Start planning your best-ever New Zealand culinary adventures and visit any one of our Cuisine Destinations for a deliciously good time. Our Cuisine Good Food Guide assessors have done the work for you so that you can explore and understand the unique flavours of Aotearoa.
Look for our Cuisine Destination category icons for a taste of what to expect.
A Cuisine Special Destination
The Cuisine Special Destination recognises terrific establishments, with friendly teams and talented chefs that are serving high-quality food.
A Cuisine Cool Destination
Interesting sips and luscious bites served within a casual, cool vibe
A Cuisine Hotel Destination
Restaurants situated within hotels that are well worth your visit.
A Cuisine Global Destination
Global tastes from casual to high-end, at the top of their game
A Cuisine Favourite Destination
Favourites that we return to again and again, friendly, comfortable and delicious
A Cuisine Winery Destination
Winery restaurants that pay special attention to delivering a great menu alongside their unique wine selections.
Amayjen
A former Scottish Chef of the Year returns to the city of his birth to give Palmerston North one of the best dining experiences in the country. Five-star skills are on show with international expertise combining with local knowledge in the most delicious way. Don’t miss out on the S’Mores Taco. You’re welcome.
17 Victoria Ave, Palmerston North /
06 355 1113 /
amayjen.co.nz
Little Savanna
A wedding of two worlds: the tastes of South Africa; the best of New Zealand service and produce. Little Savanna is big on meats – especially cuts that can be flame-grilled (their secret steak basting is a speciality touch). It’s equally generous towards vegetarians and seafood lovers.
45-47 Princess St, Palmerston North /
06 358 7775 /
littlesavanna.co.nz
Nero
No wonder chef and co-owner Scott Kennedy is a Beef + Lamb New Zealand Platinum Ambassador; he treats his meats with majestic attention. Partner Yvette Kennedy works front-of-house wonders. You don’t like flesh? They make a place for vegetarians and vegans, too.
36 Amesbury St, Palmerston North /
06 354 0312 /
nerorestaurant.co.nz
The Fat Farmer
They do things differently in Hokowhitu. Dishes are served as they are ready, rather than in any set order. Fear not: head chef Janet Gray brings an admirable culinary pedigree to this kitchen; you, dear diner, are the undoubted beneficiary. Note the signature lamb specialty.
360 Albert St, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North /
06 358 4999 /
thefatfarmer.co.nz
CUISINE GOOD FOOD GUIDE HATTED RESTAURANTS 2023/2024
MEET THECATEGORY WINNERS2023/2024
CUISINE GOOD FOOD GUIDEDESTINATION RESTAURANTS2023/2024
CUISINE GOOD FOOD GUIDE HATTED RESTAURANTS 2023/2024
MEET THECATEGORY WINNERS2023/2024
CUISINE GOOD FOOD GUIDEDESTINATION RESTAURANTS2023/2024
We’d love to know about your favourite spots.
Send your Cuisine Destination restaurant nominations to editorial@cuisine.co.nz