The results are in for the second annual Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropub Awards, celebrating the very best food-led pubs across the country.

The awards span historic institutions to contemporary venues and are designed to highlight eateries often unrecognised in traditional culinary competitions.

Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage says the large response to this year’s voting reflects the strength of the sector. “We saw more than 5,000 votes cast, and the competition was as fierce as ever. This list highlights just a fraction of the country’s top gastropubs, with incredible venues from every corner of Aotearoa.”

Matt Savidan, Estrella Damm National Sales Manager Australia & New Zealand, says Estrella Damm is proud to support the awards, which celebrate the creativity and excellence of gastropubs across the motu. “The Top 50 list represents the best of the best, and we encourage everyone – whether travelling or staying local – to experience the incredible flavours these venues have to offer.”

The Top 50 gastropubs (listed below) were determined by public vote and a panel of judges will select four regional winners, as well as the Supreme Champion, Best Estrella Damm Paired Meal, and the newly introduced Sustainability Champion, recognising excellence in eco-friendly practices.

The 2025 judging panel includes Tracey McKay, a seasoned FMCG marketing professional; Travis Field, owner of Fantail & Turtle and 2024 Supreme Champion; Tim Read, MasterChef winner and founder of Helmet, which supports mental health in hospitality; Lou Baddiley, a tourism expert and food storyteller; and Tash McGill, a leading drinks writer and advocate for New Zealand’s hospitality sector.

The results will be revealed at an awards ceremony held at Fantail & Turtle on 26 March 2025.

W: Tickets are available to purchase at top50gastropubs.co.nz

 Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropubs

• Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar

• The Backyard Gastropub

• Bay View Hotel

• BBC Tasting Studio by Birkenhead Brewing Co

• BEERS by Bacon Bros

• Bower Tavern

• The Brit

• The Brook Bar and Eatery

• Brunel Peaks Cafe & Bar

• Butlers Reef

• CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Kaiapoi

• The Craft Embassy

• Duke of Wellington

• Dux Central

• The Fat Duck Gastropub

• Fergus Bar and Kitchen

• Franklins Bar & Eatery

• Full Time Sports Bar & Eatery

• The Good Home (New Plymouth)

• Good Union

• Harbour View Hotel

• Holy Guaca-Moly

• iTi Drinks and Bites

• The Keg Room

• The Kestrel

• Little River Inn

• Local Queenstown

• The Lookout Bar and Kitchen

• Mercer Landing - Kitchen & Bar

• Nauti Penguin

• Otoromiro Hotel

• The Paddle & Pint

• Pog Mahones Irish Pub

• The Point Cafe & Bar

• Pomeroy's

• The Powderkeg

• Protocol

• The Puketapu

• The Roaming Giant

• Smiths Matakana

• Sprig and Fern Tāhunanui

• Sprig & Fern Tawa

• Strawberry Tree Kaikōura Limited

• Tai Tapu Hotel - The Tap

• The Tahi Bar + Kitchen

• Thistle Inn

• Twofold

• Valley Inn Tavern

• Waikiwi Tavern & Foundry Restaurant

• The White Swan Country Hotel