The Restaurant Association of New Zealand is proud to introduce The Chevrons, a new national awards programme that celebrates excellence in hospitality by recognising the best places to eat and drink across Aotearoa as chosen by members of the industry.
From standout newcomers to neighbourhood gems and longstanding icons, The Chevrons are designed to help diners discover exceptional hospitality businesses. They also give the industry a platform to recognise its top performers.
In its inaugural year, the Chevrons will feature six categories: Best Restaurant, Best Café, Best Bar, Best Newcomer, Hidden Gem, and Service Excellence.
Voting opens on 30th October 2025 and runs through to 19th November 2025. All hospitality businesses are eligible to vote. Each business is able to cast two votes per category, one for a business in their own region, and one for their national pick.
The Restaurant Association will announce regional and national winners online on 26th November 2025 via their digital platforms.
Winners will be awarded The Chevron, a respected symbol of peer-recognised excellence in New Zealand hospitality. Alongside a certificate, recipients will gain valuable visibility through media coverage. They’ll also receive a dedicated spotlight on Dinefind — showcasing them as one of the country’s top places to dine.
Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association, says the new awards come at a crucial time for the industry.
“The Chevrons are about championing the spirit of hospitality and shining a light on those who are doing exceptional things,” says Bidois. “We want to give our industry something to rally around and feel proud of. These awards are about uplifting each other and acknowledging the incredible people who make hospitality in Aotearoa what it is. And who better to select the best establishments than the industry professionals themselves? Awards like this don’t just celebrate success, they also help guide the public to the best places to dine. They encourage people to get out and experience everything our amazing hospo sector has to offer.”
Nominations for The Chevrons open on 29th October, with winners announced on 26th November.
For more information, visit https://www.restaurantnz.co.nz/chevrons-hospitality-awards/.