A historic day for New Zealand hospitality

Yesterday marked a landmark moment for New Zealand's hospitality industry as the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand selections were revealed.

For the first time, restaurants in New Zealand have been recognised by the world's most influential restaurant guide, cementing the country's place among the world's leading dining destinations.

Celebrating our First Table partners

Today's announcement is especially exciting for the First Table community.

We're incredibly proud to congratulate the First Table partner restaurants recognised in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand. Their inclusion reflects the dedication, creativity, and consistency that diners experience every day.

Michelin-Starred First Table Partners

Inati Christchurch

Rātā Queenstown

Paris Butter Auckland 

Bib Gourmand First Table Partners

A’mano Christchurch

Aosta Arrowtown

Atelier Auckland

Boda Auckland

Earl Christchurch

GOAT By Chef Sid Chopra, Auckland

Hummingbird Wellington

Soul Quarter  Christchurch

Sundays Queenstown

ROCA Christchurch (Regular Table)

Michelin Selected First Table Partners

1947 Eatery Auckland

Advieh Auckland

Arc Wanaka (Regular Table)

Baduzzi Auckland (Regular Table)

Bessie Christchurch

Bianca by Giovi Arrowtown

Botswana Butchery Queenstown (Regular Table)

East Auckland

kingi Auckland

KOL Auckland

Lillius Auckland

Millhouse Queenstown (Regular Table)

Miro Christchurch  (Regular Table)

Morell Auckland

Metita Auckland (Regular Table)

Mr Morris Auckland

One Tree Grill Auckland

Shed 5 Wellington

SODA Queenstown

The French Cafe Auckland

The Woolshed at Ayrbyrn  Queenstown (Regular Table)

These recognitions highlight the calibre of restaurants available through First Table and reinforce what our diners have known for years: some of New Zealand's most acclaimed dining experiences can be discovered through our platform.

We're honoured to work alongside restaurants that continue to raise the standard for hospitality and delighted to see their achievements recognised on the global stage.

Why this matters for New Zealand

For decades, New Zealand has built a reputation for exceptional produce, innovative chefs, and memorable dining experiences. Yet despite international acclaim for many of its restaurants, the country had never been included in the MICHELIN Guide.

That changes today.

The inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand focuses on Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, with inspectors spending months dining anonymously across these regions.

The arrival of MICHELIN recognition places New Zealand alongside many of the world's most celebrated dining destinations and brings increased international attention to the country's food and hospitality sector.

Understanding MICHELIN recognition

The MICHELIN Guide was created in 1900 by the MICHELIN tire company to support the growth of automobile mobility. It has since evolved into the world's most respected restaurant guide.

MICHELIN inspectors visit restaurants anonymously and return multiple times before recognition is awarded. Consistency is a fundamental part of the assessment process. An outstanding meal on a single occasion is not enough; inspectors look for restaurants that deliver the same high standard over time and across multiple visits.

Restaurants are assessed using five universal criteria: the quality of ingredients, harmony of flavours, mastery of cooking techniques, the personality of the cuisine, and consistency both over time and across the menu.

The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, which are awarded to special restaurants within its full selection.

The most famous distinctions are its globally renowned MICHELIN Stars awarded to the restaurant offering the best culinary experiences.

One MICHELIN Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop

Two MICHELIN Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and

 Three MICHELIN Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”

Alongside the coveted Star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.

While these definitions are intentionally concise, earning a MICHELIN Star is widely regarded as one of the highest achievements in hospitality. Three MICHELIN Stars represent the highest level of recognition awarded by Michelin and remain one of the rarest honours in global hospitality.

What it means for our diners

For diners, the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide creates even more reasons to explore New Zealand's restaurant scene.

Restaurants that receive MICHELIN recognition often experience a significant increase in demand following the announcement. As interest grows, many diners will be looking for opportunities to experience these venues for themselves.

First Table continues to make discovering great restaurants easier, helping diners enjoy memorable meals while supporting hospitality businesses during quieter periods.

Whether you're booking a MICHELIN-recognised restaurant or uncovering a local favourite before everyone else does, there's never been a better time to explore New Zealand's vibrant dining scene.

A milestone worth celebrating

The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide marks the beginning of a new chapter for New Zealand hospitality.

Today's recognition celebrates not only the restaurants receiving accolades, but also the wider community of chefs, restaurant owners, front-of-house teams, producers, suppliers, and hospitality professionals who make dining out in New Zealand so special.

Congratulations to every restaurant recognised in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand. We're proud to celebrate this historic moment alongside you and look forward to seeing New Zealand's dining scene continue to shine on the world stage.