Delicious food offerings elevate the pub experience, and the Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropub Awards celebrate the venues that are leading the way with their menus.
The winners of the second annual awards have been announced, showcasing the very best food-led pubs around Aotearoa. They aim to shine a spotlight on gastropubs that often go unrecognised in traditional culinary competitions.
The Top 50 gastropubs 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 Top 50 Gastropub Awards.
Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage says competition was fierce this year, with more than 5,000 votes cast.
“This list highlights just a fraction of the country’s top gastropubs, with incredible venues from every corner of Aotearoa,” he says.
“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.”
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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 results will be revealed at an awards ceremony held at Fantail & Turtle on 26 March 2025. Tickets are available to purchase at www.top50gastropubs.co.nz
In no particular order, the top 50 list is as follows:
Upper North Island
- Fergus Bar and Kitchen
- Harbour View Hotel
- Smiths Matakana
- The Lookout Bar and Kitchen
- Bay View Hotel
- The Keg Room
- The Kestrel
- Mercer Landing – Kitchen & Bar
- The Roaming Giant
- BBC Tasting Studio by Birkenhead Brewing Co
- The Tahi Bar + Kitchen
- Franklins Bar & Eatery
- iTi Drinks and Bites
- Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar
- Nauti Penguin
- Holy Guaca-Moly
- The Brit
- Good Union
- The Backyard Gastropub
- Full Time Sports Bar & Eatery
- Twofold
Lower North Island
- The White Swan Country Hotel
- The Powderkeg
- The Puketapu
- Butlers Reef
- Duke of Wellington
- The Good Home (New Plymouth)
- Thistle Inn
- Sprig & Fern Tawa
Upper South Island
- The Craft Embassy
- Sprig and Fern Tahunanui
- Strawberry Tree Kaikoura Limited
- Pomeroy’s
- Protocol
- BEERS by Bacon Bros
- Valley Inn Tavern
- Otoromiro Hotel
- The Brook Bar and Eatery
- Tai Tapu Hotel – The Tap
- CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Kaiapoi
- Dux Central
- Bower Tavern
Lower South Island
- 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
