Pacifica in Hawkes Bay on the east coast of the North Island has been named the best restaurant in the country in New Zealand’s most prestigious restaurant awards. 

The 2017 Cuisine Good Food Awards showcase the best New Zealand has to offer across both the North and South Islands. 

At Pacifica, the celebrated Māori chef Jeremy Rameka combines Michelin-quality cooking with a casual New Zealand atmosphere, which you'll find in a weathered wooden bungalow near the coast. Think dishes like pan-seared sesame crusted trevally with squid mince and greenlip mussel sago.

Pacifica wasn’t the only Hawke's Bay eatery to get a mention with local favourite Bistronomy taking out best regional restaurant. Hawke’s Bay - home of the FAWC (Food & Wine Classic) festival - is known as the food bowl of New Zealand and in Napier, Bistronomy’s chef-owner James Beck creates a continuously evolving menu that reflects the bounty of the region. Malo, Hawke's Bay’s new kid on the block, picked up best new regional restaurant making this North Island region the big winner on the night. 

auckland chef Ed Verner was named chef of the year for his work at his restaurant Pasture. Minimalist, modern and restrained in decor, Pasture is the most exciting recent arrival to Auckland’s restaurant scene. Ed and Laura Verner have taken inspiration from culinary adventures overseas, returning to cook over a smoky fire in their tiny 20-seat restaurant. 

In Marlborough, Liz Buttimore of Arbour was awarded restaurant personality of the year. Liz’s attitude and hospitality complements the deliciously styled food, and her selections of wine. include the very best of the region.

Oamaru restaurateur Fleur Sullivan of Fleur’s Place won a new award, the Food Legend. Fleur’s menu is simple and based on whatever is available on the day - the selection of seafood caught by the Moeraki Bay fishing boats that unload their daily catch on the wharf beside the restaurant.

AWARD WINNERS

Cuisine Restaurant Of The Year
Pacifica (Hawkes Bay)

Vittoria Coffee Chef Of The Year
Ed Verner, Pasture (Auckland)

Santa Vittoria Best Metropolitan Restaurant
Apero (Auckland)

Stuff Fibre Best New Metropolitan Restaurant
Gatherings (Christchurch)

Neat Meat Best Regional Restaurant
Bistronomy (Hawkes Bay)

Neighbourly Best New Regional Restaurant
Malo (Hawke's Bay)

Estrella Damm Best Specialist Restaurant
Cassia (Auckland)

Stuff.co.nz Best Casual Dining Restaurant
Azabu (Auckland)

Kenwood Restaurant Personality Of The Year  
Liz Buttimore, Arbour (Marlborough)

Ora King Salmon Innovation Award
Vaughan Mabee, Amisfield (Central Otago)

Cuisine Recommends Best Winery Restaurant
Black Estate (Canterbury)

Nautilus Estate of Marlborough Best Drinks List
Pasture (Auckland)

Negociants New Zealand Best Wine Experience
Noble Rot (Wellington)

Food Legend Award 

Fleur Sullivan, Fleur's Place (Oamaru)