As the nation’s premier hospitality awards, this celebration of culinary excellence spotlighted Hawke’s Bay as a standout region, showcasing its world-class dining and innovative talent on a national stage.
Hawke’s Bay’s 2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards Wins:
- Winery Restaurant of the Year 2025
Craggy Range Restaurant – Havelock North - Villa Maria Sommeliers & Wine Experience of the Year 2025
Katie Woodhead & Victoria Birsen – Cellar 495 – Hastings - Cuisine Chef of the Year 2025
Casey McDonald – Craggy Range Restaurant – Havelock North
Chef Casey McDonald, Craggy Range Restaurant
Craggy Range Restaurant also achieved a rare 3 Hat rating, scoring an outstanding 19 or 20 out of 20—a first for the venue and a testament to its world-class dining experience.
Hatted Restaurants in Hawke’s Bay:
· Black Barn Bistro, Havelock North – 1 Hat
· Cellar 495, Hastings – 1 Hat
· Central Fire Station Bistro, Napier – 1 Hat
· Craggy Range Restaurant, Havelock North – 3 Hats
· Elephant Hill, Haumoana – 1 Hat (returning to the list)
Kelli Brett, Cuisine owner and editor said, “Our intention with the Cuisine Good Food awards has always been to recognise and celebrate the finest chefs and restaurants across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our Hat system rates and ranks local establishments and has helped to raise the standard and drive innovation within the industry.”
In addition to the Hat list, the awards celebrate individual talent too. This year’s Cuisine Chef of the Year was awarded to Casey McDonald from Craggy Range Restaurant, Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Craggy Range also took the title of this year’s Winery Restaurant of the Year award.
“In a world where culinary artistry can often feel disconnected from its roots, Casey is a chef who brings everything full circle. His ambition, teamwork and unwavering commitment to excellence make him not just a remarkable chef but a true culinary ambassador for New Zealand. He is undoubtedly at the very top of his game and dining at Craggy Range is a must for every food-and-wine lover.”
Hamish Saxton, CEO of Hawke’s Bay Tourism, said; “Hawke’s Bay’s culinary and hospitality excellence has once again been showcased through these prestigious awards and winning three of the major categories, affirming our status as New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country. With 20 eateries reaching the finals—third only to Auckland and Wellington—we’re punching way above our weight. Our region’s unique blend of locally grown produce and innovative talent continues to elevate our reputation, delivering world-class dining experiences that make Hawke’s Bay a must-visit destination. We’re immensely proud of all our finalists and especially our three main category winners: Cellar 495, Craggy Range Winery, and the exceptional Casey McDonald, Craggy Range’s Chef of the Year, whose achievements lift our region’s global reputation.”
Curated by a national panel of 30 judges, comprising food-and-drink writers, critics, chefs and hospitality professionals and led by food and drink expert Kerry Tyack, the Cuisine Good Food Awards and Guide for 2025 is designed to showcase the country’s outstanding talent and hottest venues, with the aim of encouraging patronage and showcasing New Zealand cuisine to local and international audiences.
New Zealand’s full dining bible the Cuisine Good Food Guide for 2025 is available at cuisine.co.nz.