Northland Destinations
Duke of Marlborough Hotel
You cannot stop at Russell without visiting the Duke. Catch the ferry from Paihia and make straight for a table at this historical waterfront spot. In keeping with its surrounds, it’s big on locally-sourced seasonal produce. Plus, gladly, a lot of seafood.
35 The Strand, Russell, Northland /
09 403 7829 /
theduke.co.nz
Hōne’s Garden
This eponymous spot serves nearly every pizza permutation you could possibly think of (there are even two sweet ones). And it has a lush garden setting. Sides, salads and meat or fish mains round it out nicely. Go from noon until nighttime, seven days a week.
10 York St, Russell, Northland /
022 466 3710 /
hones.co.nz
Local Talent Taverna
Greek is the word here in Cameron St.
Be it for lunch, snacks or dinner, there’s a touch of the Med to most menu mentions. Forget paying for extras: all mains come with Greek fries, organic green salad, seasoned yoghurt and grilled pita.
99 Cameron St, Whangārei, Northland /
localtalenttav.com
Māha
Earthy and esoteric elements meld in a pan-Asian menu. Māha prides itself on using fresh, local and seasonal products in their delivery of unpretentious, clean and honest food. A menu made with love and calm consideration – by grown-ups for grown-ups.
190 Kerikeri Rd, Kerikeri, Northland /
09 945 6551 /
maharestaurant.co.nz
Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen
Winner of the Outstanding Regional Establishment gong in the 2023 Northland Hospitality Awards, Omata maintains its reign as a boutique vineyard and kitchen with sunny views, happy diners and the best in on-site wines. Woodfired pizzas, gourmet platters: far out in the Far North.
212 Aucks Rd, Russell, Northland /
09 403 8007 /
omata.co.nz
Plume
Bring your grape expectations to dine overlooking the vines in this rustic restaurant, a local favourite with a ‘nature-to-plate’ focus that serves up nibbles, small plates and hearty meals.
And if you overindulge at the cellar door, you can always book in for a night at the adjacent villas.
49A Sharp Rd, Matakana, Northland /
09 422 7915 /
plumerestaurant.co.nz
We’d love to know about your favourite spots.
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Cuisine Good Food Guide Hatted Restaurants
Resilience, innovation and exceptional dining experiences are the hallmarks of this past year’s Cuisine Good Food Awards, with a commitment to excellence within the New Zealand hospitality industry.
Cuisine Good Food Guide Category Winners
Discover the best restaurants, chefs and innovators of the year across New Zealand’s culinary scene. From Restaurant of the Year to Regional, Metropolitan and Rising Talent, meet the award-winners shaping the future of dining out.
Cuisine Good Food Guide Destinations
Start planning your best-ever culinary adventures with Cuisine’s Good Food Guide Destinations. From casual to high-end global tastes to wineries that deliver a great menu or favourites we return to again and again, you are guaranteed a deliciously good time.
With special thanks to all our 2023 partners
