Aotearoa’s New Dining Collective Has Curated The Restaurants And Bars You Need Back On Your Radar

13th Oct 2026

Written by:

Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ

There are hotel restaurants, and then there are restaurants that just happen to be inside hotels. Worthy of your next dinner reservation—regardless of where you plan to sleep that evening—not pulling up a pew at one of these spots would be quite the faux pas.

So we’ve whipped up an edit of all the best spots that ought to be added to your must-eat list, stat, thanks to our friends at Cur—ate, a new collective that’s bringing together a selection of over 20 restaurants, bars and experiences across Aotearoa.

BODA

Inside Mövenpick Auckland, Top Floor, 8 Customs Street East

Hungry punters get stuck into a table laden with contemporary Korean dishes at Boda.
Image credit: BODA | Supplied

BODA left such an impression on The Michelin Guide that they put a ring on it (in the form of a massively prestigious Bib Gourmand), and if there’s anything to concretely establish BODA’s status as a restaurant in its own right, it’s that. Boda means ‘to see’ in Korean, so it makes sense that they’re sitting pretty penthouse-style with panoramic views of the Waitematā. Crowd-pleasers are the beef tartare, ricotta gnocchi ttoekbokki, grilled wagyu bavette steak and kimchi mac and cheese.

Jardin Grill

Inside Sofitel Wellington, 11 Bolton Street, Wellington Central

An open kitchen, a floral wall and black industrial accents.
Image credit: Jardin Grill | Supplied

The embodiment of both yin and yang, Jardin Grill is a floral-stamped wall with industrial accents; it’s contemplating a frothy cocktail but switching to an Old Fashioned when it comes time to order. It’s that irresistible sort of date who says something outrageously saucy, without breaking eye contact. But of course that’s the case—Jardin Grill promises French sophistication and local flavours, and they’re evidently crushing it—the team snapped the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award in 2023.

HI-SO Rooftop Bar

Inside SO/ Auckland, 67 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD

Three women toast with champagne at a rooftop party at HI-SO.
Image credit: HI-SO | Instagram

Toasting just hits different when you’re 16 floors up in the air. Brought to life with bold, punchy designs, HI-SO Rooftop Bar is unapologetically different. Step across the threshold and you’ll discover that here, cocktails are queen. And they’re accompanied by all the snacky plates you’d hope for—karaage chicken, sliders, prosciutto and cheese boards—while low-key sipping your way through the drinks list. Stick around after sundown, and you might just find yourself soundbathing in freshly-spun DJ beats.

South Eatery

Inside Mövenpick Queenstown, 21 Sainsbury Road, Fernhill

Wall-to-ceiling window view of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Image credit: South Eatery | Instagram

South Eatery is a celebration of place, with jaw-dropping floor-to-ceiling views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, plus a menu packed to the hilt with hearty kai from the region. Think New Zealand steak and Mount Cook salmon, shepherd’s pie topped with fire-roasted seasonal vegetables, hot honey-glazed pork belly and hāngī-spiced prawns.

Caucus

Inside Novotel Wellington, 133 The Terrace, Wellington Central

Two people tuck into a platter of charcuterie and sliders at Caucus.
Image credit: Caucus | Supplied

Sometimes it isn’t about the fanfare—you just want a reliable feed with wine to match. At Caucus, there’s a wine suggestion for just about every dish on the menu. Or, kick off the night’s antics with an ice-cold beer and a round of dumplings of the day. And if you’ve got kids in tow, their kids menu is pretty extensive.

Sienna

Inside TRIBE Auckland, 40 Fort Street, Auckland CBD

A breakfast quesadilla topped with two fried eggs, beans and coriander, and avo on a white plate.
Image credit: Sienna | Supplied

Swing by Sienna to stave off hunger with all the central tenets of So-Cal eating, with tacos, smashed burgers drenched in béchemel and hot butter calamari, and mince huevos rancheros on tortillas if you make it there early. The spot is a bright, beachfront vibe in the midst of central Tāmaki Makaurau, which doubles as a cute low-stakes spot for evening yaps over cocktails with chips and yuzu-spiked guac.

Forage Kitchen + Bar

Inside Mövenpick Hotel Wellington, 345 The Terrace, Te Aro

A tidy table setting with a view over Wellington city.
Image credit: Forage Kitchen + Bar | Instagram

For a calm spot above the city, Forage Kitchen + Bar is the spot to book. Snag a window table, and you’ll get to revel in the Te Aro skyline and, as the sun sets, the city lights. On the menu, you’ll find local legends, Dough Bakery, mushroom skewers from the folks at Mushroom House (a stone’s throw away in Porirua) and an Angus cheeseburger smacked with Al Brown habanero mustard—each dish a chance to spotlight the natural abundance of Aotearoa.

The Press Club

Inside Fable, 310 Princes Street, Central Dunedin

Table settings in sophisticated, moody surrounds with whimsical bubble lights at The Press Club.
Image credit: The Press Club | Supplied

Named for the group of journalists and editors who used the building as a base during the Southern gold rush of the 1870s, The Press Club combines quiet luxury with a menu that packs a punch, including a dessert list worth writing home about. Sink your teeth into a chocolate and caramel mousse, or take your dessert in liquid form, savouring a rum-laced tiramisu libation, or a creamy vodka number that goes by the name of Banana Pancakes. Or kickstart your day with the morning high tea: an indulgent spread of savouries, sandwiches, warm delights, sweet treats and of course, tea.

JO&JOE Rooftop

Inside JO&JOE, 16/20 Fort Street, Auckland

A cute, colourful rooftop bar with boxed pizzas and dranks.
Image credit: JO&JOE | Supplied

JO&JOE Rooftop is the spot you hit to watch day turn to night. Catch up with your crew over snacks, pizza and a cheeky cocktail (or three). And since it’s perched above a hostel, it’s a great spot to meet new friends, too.

Trivet

Inside JW Marriott Auckland, 22 Albert Street, Auckland CBD

Image credit: Trivet | Instagram

If you’ve ever walked away from a fine dining restaurant still hungry, Trivet will be a bit of you. Inspired by Samoan To’ona’i traditions of Sunday brunch and feasting (as well as Vietnamese and French cuisine), it’s fine dining-style fare in portions you’ve only ever dreamed about. Shimmy onto the blue banquette seating, and prepare for a stellar feed. The meat and seafood are sourced locally, and many of the herbs are grown several floors up, in JW’s rooftop garden.

Want more? Discover and book even more restaurants and bars from Cu—rate’s 20+ lineup here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Cur—ate, and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Image credit: Cur—ate | Supplied