Craggy Range Executive Chef Casey McDonald
Craggy Range Restaurant has been recognised with three of New Zealand’s most prestigious hospitality and dining accolades at the 2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards – Three Hats, Chef of the Year, and Winery Restaurant of the Year.
For the past seven years, Craggy Range has proudly held two hats at the awards, and this year marks a historic moment as the restaurant is elevated to three hats, the highest honour in New Zealand dining. It is also the first time the restaurant has taken home three key accolades in a single year, a defining moment in its journey.
The Cuisine Good Food Awards remain New Zealand’s only national, independent restaurant guide, celebrating over two decades of hospitality excellence in the country’s dining scene.
Chef Casey McDonald
At the heart of Craggy Range Restaurant’s success is Executive Chef Casey McDonald, whose career spans the kitchens of San Francisco, London, and Melbourne before returning to New Zealand to settle in Hawke’s Bay. Together with his partner, Majda Falan, Craggy Range Hospitality & Business Development Manager, Casey leads a team delivering a true garden-to-table dining experience, showcasing exceptional produce grown in the restaurant’s own organic kitchen gardens.
The seasonal selection from these gardens forms the foundation of the menu, with ingredients often harvested just hours before service to inspire dishes that may appear for only a day or two at their peak. These fresh, vibrant flavours are thoughtfully complemented by contributions from local growers, farmers, and artisans, creating a dining experience that reflects the best of Hawke’s Bay. Set against the iconic backdrop of Te Mata Peak, each dish celebrates the region, sustainability and the creativity of the kitchen team.
Strong Team Culture
McDonald’s holistic approach in fostering a strong team culture, along with using and sourcing premium local ingredients, continues to define Craggy Range Restaurant and sets it apart in both quality and philosophy.
Mary-Jeanne Peabody, Craggy Range Director and family member, reflected on the win:-
“When we founded Craggy Range over 25 years ago, we envisioned creating a place where exceptional wine and food would come together to create unforgettable experiences. The restaurant has always been a big part of that dream. When Casey joined us, he brought an energy, creativity, and passion that elevated our offering beyond our expectations. To see Casey and his incredible team honoured with these awards fills us with immense pride and joy. It’s a beautiful recognition of the talent, dedication, and unwavering care they pour into every dish and detail.”
Executive Chef Casey McDonald added:- “These awards recognise every member of our wider Craggy Range family – from the kitchen and floor, to the winery and vineyard teams. There are so many moving parts that make this place what it is, and everyone gives their all, every single day. We’re constantly pushing ourselves to evolve, refine, and surprise. With our new dining space opening next month, this acknowledgement feels like the perfect way to step into our next chapter.”
That next chapter is The Loft at Craggy Range, opening September 18th, 2025. Conceived as a new kind of dining experience, The Loft will feature evolving dinner party-style themes where guests will gather around a shared banquet table to enjoy abundant three-course feasts, designed to spark conversation and connection over great food and wine.
For a full list of the winners in the Cuisine Good Food Awards visit:-
The full list of 20 category winners