Eighteen for 2018
We’re excited to showcase 18 dining destinations to try out in 2018.
1. Ramada Resort Reia Taipa Beach
The most Northern restaurant in the Beef and lamb Excellence Awards programme, sits on the beautiful coast of Doubtless Bay. Whether it’s a base you are looking for to explore Northland or just a relaxing long weekend get-away, this destination offers superb cuisine and excellent accommodation in a stunning location. www.ramadataipa.co.nz
2. The Quay, Whangarei
For a true gate to plate experience you can’t pass through Whangarei without stopping off for a bite at The Quay. Positioned in the Whangarei Marina, their ethos is all about traceability and being proud of the meals they produce. They source their beef and lamb from their own farm, Highgate Hill and matched with their own organically grown vegetables it’s no wonder they produce award-winning cuisine. You could even treat yourself to a copy of their very own cookbook. www.thequaykitchen.co.nz
3. Plume, Matakana
Set in a three-hectare boutique vineyard, Plume is the perfect destination for a long lunch in the beautiful rural environment of Matakana. The chefs fuse flavour from global kitchens with New Zealand’s own traditional heritage to produce delicious fresh, seasonal dishes. The restaurant has an open style kitchen where the chefs are an integral part of the guests’ experience. With a cellar door and a café on site you can pop in for a quick visit or take your time and enjoy their wines. www.plumerestaurant.co.nz
4. Casita Miro, Waiheke
Specialising in the cuisine of Spain, the team at Casita Miro pride themselves in sharing their love of fine food, wine and sherry. A visit to this gorgeous restaurant is all about shared dining and their tapas and raciones (large plates) are perfect for a fun, relaxed and social dining experience. We recommend you try their slow braised ox cheek for something a little different and we’ve heard a glass of their Madame Rouge is not to be missed! www.casitamiro.co.nz
5. The Sugar Club, Sky Tower, Auckland
Take your dining to new heights in Auckland City and visit The Sugar Club at the top of the Sky Tower. The décor evokes 1930s art deco Italy but the views are what will take your breath away! The perfect place for a romantic dinner for two watching the setting sun or a special place to take your overseas visitors for a lunchtime view over Auckland City. And here’s a foodie fact for you – this is the fourth Sugar Club restaurant set up by the ‘godfather of fusion cuisine’ Peter Gordon, one of New Zealand’s most renowned chefs and a past Ambassador of beef and lamb cuisine. www.thesugarclub.co.nz
6. Palate Restaurant, Hamilton
On the banks of the Waikato River the décor and environment at Palate along with the knowledgeable staff and award-winning cuisine will set you up for an outstanding dining experience every time. Owner and Beef + Lamb NZ lifetime Ambassador Chef Mat McLean, is a chef with highly developed technical skills who is not afraid to experiment with flavours and textures. And if your short on time or just passing through Hamilton our pick would be to check out their express lunch. Two courses for $25 and with a menu that changes daily you are sure to get a fresh, seasonal and sensational lunch. www.palaterestaurant.co.nz
7. Huhu Café, Waitomo
If you have never explored the caves at Waitomo before, then perhaps it’s time to plan a trip to this iconic destination. We highly recommend you check out the Huhu Café while you are there as they can provide you with all your dining needs, whether its just a coffee or a delicious lunch or dinner. Take a break and sit back and enjoy the views from the deck over the Waitomo village to the beautiful bush clad hills and let owners Andy and Abi take care of your dining requirements. www.huhucafe.co.nz
8. Tay Street Beach Café, Mt. Maunganui
For locals and holiday makers this beachside destination is a must visit spot for foodies and those searching for great coffee anytime of the day. Their menu is a fusion of traditional Asian fare with a focus on flavoursome fresh and healthy meals using all the best quality local produce they can find. Get your taste buds ready and check out their picture gallery on the website. We hear their lamb rump is a best seller! www.taystreetbeachcafe.co.nz
9. Bistro Lago, Hilton Hotel, Lake Taupo
The Lake Taupo region is one of striking beauty characterised by magnificent hot springs and the mighty Huka Falls. There is so much to do that we recommend you book into the Hilton Hotel and stay a while to soak it all up. After a day of sightseeing you can dine in style at the elegant Bistro Lago which boasts a stunning fine dining menu. Our pick here is a glass of wine on the sweeping balcony enjoying the spectacular views of the lake, while you peruse the menu. www.bistrolago.co.nz
10. Malo, Havelock North
The Hawkes Bay is a dining mecca where there is an abundance of freshly grown food and a plethora of talented chefs creating some exciting dining options for the dedicated foodie. Our pick here is to try Malo in Havelock North. A relative new comer to the Hawkes Bay dining scene they took no time at all to collect some accolades to prove they are a destination to add to your list. Open for breakfast through to dinner we think their locally grown beef and lamb are more than worthy of a mention. www.malo.co.nz
11. Amayjen The Restaurant, Feilding
The residents of the tiny rural town of Feilding are very lucky to have an award-winning restaurant in their midst. If you happen to be passing through the Manawatu then take a short detour off the beaten track and see enjoy the hospitality of chef/owner Andrew May and his wife Jenni. Andrew is renowned for his flavoursome dishes and his innovation presentation creating a feast for your eyes and your palate! Open six days from 10am www.amayjen.co.nz
12. Meat & Liquor, New Plymouth
Taranaki is a year-round place to visit and for the meat lovers amongst us the locals would point you in the direction of Meat & Liquor in New Plymouth. The chefs here like to know where their meat comes from as they specialise in prime cuts sourced from sustainable farms which have been carefully considered for flavour, texture and agricultural practices. So whether you like your steak cooked rare, medium or well, let the friendly team here take care of all your meaty needs. www.meatandliquor.co.nz
13. Pinocchio, Martinborough
If you’re heading to Martinborough for a weekend of wine tasting we highly recommend checking out the dining options at Pinocchio’s. The ambience is casual but the food is fine dining with Asian influences popping up. Choose from booking in for a seven-course degustation or for something more casual visit on a Wednesday when they offer a special gourmet burger and hand cut chips for only $20. Of course, wine is available by the glass and the friendly staff can help you with your wine matches. www.pinocchio.co.nz
14. Hillside Kitchen & Cellar, Wellington
Just a few minutes walk from the beehive you can escape the hustle and bustle of Wellington City and enjoy some cutting-edge cuisine from the talented team at this restaurant. They describe their food as a celebration of modern multicultural New Zealand on a plate. With a menu that changes daily you are sure to be treated to the most fresh, seasonal produce available on the day. www.hillsidekitchen.co.nz
15. FORD’s Restaurant & Bar, Nelson
For contemporary New Zealand cuisine in the heart of Nelson City you cannot walk past FORD’s Restaurant & Bar. As long-time holders of the Beef and Lamb Excellence Award you know you will get that perfectly cooked steak or tender flavoursome lamb. Chef Alex Hogg likes to boldly mix European influences with unique New Zealand flavours. Check out their menu at www.fordsnelson.co.nz
16. Chillingworth Road, Christchurch
The beauty and elegance of dining at Chillingworth Road is an experience in itself but add in the outstanding cuisine and your experience at this amazing restaurant will remain with you for a long time. Chef and owner Darren Wright focuses on the flavours of the ingredients to highlight each individual element on the plate and with locally sourced ingredients your taste buds will be taken to new heights. If you’re pushed for time though check out their bistro menu which is equally delicious! www.chillingworthroad.co.nz
17. Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen, Wanaka
Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka, the restaurant offers amazing views of the lake and snow-capped mountains beyond. The signature dish of slow cooked lamb shoulder is designed to be shared by two or check out their a la carte menu where they offer premium cuts on the Stonegrill. www.wgk.co.nz
18. Paddington Arms, Invercargill
If you have made it as far as the bottom of the South Island and find yourself in Invercargill, you need to take a break at Paddy’s and enjoy one of their $20 mains. This is an English style gastro pub serving hearty cuisine produced by the only chef in New Zealand who has held the Beef and Lamb Excellence Award for 22 years – look for their impressive collection of gold plates and be prepared to be overwhelmed buy the quality of the food and service and underwhelmed by the price! www.paddingtonarms.co.nz