipated Cuisine Good Food Awards event, presented by American Express on 18 August in the Hunua Rooms at the magnificent Aotea Centre, Auckland.

Curated by a national panel of judges, comprising food-and-drink writers, critics, chefs and hospitality professionals, and led by food-and-drink expert Kerry Tyack, the Cuisine Good Food Awards and Cuisine Good Food Guide 2025 are designed to showcase the country’s outstanding talent and hottest venues, with the aim of encouraging patronage and showcasing New Zealand cuisine to both local and international audiences.

Despite the continued challenges of staffing shortages and increased costs in the hospitality sector, the Cuisine Good Food Guide 2025 contains some new entries alongside many of the country’s long-term players and is a testament to the quality and passion of Aotearoa’s restaurant scene.

Challenges for the hospitality industry have not prevented some spectacular new openings across the country and it’s exciting to see that many are embracing an elevated casual approach that showcases the flavours and hospitable culture of Aotearoa so well.

“The Cuisine Good Food Awards are a celebration of the incredible talent, dedication and creativity that makes up New Zealand’s dining and hospitality scene. The Awards highlight not only the joy of dining out, but also play a valuable role in championing the industry,” says Rob Bourne, Country Manager NZ, American Express. “American Express is proud to continue our strong partnership with Cuisine for the fourth consecutive year and to show our support for the people who are shaping world-class culinary experiences in Aotearoa.”