{"id":269566,"date":"2025-11-07T15:30:57","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T04:30:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.russh.com\/?p=269566"},"modified":"2025-11-07T13:55:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T02:55:28","slug":"new-zealand-michelin-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.russh.com\/new-zealand-michelin-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Michelin comes to New Zealand: who deserves a star and why Australia’s still waiting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even if you’re not an avid watcher of\u00a0The Bear,<\/em><\/a> or an Anthony Bourdain<\/a> fanatic, you’re probably be aware of something called The Michelin Guide<\/a>. Entry into its pages is considered the highest honour for any dining establishment \u2013 a coveted mark of excellence that can turn chefs into celebrities and restaurants into global destinations. Now, for the first time, that prestige is coming to New Zealand<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The move marks the first expansion of the guide into the southern hemisphere, signalling a major milestone for the country’s rapidly maturing culinary scene.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When is it launching?<\/h3>\n

The French-born arbiter of fine dining confirmed it will launch the Michelin Guide Aotearoa New Zealand<\/em> in mid-2026, following a deal signed with Tourism New Zealand.<\/p>\n

We’re told Michelin inspectors are already quietly dining their way through both islands in search of the best restaurants to include in the guide.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What about Australia?<\/h3>\n

Australia, however, has been left out of the equation.<\/p>\n

According to reporting by The Australian Financial Review<\/em><\/a>, Tourism Australia turned down the opportunity to fund the Michelin project \u2013 reportedly a $40 million initiative over several years \u2013 arguing that the country\u2019s diverse food culture didn\u2019t need international validation. That decision has sparked debate among chefs and restaurateurs, many of whom see Michelin\u2019s absence as a missed chance to spotlight Australia\u2019s booming fine dining industry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Who will be on the list?<\/h3>\n

New Zealand has long punched above its weight in gastronomy, known for its emphasis on local produce, sustainability, and innovation. From Auckland\u2019s oh-so-chic dining scene<\/a> to the cool-climate vineyards of Central Otago, the nation\u2019s chefs have built a reputation for sophisticated yet grounded cuisine that reflects the land and sea. While we have a few more months of speculating left, these are some of the spots we think should get consideration:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Amisfield<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n
\n

 <\/p>\n

\n
<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
View this post on Instagram<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

A post shared by Amisfield Restaurant (@amisfieldrestaurant)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n