Cuisine is proud to announce the restaurants selected for the Cuisine New Zealand Good Food Guide 2026, presented by American Express. Showcasing more than 400 of Aotearoa’s outstanding dining destinations.

For almost four decades, the Cuisine Good Food Guide has helped diners discover exceptional restaurants across New Zealand. This year’s selection recognises the venues setting the benchmark for culinary excellence, from destination fine dining to neighbourhood favourites that continue to delight locals and visitors alike.

The full list is released ahead of our Cuisine Good Food Awards on 24 August, when this year’s Hat recipients and 20 category winners will be revealed in Auckland. But for 2026, the conversations and celebration won’t end there.

In a new approach, we will continue adding exceptional restaurants to the Guide throughout the year as they earn their place. The initiative reflects the ever-evolving nature of New Zealand’s hospitality scene, recognising exciting new openings, innovative chefs and remarkable dining experiences whenever they emerge. Curated by Cuisine’s national assessment team, and led by hospitality expert Kerry Tyack, the Guide remains the trusted benchmark for outstanding dining. By continuously expanding the Guide, Cuisine is reinforcing our commitment to championing the country’s vibrant restaurant industry while giving diners an evolving resource to discover the very best places to eat across New Zealand.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this outstanding collection of our country’s finest dining destinations and return here on 24 August for the release of the full Cuisine New Zealand Good Food Guide 2026, presented by American Express.