New Zealand Culinary Talent Shines at Cuisine Good Food Awards 2026

The Cuisine Good Food Awards 2026 have announced their winners, recognizing the best of New Zealand's culinary and hospitality talent. The annual industry celebration, presented by American Express, recognizes chefs, restaurants, and hospitality leaders setting the benchmark for dining excellence across Aotearoa.

This year, six restaurants were awarded three hats: Ahi in Auckland, Cocoro in Auckland, Craggy Range Restaurant in Havelock North, Essence in Queenstown, Paris Butter in Auckland, and Tala in Auckland. To achieve this status, restaurants are recognized as outstanding, world-class dining destinations at the highest level of the Cuisine Hat rating system.

The American Express Restaurant of the Year 2026 award went to Essence, Roki Collection, Queenstown, which also secured three hat status. Henry Onesemo of Tala in Auckland was named Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chef of the Year 2026, and Taylor Cullen of Sugarloaf at Flockhill in Canterbury received the Sturgeon Valley Luxury Lodge Chef of the Year 2026 award.