Next on our destination list for restaurants that get the design tick of approval is New Zealand. Known for their amazing fresh produce and stunning scenery, New Zealand has so many choices when it comes to dining out, so it’s been tough to narrow it down to our top favourites.

This selection of restaurants from all over New Zealand has caught our attention for their beautiful design, considered materiality, unique details, and incredible menus.

So let’s dive right in –

ALMA

Design by Jack McKinney / Located in Auckland

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You had us at open fire! This relaxed all day dining venue oozes warmth and a casual sense of quality, both from the interior and the food. By opening out the dining area with large floor to ceiling windows, the light filled restaurant is designed to be a sensory experience, from the tactile terracotta tiles to the incredible aroma wafting from the open fire, Alma is somewhere we want to gather with good friends and a bottle of red wine.

MR MORRIS

Design by Cheshire Architects / Located in Auckland

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“Mr Morris does not have a theme. It’s not that kind of place. It’s a simpler, more honest thing than that. Almost everything is made from oak. Fast growing, hard and renewable.” from the designers.

The menu is full of fresh seasonal dishes that are as sophisticated as the interior. Put Mr Morris on your list of ‘to dos’ next time you’re in Auckland!

AZABU PONSONBY

Design by Izzard / Located in Auckland

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This Japanese restaurant in Auckland uses local ingredients to serve up modern dishes that are both fun and delicious. The interior design by Izzard has incorporated charred timber with orange leather seating to create an atmosphere that is also fun and delicious! Plus how good is the darker moodier feel of this space!

PICNICKA

Design by CTRL Space / Located in Tauranga

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“The venue combines vintage charm with contemporary design ideas. The brand had established the idea of a place where guests could ‘graze and play’. This phrase created the backbone of the creative direction, celebrating the romance with nature found while enjoying a picnic in a European meadow.” According to the CTRL design team. Picnicka gets great reviews and is a favourite for locals in Tauranga. We also love the balanced mix of materials used in this beautiful space!

SUNSET

Design by CTRL Space / Located in Auckland / Photography by Sarah Grace

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Another one of CTRLs projects makes it onto our list and we think you’ll agree that this one is a stunner. Set overlooking the crisp blue harbour in Auckland, Sunset lives up to its name and offers sunset cocktails 10 floors up, with one incredible view. Did someone say it’s time for an afternoon spritz? The bar and restaurant channel a 70s vibe with a tiny nod to the 80s with curved lines and a soft pastel colour palette. We love the way the ‘Walter’ rug by Christine McDonald from Designer Rugs really elevates the lounge area too!

SEVEN

Design by Semi-Creative / Located in Christchurch

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Seven is a welcome surprise set among the brutalist architecture of Peter Beavan, overlooking Christchurch. The soft, warm textures and dark timber tones work beautifully to soften the space and create a place to sit and enjoy a meal with your favourite people. A wonderfully curated balance of raw natural materials and rich tonal palette.