1. Cellar 495
Home to the Cuisine Good Food Awards Best Sommeliers and Wine Experience for 2025.
- Duration48 hours
- CategoryHighlights
Hawke’s Bay is proving itself as one of New Zealand’s true culinary powerhouses, serving up food and hospitality experiences that rival the very best. At the 2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards, an incredible 20 Hawke’s Bay eateries made it to the finals – more than any other region outside of Auckland and Wellington – firmly cementing our place on the national dining stage and as New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country.
The coveted Cuisine Hat is one of the highest accolades in New Zealand dining — awarded only to restaurants that demonstrate outstanding food, service, and experience. A one-hat ranking signals a remarkable dining destination; three hats represent the very pinnacle of culinary achievement. With multiple hatted restaurants and bars, Hawke’s Bay is a must-visit for food lovers.
The region’s unique blend of locally grown produce, passionate makers, and innovative chefs continues to elevate its reputation, delivering world-class dining experiences. At the 2025 awards, the region proudly took home three major titles:
- Best Winery Restaurant of the Year: Craggy Range Winery
- Best Sommeliers & Wine Experience of the Year: Cellar 495
- Chef of the Year: Casey McDonald, Craggy Range
Hawke’s Bay Hat Rankings:
- 3 Hats: Craggy Range Restaurant
- 1 Hat: Cellar 495, Black Barn Bistro, Central Fire Station Bistro, Elephant Hill
With such accolades, it’s little wonder Hawke’s Bay is setting the benchmark for dining excellence in Aotearoa.
Highlights
- Farmers market
- Food and wine
- Great Wine Capital
- Hawke's Bay Artisanal Experience
Midday
Begin your culinary tour of Hawke's Bay at Cellar 495 in Hastings, where you'll find the Cuisine Good Food Guide winner of the Best Sommeliers and Wine Experience of the year, guaranteeing fine wine and flawless hospitality.
Evening
Head to Central Fire Station Bistro in Napier for modern bistro fare in a character-filled setting.
Highlights
2. Cenral Fire Station Bistro
Where bistro fare meets Art Deco elegance.
Morning
Wander the Napier Urban Farmers Market and meet the growers and artisans who fuel the region’s food culture.
Midday
Indulge in coastal sophistication at Elephant Hill.
Evening
Treat yourself to a world-class culinary journey at Craggy Range, a true three-hatted icon.
Highlights
1. Napier Urban Farmers Market
Meet the growers and artisans who fuel Hawke's Bay's food culture.
2. Elephant Hill Winery
Indulge in coastal sophistication
3. Craggy Range Winery
Treat yourself to a world-class culinary journey.
Morning
Stroll through the Hawke's Bay Farmers Market in Hastings, one of New Zealand’s best, brimming with fresh local flavours.
Midday
Conclude your gourmet escape at Black Barn Bistro, dining among the vines with a seasonal menu that celebrates Hawke’s Bay’s produce.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply love discovering exceptional dining, Hawke’s Bay offers a table for every appetite – and memories that last far beyond the final course.
Highlights
1. Hawke's Bay Farmers Market
The best of Hawke's Bay flavour.
2. Black Barn Bistro
Dine among the vines.