The second annual Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropub Awards have revealed the nation’s best food-focused pubs, showcasing top culinary talent across the country.
From historic institutions perfecting classic pub fare to contemporary venues redefining gastropub dining, this year’s finalists display the diversity of New Zealand’s hospitality scene.
Hosted by Hospitality New Zealand and sponsored by Estrella Damm, the awards spotlight gastropubs that often go unrecognised in traditional culinary competitions.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage says the large customer response to this year’s voting reflects the strength of the sector.
“We saw more than 5,000 votes cast, and the competition was as fierce as ever. This list highlights just a fraction of the country’s top gastropubs, with incredible venues from every corner of Aotearoa,” says Armitage.
“This year, we have returning favourites like Wellington’s Thistle Inn, alongside fresh faces such as BEERS by Bacon Bros and Local Queenstown, all serving outstanding dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.”
Four Regional Winners
The finalists were determined by public vote, with all voters going in the draw to win an Auckland escape for two, complete with return domestic airfares, accommodation, meals out and tickets to the Top 50 Gastropub Awards.
Next, a panel of judges will select four regional winners, the Supreme Champion, Best Estrella Damm Paired Meal, and the newly introduced Sustainability Champion, recognising excellence in eco-friendly practices.
The 2025 judging panel brings together experts from across the hospitality, food, and beverage industries. It includes Tracey McKay, a seasoned FMCG marketing professional; Travis Field, owner of Fantail & Turtle and 2024 Supreme Champion; Tim Read, MasterChef winner and founder of Helmet, which supports mental health in hospitality; Lou Baddiley, a tourism expert and food storyteller; and Tash McGill, a leading drinks writer.
The results will be revealed at an awards ceremony to be held at Fantail & Turtle in Takapuna on March 26, 2025.
The top 50 list is, in no particular order, as follows:
- The Powderkeg
- The Puketapu
- Butlers Reef
- Thistle Inn
- Sprig & Fern Tawa
- The White Swan Country Hotel
- Duke of Wellington
- The Good Home (New Plymouth)
- Brunel Peaks Cafe & Bar
- Little River Inn
- The Fat Duck Gastropub
- The Point Cafe & Bar
- Waikiwi Tavern & Foundry Resturant
- The Paddle & Pint
- Pog Mahones Irish Pub
- Local Queenstown
- Franklins Bar & Eatery
- The Backyard Gastropub
- Bay View Hotel
- The Keg Room
- iTi Drinks and Bites
- BBC Tasting Studio by Birkenhead Brewing Co
- Twofold
- The Brit
- The Kestrel
- Nauti Penguin
- The Lookout Bar and Kitchen
- Fergus Bar and Kitchen
- Good Union
- Harbour View Hotel
- Mercer Landing – Kitchen & Bar
- Holy Guaca-Moly
- Smiths Matakana
- Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar
- The Tahi Bar + Kitchen
- The Roaming Giant
- Full Time Sports Bar & Eatery
- Tai Tapu Hotel – The Tap
- The Brook Bar and Eatery
- BEERS by Bacon Bros
- Sprig and Fern Tahunanui
- Strawberry Tree Kaikoura Limited
- Dux Central
- CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Kaiapoi
- Bower Tavern
- The Craft Embassy
- Pomeroy’s
- Otoromiro Hotel
- Valley Inn Tavern
- Protocol.
Matt Savidan, Estrella Damm National Sales Manager Australia & New Zealand, says Estrella Damm is proud to support the awards, which celebrate the creativity and excellence of gastropubs across the motu.
“The Top 50 list represents the best of the best, and we encourage everyone—whether traveling or staying local—to experience the incredible flavours these venues have to offer.”