The Chevrons – Best of Aotearoa Hospitality Awards

Who will earn their stripes? Introducing The Chevrons – Best of Aotearoa Hospitality Awards.

The Restaurant Association is proud to introduce The Chevrons – Best of Aotearoa Hospitality Awards. We’re searching for the ‘best of the best’ as voted by you, where winners ‘earn their stripes’ – a coveted Chevron award. The digital-first format of these awards puts recognition where it belongs: in the hands of the hospitality industry itself. No panels, no judges – just the people who know hospo best, voting to celebrate excellence across Aotearoa.

Winning a Best of Aotearoa Hospitality Award Chevron

In hospitality, recognition is earned. Winners of Best of Aotearoa Hospitality Awards will be awarded a Chevron. This unique icon is a mark of excellence that shows winners have truly earned their stripes.

Award Categories

From the best dining destinations to the hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, our six award categories celebrate the diverse excellence that makes Aotearoa’s hospitality industry extraordinary. There are two sections, a ‘national’ and ‘regional’ award section. Restaurant Association members can vote for establishments nationally, plus within their own region.

Best Restaurant
A restaurant that sets the benchmark for exceptional dining. From the first welcome to the final farewell, every detail is considered—innovative cuisine, impeccable service, and an atmosphere that transforms a meal into a memorable experience. This is where culinary passion meets flawless execution, creating moments that linger long after the last bite.
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Best Cafe
A cafe that elevates the everyday into the extraordinary. From expertly crafted coffee to a welcoming space that keeps customers returning, every element reflects dedication to quality and community. Whether it’s the morning rush or a leisurely afternoon, this establishment delivers consistency, character, and genuine hospitality that defines what a great cafe should be.
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Best Bar
A bar that masters the art of hospitality and craft. From expertly mixed cocktails to a thoughtfully curated beverage programme that impresses, every element showcases skill and creativity. Whether it’s the vibrant energy of the space or the knowledge of the team, this establishment creates an unforgettable experience that sets the standard for excellence.
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Best Newcomer (Rising Star)
A fresh arrival (open over the past 12 months) that’s already making waves. From bold vision to exceptional execution, this newcomer has quickly established itself as a standout. Whether it’s innovative concepts, outstanding service, or genuine passion that shines through, this establishment has burst onto the scene with energy that signals a bright future ahead.
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Hidden Gem
This is the place that those in the know love. This establishment may not chase the spotlight, but it delivers exceptional quality, authenticity, and heart every single time. Whether it’s unwavering consistency, genuine hospitality, or that indefinable magic that keeps you coming back, this hidden gem represents the very soul of our industry—quietly excellent and truly special.
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Service Excellence
Providing service that goes beyond expectations and creates lasting impressions, this establishment has mastered the art of genuine hospitality. Whether it’s anticipating needs, creating memorable moments, or simply making every guest feel valued, this venue proves that exceptional service is what transforms a good experience into an outstanding one.
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The Awards process

Here’s the detail on the Awards process.

Firstly, all Restaurant Association members can vote (vote for any establishment, but not your own).

  1. Voting is open from 29 October – 19 November, 2025.
  2. Within the voting process, there are two sections: in Section 1 you can vote for any establishment, across Aotearoa. Meanwhile, in Section 2 you can vote for any establishment, in your region.
    • For each section (national and regional) you get ONE vote per member business, in each category (so make it count!).
  3. Once the voting period ends, the Restaurant Association will review and count votes. To ensure fairness, and transparency, voting will undergo moderation (removing additional votes per member business if they come through).
  4. Following this, the Restaurant Association will announce the winners online on 26 November, 2025 – celebrations all round!
  5. As recognition of their achievement, winners receive their “Chevrons”, a new mark of excellence that shows you’ve earned your stripes. You’ll receive the Chevron certificate and toolkit of assets to carry The Chevrons across your digital presence, Dinefind listing and more.

This is the next step in recognising excellence in hospitality. We’re excited to see who the industry crowns its champions in 2025. Who will earn their stripes this year?