Get ready for a treat and stay cozy
The Duke of Marlborough (Russell) – Northland
Address: 35 The Strand, Russell 0202, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (hours may vary seasonally).
Price: $$-$$$
Instagram: @dukeofmarlboroughnz
Website: dukeofmarlborough.co.nz
Why so COZY?
Steeped in history and kissed by sea breeze, The Duke is the kind of place where stories linger over slow lunches. Start with the slow-roasted lamb shoulder, a local favorite that tastes like home on a plate. Paired with a glass of Northland Pinot and a view of the Bay of Islands, it’s timeless, elegant, and deeply grounding—just like the town that surrounds it.
Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery (Russell) – Northland
Address: 46 Otamarua Road, Russell, New Zealand
Hours: Closed Monday-Tuesday; open Wednesday-Sunday from 12:00 PM until late.
Price: $$-$$$
Instagram: @paroabaywinery
Website: Sage Restaurant at Paroa Bay Winery
Why so COZY?
Set against the breathtaking Bay of Islands, Sage is a sanctuary of flavors inspired by the ocean and local New Zealand produce. With ingredients sourced from nearby and some even grown onsite, the restaurant emphasizes sustainable dining that harmonizes with the surroundings. Each dish pairs perfectly with wines from Paroa Bay’s own vineyard, ensuring an immersive, taste-filled experience that’s pure, fresh, and unmistakably COZY!
Kol – Auckland
Address: 23 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
Hours: Wednesday 4:00 PM – Late; Thursday to Sunday 12:00 PM – Late; Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Price: $$-$$$
Instagram: @kol_auckland
Website: kolauckland.co.nz
Why so COZY?
At KOL, everything touches fire—and every bite has a spark. Don’t miss the spiced charred cauliflower with cashew cream and curry leaf oil—a signature dish that redefines what vegetables can be. The vibe is vibrant, the cocktails are bold, and the whole experience feels like an upscale backyard gathering with just the right amount of edge.
Metitia – Auckland
Address: 90 Federal Street, Auckland, New Zealand
Hours: Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM Bar: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM onwards, Saturday from 3:00 PM.
Price: $$$
Instagram: @metita.akl
Website: skycityauckland.co.nz
Why so COZY?
Metita is where the Pacific sings in bold flavors and polished plating. The kokoda-style kingfish—bright, fresh, and delicately cured—is a standout that sets the tone for an evening of discovery. The space hums with warmth and intention, wrapping you in the kind of hospitality that feels both rooted and refined. Come hungry for culture and leave full of soul.
Gerome – Auckland
Address: 269 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand
Hours: Monday–Wednesday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Thursday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Price: $$-$$$
Instagram: @geromeparnell
Website: gerome.nz
Why so COZY?
Gerome is Aegean comfort with a Kiwi twist, and it all starts with the charcoal-grilled octopus. Tender, smoky, kissed with lemon and olive oil—it’s the kind of dish that makes you pause between bites. Whether you’re on a sunlit lunch or settling in for a spirited dinner, Gerome delivers generosity, joy, and just the right amount of glamour.
The Oyster Inn – Waiheke Island
Address: 124 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, New Zealand.
Hours: Open daily from 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Price: $$-$$$
Instagram: @theoysterinnstagram
Website: theoysterinn.co.nz
Why so COZY?
This is island time, done right. At The Oyster Inn, start with the Te Matuku oysters, shucked to order and best enjoyed with a crisp coastal breeze. It’s the kind of place where meals stretch long into the afternoon, rosé flows easily, and the view does most of the talking. Effortless, fresh, and full of charm—just like Waiheke itself.
Tantalus Estates – Waiheke Island
Address: Onetangi Valley, Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Hours: Restaurant: Lunch: Wednesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Dinner (Trust the Chef): Friday & Saturday: 6:30 PM onwards. | Cellar Door: 7 days, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Price: $$-$$$
Instagram: @tantalusestate
Website: Tantalus EstateTantalus
Why so COZY?
Tantalus is an experience you taste and feel. Begin with their signature woodfired oysters, finished with lemon oil and chardonnay butter—a pairing that sings with their estate-grown wines. From the sun-drenched dining room to the cellar door below, it’s a place that makes even a simple lunch feel like a celebration.
Takapuna Beach Café – Takapuna
Address: 22 The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Hours: Monday–Thursday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday–Sunday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price: $$
Instagram: @takapunabeachcafe
Website: takapunabeachcafe.co.nz
Why so COZY?
Sunshine, sea breeze, and a scoop of house-made pistachio gelato. That’s the Takapuna Beach Café mood. Whether you’re fueling up with a hearty brunch or winding down with espresso on the deck, it’s a local staple where the vibe is always relaxed and the flavors speak for themselves. Come barefoot, leave satisfied.
Craggy Range Winery Restaurant – Hawke’s Bay
Address: 253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North 4294, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily, Lunch: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Dinner: 6:00 PM – Late.
Price: $$$
Instagram: @craggyrange
Website: craggyrange.com
Why so COZY?
At Craggy Range, the setting is dramatic and the food is grounded. Their Te Mana lamb—succulent, tender, and perfectly paired with a Syrah grown onsite—is a masterclass in local terroir. Nestled beneath Te Mata Peak, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer, sip a little slower and toast to the good life.
Pacifica (Napier) – Hawke’s Bay
Address: 209 Marine Parade, Napier, Hawkes Bay 4110, New Zealand
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Monday: Closed.
Price: $$-$$$
Instagram: @pacificarestaurant
Website: pacificarestaurant.co.nz
Why so COZY?
Enjoy a luxurious coastal dining experience with fresh seafood and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect mix of laid-back charm and refined flavors, making each meal feel special yet comfortably COZY.
Blue Kanu – Queenstown
Address: 16 Church Street, Queenstown, New Zealand
Hours: Monday–Friday: 4:00 PM – late | Dinner from 4:30 PM.
Price: $$-$$$
Instagram: @bluekanu.queenstown
Website: Blue Kanu
Why so COZY?
Blue Kanu is a party of flavor and flair—with tiki energy and pan-Asian comfort in every corner. The Fijian-style ceviche arrives vibrant and citrusy, served with taro chips that crackle just right. It’s bold, fun, and a little unexpected—like stumbling onto a locals-only spot that somehow knows exactly what you need. Come for the cocktails, stay for the vibe.
Amisfield – Queenstown
Address: 10 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Lake Hayes, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Restaurant)
Price: $$$
Instagram: @amisfieldrestaurant
Website: Amisfield
Why so COZY?
At Amisfield, time stretches wide. Surrounded by vines and mountains, every moment feels unrushed—and the Trust the Chef tasting menu makes you lean into it. Featuring hyper-local produce and paired with their own organic wines, the experience is quiet, thoughtful, and beautifully grounded.
Aosta
Address: 18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown, New Zealand
Hours: Thursday–Monday: 5:00 PM – Late Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Price: $$$
Instagram: @aostaarrowtownnz
Website: Aosta
Why so COZY?
Tucked in Arrowtown’s heritage lane, Aosta brings northern Italy to the Southern Alps. The hand-cut pappardelle with wild venison ragu is deeply warming, layered, and perfectly rustic. It’s the kind of meal that wraps around you like a blanket—equal parts comfort and craft. Come for the pasta, stay for the alpine soul.
Nest Kitchen – Queenstown
Address: 139 Fernhill Road, Queenstown, New Zealand
Hours: Breakfast: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM Dinner: Monday Sunday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Lounge: Monday – Sunday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Price: $$$
Instagram: @nest_qt
Website: Nest Kitchen & Bar
Why so COZY?
High above the lake, Nest lives up to its name. It’s intimate, elevated, and full of quiet surprises—like the Southland cheese soufflé, airy and rich, finished with truffle and care. Pair it with a local Pinot and panoramic views of Lake Whakatipu, and you’ve got the perfect perch to unwind, reflect, and indulge. Elevated dining, without the ego.
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