ADDRESS:   17 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North
CHECK WEBSITE FOR OPENING HOURS
MAINS:   $38 – $42
WEBSITE:    amayjen.co.nz
CONTACT:   06 355 1113
SCORE:   16 / 20

It’s easy to see why chef/owner Andrew May was named Scottish Chef of the Year before he returned to his Manawatu hometown. He and wife Jenni brought back the five-star skills and experiences they earned on their extensive OE, and now apply them on Victoria Avenue from morning until night. Whatever prompts your visit, Amayjen will meet your brief. Ultra-fresh produce is prepared with an attention to detail that has to be seen to be believed and a perfectly chosen wine list sits alongside. The standards are consistent throughout each course, as demonstrated by a dessert of S’Mores Taco – read marshmallow ice cream, Italian meringue, chocolate namelaka, smoked chocolate sauce, cocoa biscuits, crispy balls, homemade marshmallows and burnt butter ice cream.

IN BRIEF Chic, bistro-style destination dining