The MICHELIN Guide is considered one of the world's most noteworthy restaurant rating systems, recognising establishments that demonstrate remarkable culinary excellence, consistency, value, and hospitality. For chefs and restaurateurs, gaining a name in the Guide is regarded as one of the most esteemed honours in the world of global dining.
Now, the Guide has earned a historic landmark. For the first time, it has extended into Oceania, with the inaugural MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 that covers Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown. The debut edition identifies 110 restaurants, which also include one Two MICHELIN Star restaurant, 14 One MICHELIN Star restaurants, 35 Bib Gourmand recipients, and 60 MICHELIN Designated places.
Indian Cuisine Continues To Win Global MICHELIN Recognition
Over the past decade, Indian restaurants have steadily acquired attention across Michelin Guides worldwide, right from London's notable establishments like Gymkhana, Jamavar, and Opheem, to acclaimed restaurants such as Semma in New York, Trèsind Studio in Dubai, and Gaggan in Bangkok.
At present, Indian chefs are incorporating regional practices with contemporary techniques, which proves that Indian food belongs comfortably among the world's best dining experiences.
The New Zealand guide resumes that momentum, with several Indian-owned and Indian-speciality restaurants that are receiving the prestigious honour.
Indian Restaurants Recognised In The MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026
The inaugural New Zealand edition of the MICHELIN Guide acknowledged six Indian-owned and Indian-speciality restaurants. Three of them made it to the Bib Gourmand award for outstanding value, while three others got a place in the MICHELIN Selected category for providing quality dining experiences.
Goat by Sid Chopra, Auckland (Bib Gourmand)
Chef Sid Chopra's Goat is inspired by India's lesser-explored regional dishes instead of depending on the same butter chicken and naan. The menu regularly varies with New Zealand's seasons, which include dishes that can balance bold Indian spices with locally sourced seafood, vegetables, and meats. Popular dishes here are the Goan prawn curry, smoked lamb chops, tandoori cauliflower, and house-made breads that are loved by everyone who comes here to dine.
(Image credit: Official website of Goat)
Indian Alley, Wellington (Bib Gourmand)
Founded by Neha and Sushant Chandna, Indian Alley is adored for comforting North Indian classics that are made with traditional spice mixes. Guests often come back for its butter chicken, dal makhani, lamb rogan josh, garlic naan, and sizzling tandoori platters. Its Bib Gourmand award reflects invariably satisfying food, good portions, and excellent value.
Bombay Palace, Wānaka (Bib Gourmand)
Bombay Palace has evolved into a favourite stop for those visiting to explore New Zealand's South Island. Signature dishes are chicken tikka masala, lamb saag, tandoori chicken, paneer butter masala, and freshly baked naan that you get straight from the tandoor. Michelin inspectors identified the restaurant for its reliable quality, original flavours, and exceptional value for money.
(Image credit: Official website of Bombay Palace)
MICHELIN Selected: Restaurants Worth Seeking Out
The MICHELIN Selected category recognises restaurants recommended by Michelin inspectors for delivering a high-quality dining experience. While these restaurants have not received a Star or Bib Gourmand, they have demonstrated culinary excellence worthy of inclusion in the Guide.
1947 Eatery, Auckland (MICHELIN Selected)
Owned by Areeb Taimoori, 1947 Eatery reinvents Indian classics with trendy presentation. Standout dishes here are its Delhi butter chicken, lamb seekh kebabs, and duck curry, which are inspired by regional Indian cuisine. Its place in the MICHELIN Selected category emphasises its innovative approach and invariably polished dining experience.
Cassia, Auckland (MICHELIN Selected)
Headed by renowned chef Sid Sahrawat, Cassia is loved for modern Indian dishes that represent local New Zealand ingredients. Signature plates that are loved here are tandoori duck, venison with Indian spices, crispy cauliflower, and beautifully layered curries that change with the seasons. The restaurant is widely considered one of Auckland's most creative Indian dining spots.
KOL, Auckland (MICHELIN Selected)
Now owned by Sapan and Ruchi Parikh, KOL is valued for modern Indian comfort food that is served in a contemporary setting. Those who have dined here recommend the charcoal-grilled kebabs, butter chicken, slow-cooked lamb dishes, and flavour-packed vegetarian plates that taste best when paired with creative cocktails.
(Image credit: Official website of KOL)