Queenstown & Wānaka New Zealand (1 July 2026) Queenstown and Wānaka have taken another step onto the global culinary stage, with local restaurants receiving outstanding recognition in the MICHELIN Guide.
Five restaurants across the two destinations received coveted MICHELIN Stars, including two stars for Queenstown’s Essence – the only restaurant in New Zealand to receive the prestigious two-star rating.
Queenstown restaurants Rātā, Sherwood and Amisfield each received one MICHELIN Star, while Wānaka’s Kika also earned a one-star distinction.
A further eight local restaurants were recognised with Bib Gourmand awards for offering exceptional quality at good value. Wānaka’s Paloma Taqueria, Bombay Palace, Francesca and Muttonbird were recognised, along with Queenstown’s Aosta, Sundays, and The Cow.
Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says the results highlight the region’s growing reputation as a world-class food and wine destination.
“To see five restaurants receive MICHELIN Stars, including New Zealand’s only two-star restaurant, is an extraordinary achievement and one the entire region can celebrate.
“This is global recognition of the exceptional standard of dining experiences visitors can enjoy in Queenstown and Wānaka. It reflects years of passion, creativity and commitment from some incredibly talented chefs and hospitality teams.
“Food and drink have become defining reasons people choose to visit our region. Alongside our spectacular scenery and experiences, our restaurants are helping shape Queenstown and Wānaka’s international reputation as a world-class destination.
“From award-winning fine dining through to neighbourhood favourites recognised with Bib Gourmand distinctions, the depth and diversity of our hospitality offering is something we’re incredibly proud of. Congratulations to every restaurant recognised.”
Thirteen restaurants in Queenstown and Wānaka were also included in the official MICHELIN Guide selection.
Backed by Tourism New Zealand, the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide marks the beginning of a new chapter for New Zealand’s international food and wine tourism.
After months of anonymous inspections, 110 establishments in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown were recognised; 15 with MICHELIN Stars, 35 with a Bib Gourmand, and a further 60 included in the official MICHELIN Guide selection.
The MICHELIN Guide is expected to further raise the country’s global culinary profile, creating new opportunities for destinations such as Queenstown and Wānaka to attract visitors seeking world-class dining experiences.
Local MICHELIN Guide recipients
Two MICHELIN Stars
Essence, Queenstown
One MICHELIN Star
Amisfield, Queenstown
Kika, Wānaka
Rātā, Queenstown
Sherwood, Queenstown
Bib Gourmand
Aosta, Queenstown
Bombay Palace, Wānaka
Francesca, Queenstown
Muttonbird, Queenstown
Paloma Taqueria, Wānaka
Sundays, Queenstown
The Cow, Queenstown
Treehouse, Wānaka.