Hospitality Business Magazine

10 must-visit eateries

At the risk of stating the obvious and teetering on the edge of repetitiveness, 2020 has been a turbulent year for most. As we get ready to farewell a year that won’t be forgotten in a hurry, Hospitality Business takes a look at some of New Zealand’s newly opened and top eateries from 2020.

Here are 10 must-visit eateries to add to your list in 2021 as you continue to support local and take a journey in NZ’s backyard in 2021.

Chef Michael Meredith

Mr. Morris
Nestled in the old Cafe Hanoi site in Auckland’s Britomart precinct, Top Chef Michael Meredith’s new venture Mr. Morris is a warm, welcoming restaurant whose name pays homage to a close family member who passed away last year.
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Matai Head Chef Jan Charvát and Executive Chef/Owner Ryan Gregorash

Matai
Six weeks and two days later than scheduled due to Alert Level 4 lockdown, Matai restaurant opened in Rotorua.
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Margo’s
They’re raising their salt-rimmed glasses in Queenstown to a vibrant new, high-energy Mexican restaurant and bar, successfully launched by local hospitality group Future Bars, against all post-Covid odds.
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Highwater Eatery
Cuba Street restaurant Highwater Eatery, known for its approach to using local, sustainable and ethical produce, picked up the accolade for best restaurant in the Felix Wellington Hospitality Awards.
More about the awards

Egmont at Palliser
One of Wellington’s best loved restaurants, Egmont Street Eatery, is setting up a satellite operation at Palliser Estate winery in Martinborough for the upcoming summer months.
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Chef Josh Emett

Onslow
Leading restaurateur and former MasterChef judge Josh Emett opened his first start from scratch, sole venture with wife Helen in Auckland in October 2020.
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Hone’s Garden
Known for its rustic pizzas, Hone’s Garden has won two of the top accolades in the Northland Hospitality Awards, proving just how popular it is.
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Saxon + Parole
The restaurant made its debut in September 2020, on the second floor of Commercial Bay in one of the tower’s premium spaces boasting breathtaking views of the Waitematā Harbour.
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Rogue Hop
From Wednesday to Sunday, doors open at 9am for coffee and daily changing pastries, before transitioning to a café bar throughout the day. At last, those in Napier wanting a late afternoon coffee have a place to go, before the night time speakeasy takes over.
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Esther
Opened in November 2020, Esther is the newest addition to Auckland’s vibrant Viaduct Harbour dining scene – a signature restaurant and bar curated by the hotel’s Creative Director of Food and Beverage, Chef Sean Connolly.
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