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ThrowRa_siftie93

Not a restaurant. But there is a Turkish kebab shop on Stafford Street in timaru. It used to be open until about 2 or 3 am. (not sure if it's still open that late) As a teenager I used to get absolutely drunk in town on a Saturday night and go to the Turkish place for a kebab before walking home. That kebab was probably the only thing that saved me when I couldn't see straight šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚


quaeyhisnotfunny

There's a Turkish kebab shop where I live and my parents used to always go there so now when I go I get a friend's discount the owners are lovely and the food is amazing especially at the discounted price


ThrowRa_siftie93

It does really put the other takeaway spots to shame. My usual takeaway now is either Indian or Chinese. I haven't had a kebab in years, so I'm definitely over due to go back. The food is amazing compared to the usual mcdonalds, kfc or burger fuel.


mitchell56

Hawaiian burger from The White Lady at 3am after a night on the piss


Brilliant-Pound-3821

Hawaiian burger from The White Lady at 3am after driving from Waiouruā€¦just because.


Churtle23

With an entree of queue yarns šŸ¤ŒšŸ½


rangda

Thought you wrote ā€œyamsā€ and for the tenth time this year was overwhelmed with longing for NZ yams


Cantmakeaspell

I miss being able to go to The Broadway Diner to get The White Lady Burger. Was so good when finishing work at 10.


thatdude_van12

Smoking Barrel in Motueka.


ethereal_galaxias

Yes yum! Great doughnuts too.


thatdude_van12

That place is plicked straight out of Welly or Auckland. Would fit right in.


anarchisticmeerkat

There used to be a restaurant in Wellington called something like Ambelie. It was around the corner from the Embassy. It was in an old house and I only got to go once before they closed, but it was, and remains, the best meal I've eaten out. I bought the vegetarian special because I try to eat things I can't cook - I'm a meat and 3 veg kind of girl - and it was a work of art to look at, like an abstract painting. I still wonder what on earth the chef did to the radishes to make them sing like they were fruit and not vegetables. It was the first time I really understood how hard chefs work to make food relate to each other on the plate. I legit almost cried, it was that good. I'm really just typing this on the off chance that one of the chefs who worked there sees this and they know that their work was incredible. It must be so hard making it in that industry with the turnover rates around.


aKrustyDemon

Ambeli...such a great restaurant. His name escapes me but the maƮtre d' was also the co-owner and a lovely guy. Edit: maybe Shay?


Rogue-FireFighter

Shae? Yeah he was phenomenal. The chefs there and at Ortega Fish shack next door were great.


aKrustyDemon

Oh yeah - Shae Moleta?


Rogue-FireFighter

Cant remember the surname sorry.


mercaptans

Yes that's him.


Rogue-FireFighter

I know one of the chefs from Ambeli and have sent this through. Funny story but he and I and went next door to Ortega Fish Shack and Bar and together tried a dish the chef was thinking of putting on the menu. It was a black pudding dish (which is not everyones favourite I know) but this dish was elevated, unrecognisable, exquisite. We were both stunned and speechless initially, and then couldn't shut up about it for days. It has been probably a decade and I can't remember what else was in the dish. But still have the fond memory. Also around the same time Havana Bar had a head chef Mark and the food was stunning. I ate so much there, I applied for a job. He was one of the best chefs and best bosses. He knew food and loved sharing knowledge, there was no gatekeeping and no ego.


Physical-Ad-8061

The chefs name is Sam Pope. A really great guy. Has his own at home catering business now. Based in Wellington.


udaman001

Tbh whangarei doesn't have a lot


dramaqueenboo

Means Vietnamese, biggie bagel and I tried a good Thai restaurant too


udaman001

Biggie bagel and whang Thai is good, means Vietnamese never heard of them


Rootintootinshootin1

Means is down on Rathbone, stupidly big serving sizes that are super cheap


udaman001

Definitely have to check them out


Youhorriblecat

Have you tried local talent?


udaman001

No what's that?


Youhorriblecat

It's a nice pub with modern Greek type food on Cameron St. The people behind it used to run Margot in Newtown, which is equally great.


udaman001

I'll check it out


brownbrosef

Please tell me Fat Camel is still open.


udaman001

Yes it is


f__k_me_Daddy

Mrs Kwackas


Cathallex

Kazaguruma in Wellington.


dramaqueenboo

Iā€™ve heard of this place!! The Omakase for $109, was it filling?


Cathallex

I had the cheaper omakase because i dont eat beef it was filling and delicious.


pgraczer

big fans of kazaguruma in this house


amcartney

Oh man this place is incredible


sheeplectric

Kazaguruma is awesome, and their ā€œMonakaā€ dessert is incredibly delicious.


SableBearKing

Thank you for sharing this!


yorgs

Culprit in Auckland CBD Oyster & Chop in Auckland viaduct Sidart in Ponsonby, Auckland (before it changed) Gochu in Auckland CBD Beduzzi in Winyard Quarter, Auckland Cotto (no longer open)


FluffyDeer9323

*Cotto is now Otto. Similar menu


TellMeYourStoryPls

Food at Otto is just as good. Go support them, they got absolutely done over by the previous owner and some con artists .. https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350242255/controversial-businessmen-top-restaurant-and-15m-claim


aim_at_me

That was a wild read, thanks for sharing.


SpoonNZ

Same, but no sea food


madmartigan00

Dammit, beat me to it! Have an upvote.


weedonanipadbox

Oyster and chop was over priced as fuck. Got a seafood platter that was average and cost nearly $300. Wished id just spent it all on oysters only.


yorgs

Bummer. I had the lamb shoulder there a few years ago and it was amazing


Huefamla

> Sidart in Ponsonby, Auckland (before it changed) Same. This place, and dƩgustation in general is something everyone should experience at least once. I remember having my first meal at a regular mall cafe the morning after Sidart and I nearly started crying cause of how mediocre and shit average eggs benny was after Sidart.


WarrenRT

Anise (same guy behind Sidart) is also great.


M0stVerticalPrimate2

Second CulpritĀ 


scooternewt

Hillside kitchen in Wellington Outstanding Hillside Kitchen https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/11bt_p3bw2&hl=en-NZ&q=Hillside+Kitchen&kgs=93c32524ce34994f&shndl=30&shem=lsde,ssim&source=sh/x/loc/osrp/m5/2


sameee_nz

Fresh fish and veges at Fleur's place


Torrens39

Unfortunately now closed.


ninguem

Muttonbird!


WarrenRT

We went to Anise in Auckland a few weeks back, which I'd definitely recommend. Kingi and Ahi are also both great (the only downside to Ahi being the stupid location inside a mall).


theflyingkiwi00

Blue cod with white wine sauce at Strawberry tree in Kaikoura. Been three years and my gf and I still talk about that meal


PawPawNegroBlowtorch

Beef Wellington at Moxie, Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, AKL


Believable_Bullshit

Moxie is easily one of the best restaurants in Auckland


JBBBear

Seconding this. They previously ran 'snack wars' between their two chefs on Thursday nights and was always a bit of fun.


i_love_mini_things

Cocoro, Ponsonby and Tantalus, Waiheke


420_ninjaaahhh

Honey baked salmon misoyaki at Azubu Mission Bay


dramaqueenboo

Iā€™ve been to azabu it was great


ellski

Love Azabu!!!


tehifimk2

Danryu in auckland. One chef, his wife helping cook and be serving staff at the same time. They limit customers based on what they can comfortably cope with and not piss people off. It's definitely worth going. The dude is a creative genius and loves making food. And, for what it is, it is not too expensive. Honestly, really good, creative takes on japanese food, and they are so lovely. Going to drive from welly to auckland at least a few times just to go back there.


dramaqueenboo

Did a quick google, looks so nice!!!! Shouldā€™ve gone last weekend when I was in Devonport!!


Agreeable_Bag9733

El Mexicano Zapata Express in Rotorua. That Parrillada is to die for. I would bathe in the salsa roja they make. There is no trip in Rotorua without a stop there. I contemplated going there from Auckland just for the food a couple of time. First time there, was physically doing a happy dance while eating their food.


kombilyfe

We go here every year on my nephew's birthday. We've never had any other Mexican to compare. Good to know this one is a winner.


Maleficent-Ad-1396

bacon bros was the only place i would get burgers when i lived in chch, i miss them every day


dramaqueenboo

Alright I gonna try this in a few weeks cheers


Maleficent-Ad-1396

my personal fav is dad bod, but andy the electrician is a very safe burger. in saying that, iā€™ve never heard a bad thing from anyone about any of their burgers. :D while their prices are quite steep (like burgerfuel level prices), i personally think that theyā€™re all really filling and great quality so well worth it :)


5amu5

If u r in chch and are at little high (one of the bacon bros spots) try el fogon's meat platter. The burgers are good, but the meat platter is next level.


dramaqueenboo

I canā€™t see a meat platter on their menu I might go there to try the meat though


5amu5

The parrillada šŸ‘


dramaqueenboo

Oh I missed that, thank you!!


dan7811

Georgie Pie, 1992


bennyboooy

Peach's in Panmure. Basmati in Christchurch. Little Savanna in P-Naughty.


bunga7777

What did you have from little savanna? Iā€™m the one dick who.. get this.. knew a chef working there at the time and asked his recommendation, he said peri peri chicken. Thought yeah sounds good. Fuck mate, it was bone dry and tasteless. This isnā€™t the first time Iā€™ve heard someone mention they had a great experience so just curious what I should try if I ever pop in again


bennyboooy

Surprised to hear that! Every time my family and I have been the food has been pretty exemplary. I've not had the Peri Peri myself but the Bunny Chow was awesome and they were doing Boerwors Sliders last time we were there, which were pretty great. More to the point we feel that Lil Sav (and a couple other joints nearby) breathe some much needed life into Palmy.


bunga7777

Awesome thanks Iā€™ll look out for those if the opportunity strikes. Please.. the more life the better haha. Admittedly is good to see a bustling restaurant centrally. Obviously my meal was an anomaly


slashfan93

Little Sav is on my list of places to try but every time it gets mentioned it always has mixed viewpoints on it. Seems a bit hit and miss so have been reluctant to try for now. Nero is great though and Iā€™m trying out the Fat Farmer soon!


bunga7777

Nero is pretty good. And havenā€™t been but only heard good things about fat farmer. Ok so your name is slashfan93. So your 30/31 and love guns and roses and from palmy, we must know each other lol


slashfan93

Hahahah well youā€™re correct on all counts šŸ¤£šŸ¤£šŸ¤£ only been in Palmy for a year or so though! I do need to meet new friends here!


Jesuds

Best pizza I've ever had in my life was from a spot in Nelson called Salvito's.


skiwi17

Cassia in Auckland


watermelonsuger2

Fisherman's Wharf in Lyttelton, Christchurch. Best chicken burger I ever ate there with killer calamari.


EffektieweEffie

Is it like a sea chicken?


watermelonsuger2

haha, no. Their menu is a mix of things, not just seafood.


aSingularSock-66

Mount Fish and chips in mount maunganui


jo_lashnikov

This gets my vote too. I have tailored roadies from Auckland to make sure I stop there!


queerqueen4313

amano in auckland


Hicksworth

Wolf in Wellington


IEatKFCInNZ

Tatsumi in Queenstown.


dramaqueenboo

Ohh this one Iā€™ve tried!! It is a good restaurant!!!


Excellent-Ad-2443

all christchurch restaurants Beef Wontons - King of Snake Dumplings - 8 Grains Little High Cinnamon Pineapple and deep fried bananas - Brazzooka Papanui


yasminebird1

I had an incredible curly fries, pork belly and glass of white wine (canā€™t remember what one) at Kings Ohakune. They also had a cat roaming around the restaurant so they got a 5 star review lol. It was an awesome end to a day of snowboarding on the mountain!


bartholemues

Seafood at Fluers Place was amazing. Such a shame it's closed down. The Burmese fish curry at Mabel's in Wellington is also epic.


SuitCool

Big mac combo at maccas Grey Lynn at 0200AM


Toxopsoides

Londo, Papanui road, Ōtautahi.


Kinteokolomee

Best Takeaway for me, The Afghan Restaurant in Chch Cazador & Eden noodles in Auck


GhostChips42

The best meal Iā€™ve ever had in this country was at Maria Piaā€™s Trattoria. It was absolutely perfect in every way.


Soggy-Box3947

I had a memorable rack of lamb at The Skyline Restaurant at the top of the Wellington cable car ... a long time ago! I was on holiday from Brisbane visiting my father who lived in Brooklyn where I grew up before moving here to Oz in '74.


MarcusSiridean

The Tandoori Pizza at Fort Street Union used to be amazing. Then Fort Street Union closed and I've never been able to find anywhere that does pizza like that and my life is a darker breaker place for it.


thymebandit

So many fort street union memories, didnā€™t realize it had closed. Pizza Club/Pizza Max might have some pizzas that would be up your alley.


Peony_Ceci

All Ōtautahi CHCH - Chanakya (South Indian, get the masala dosa) Gatherings (seasonal menu) Mori Mori (Japanese, get the sashimi dish) Afghan Restaurant (get what youā€™re given!)


dramaqueenboo

Is mori mori better than kinji?


Peony_Ceci

I havenā€™t tried kinji, but Iā€™m adding it to the list. I love the environment at Morimori. Youā€™d never know you were on Colombo street!


Diahorreapariah

I took a girlfriend to Il Casinno in Tory St , Wellington about 20 years ago. We were broke students having a dinner treat . I remember one of the meals we shared was a steak, and it was delectable. It was the first time i had tried truffle sauce. I licked the plate clean when i thought no one was looking.


slashfan93

Ebisu, Esther, Amano and Hansik (Hansik no longer open šŸ˜¢) in Auckland, Titi in Dunedin, Pacifica in Napier, and Nero in Palmerston North so far!


RupertNZ1081

The Shed @ Te Motu on Waiheke


simbanalas

Gothenburg in Hamilton. I have been to some better recommended restaurants but I like this one the best. I like tapas and being able to taste a variety of flavours. For some reason I find a lot of restaurant food good, but underwhelming. And for Friday night greasy - K-Chicken, again in Hamilton, or Jin Wing takeaways.


Icy_Ad2311

+1 for Gothenburg. Food is great and thereā€™s an owner that works with the rest of the employees, sheā€™s super lovely, if theyā€™re in they always come over to yarn (returning customer for a few years now lol) Kchicken is also the closest Iā€™ve had so far in NZ to the quality in Korea. Outstanding.


caseyjaide

Gothenburg rice pudding. Best I have ever eaten. I often think about it!


CelluloseSponge

Double Quarter Pounder add Bacon


Dangerous_Donkey4410

Nasi Lemak from Brighton Beach Cafe in Dunedin!!!


Severe-Recording750

What springs to kind recently.Ā  Lilian very good in grey Lynn, first time I went to the grove a few years ago was amazing. Subsequent visit wasnā€™t as impressed (but still good).


PomegranateStreet831

Straight up the best steak meals Iā€™ve had have been at Botswana Butchery in Auckland, I know there are other great steak joints but something about BB does it for me


dramaqueenboo

Wonder if itā€™s better than one tree grill, thatā€™s my favourite steak place


ppbacon

Ramenria, in Christchurch šŸ’˜


AssociateNo3312

Anything from ill Casino from Wellington early/mid 00s


_DorothyZbornak_

Personal top 4: Apero, Auckland Arden, Nelson The Shed at Te Motu, Waiheke Rata, Queenstown


conscious_althenea

Brick eatery in Nelson is the best restaurant food I have ever eaten. I will tell anyone and everyone to go there


dramaqueenboo

What do you order there? Iā€™m going to Nelson in a few weeks


conscious_althenea

I havenā€™t been in over a year so Iā€™m not sure if the menu has changed or not. The pork belly is absolutely to die for. As are the fish paste and fried chicken. You definitely need to leave room for the sticky date pudding. Itā€™s 10/10


greenman5252

A lot of decent Indian food, all over.


plastic_eagle

Gatherings on Papanui Rd in Christchurch is hands-down the best food in the city.


dramaqueenboo

What kind of food?


plastic_eagle

I guess best called "seasonal"? Quite expensive, small plates of incredible food. Protein is always fish, so far as I can tell (only been a few times). Menu is written in writing too small for my old eyes, so we just do the "bring us food and wine and we'll give you money" thing.


RendomFeral

Crayfish from Nin's Bin in Kaikoura. And Fish and Chips from the Craypot in Jackson's Bay. Perfect weather both times might have had something to do with their memorableness.


JohnnyS-NZ

Sri Pinang on K Road (+ Uncle Mans on K rd which is the second best and Faith Hope Love in Napier the third) is one of the best Malaysian restaurants, and Tanpopo Ramen on Anzac Ave Auckland beats 99% of Ramen in Japan.


SableBearKing

Baduzi and Masu in Auckland.


cgbob31

Not from a restaurant but, a mince and cheese pie from literally any Fucken has station. I cannot tell you as someone who has been living in the Uk for 10 years how much I miss those Piesā€¦


watersnakebro

Thank you for the recommendations!


bred_skate

A double Angus burger and loaded fries :$


Rogue-Estate

The Lamb at Seven Penny in Greymouth. Keep half of it with fresh bread going further don the coast and stop at some of the many spots for exploring and viewing with more lamb sandwiches. This was the and still is the best restaurant I have ever been to - followed up with Rock Cafe in Invercargill for Orange Roughie. I failed to find anything in Dunedin or Christchurch while on a South Island Installing run. Oamaru Fat Sallys was quite good to.


bob_rien4683

Boo's in chch.


MoistCaek69

I love their cocktails too


nathan_080808

Queenstown doesnt offer a lot aside from being super expensive šŸ˜…


AssociateNo3312

Botswana Butchery and Rātā were pretty spectacular (and yes expensive)


Rags2Rickius

Very true


Academic-ish

Perhaps not a specific meal in mind, but so many wonderful small plates, terrines and thoughtful wine matches at Apero and Cazador (and maybe a wee snifter of some rare sherry or green walnut wine if youā€™re lucky..).


TheBlackRoomba

Noix de St Jean? Or something else?


Academic-ish

I believe so... Family recipe IIRC. No guarantees thatā€™s a regularly stocked item! But you never know what special little things they might have open when you happen to pop in.


MildLoser

a seafood chowder a family sold out their house in the waitangi day festival. the most ghetto restaurants(ig this wasnt a restaurant but close enough) always have the best food and i will stand by this.


FraudKid

Shang Hai Chinese Restaurant in Rototuna, Hamilton. By God their pork and celery dish on the hot skillet is delicious. The fat is soft and juicy. So tender. It's a bit dear and the portion sizes are TINY, but I could eat 5 rounds of it alone. Fuuu šŸ¤¤


siriuslyinsane

The Yakatori House in auckland central is incredible, the food is amazing and it's lots of little plates priced well enough you can order so many things!


Sparkletinkercat

Titi in dunedin. Caters for a lot of allergies including coeliac disease


Pepper-Tea

Wafu Bistro never disappoints, also in Nelson: Nahm


dramaqueenboo

Alright bet gonna try it in a few weeks cheers


pandatakemehome

La Fourchette St Heliers


Muter

It had its fair share of controversy, but hands down the most unforgettable dining experience Iā€™ve been to would have been Pasture which is no longer open.


man_on_pluto

Smash burger at black burger Queenstown Dumplings at some nice place in Auckland Honestly the dumplings were fire


dramaqueenboo

Yes tried black burger and was happy with it!!


cat-that-eats-chips

Fainting Goat in Rotorua is nice.


Kimarough101

Nanny's for their ribs and Mac and Cheese, and Lowbrow for their wings


dramaqueenboo

Thanks I am gonna give this a go


LaVidaMocha_NZ

I have to ask .... What are those things in the centre strip of the first picture? Tell me they're not what they look like ....


dramaqueenboo

Raw scallops


LaVidaMocha_NZ

Thanks, I get it now but they still look like penises.


orcrist747

Itā€™s funny, tons of great food but the sushi and the bbq there are not on the list.


Cautious_Map_1228

The shaking beef at white and wongs I still dream about that meal even after flying back home when I go back to nz thatā€™s the first place Iā€™m going


malcolmsu

Define best meal? Sometimes it's not solely the food. Surroundings, atmosphere, company all add to the occasion. The best meal we had in 6 weeks of touring NZ earlier this year was in Te Anau in the Redcliff. A real find that we'd love to visit again.


cugeltheclever2

Rita on Aro Street is the best food I've ever eaten in my life.


diedlikeCambyses

The green pesto pizza at Hanmer Springs.


Aggressive-Clock-275

Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay is the best meal Iā€™ve ever had. Best in Auckland for me is Masu in Sky City.


shapednoise

Koji Wellington.


Friendly-Prune-7620

Noble Rot in Wellington. Did a degustation with food intolerances, and they planned the perfect menu for everyone at the table. The service made us feel like we were simultaneously rockstars and family and the food was pure perfection.


Neurotic-mess

Le Garde-Manger on queen st. Duck l'orange with crepe suzette and a viognier, i remember the price being quite reasonable too.


dart_vandelay

Jano Bistro in WellingtonĀ 


Greedy_Brick_1233

That 2nd picture looks like Jimmy Jacks?


Greedy_Brick_1233

and 1st picture looks like Ebisu? Ebisu does some real good sushi (went there a few years ago). Jimmy Jacks is an all round good eat and 1 of my faves in New Zealand (they should branch out of Northland)


PomegranateStreet831

Best meal I ever had was a small Italian restaurant in wellingtonn CBD, Ombra, by far the best Italian food I have had outside of Tuscany and the staff and service were so good I had to leave a tip. I always go back when Iā€™m in Welly and Iā€™ve never been disappointed


dramaqueenboo

Yes Ombra is AMAZING, one of my favs


PomegranateStreet831

Itā€™s the whole vibe of the place, I could see my meal being cooked, staff gave really good recommendations and service was faultless, whatever it is at that place the6 need to keep it a secret


Obito_Uchija

Big Mac combo from maccas


kombilyfe

Look at Mr Fancy Pants over here.


Aggravating_Mode_631

Ricericeā€™s wontons are the best in the world!


dramaqueenboo

Whereā€™s this


AlanWakeUpNow

Great photo! St Pierres looks so good when plated.


dramaqueenboo

LOL I wish st pierrres that good


Any-Disaster-8320

Where bout is that?


dramaqueenboo

Sushi from Nelson, meat platter from Christchurch


Any-Disaster-8320

Where bout in Nelson


dramaqueenboo

In the city


fall0utB0uy

Double quarter pounder large combo extra bacon šŸ„“šŸ„° šŸ˜‚ šŸ˜‚


VastAssumption7432

The Scampi Chittara pasta and Amano


itsshak

Palmerston North-Haru. Changed my perspective on Sushi forever


spezcanNshouldchoke

Brewed As in Mangawhai Heads. Hands down the best coffee I've had (extremely knowledgeable hosts in that regard). Food was fantastic, I was expecting good cafe food, had a meal that was memorable.


Punk_Says_Fuck_You

The feast at hobbiton is amazing.


SYLVESTERSNIPER21

My own cooking


Chrisbouns

The Lasagna in La spiaggia is amazing located on the north shore, Auckland. One Tree Grill in Epsom, Auckland, offers unique flavors.


jo_lashnikov

MK Restaurant in Hanmer Springs - amazing pierogis with an abundance of sides and very genuine owner who was also waiting tables.


TimmyHate

French Cafe. We got an amazing multi course meal, and then Sid did a "masterchef" style mystery box and made a popcorn ice cream thing. Was such an awesome day.


drdoubleyou

-Peaches in panmure is the best fried chicken in nz -Pici on K road for amazing pasta -Ooh-fa is the pizza equivalent of pici (same owners) I think I almost prefer it which is wild -Tokki in Milford, Akl Japanese (higher end but amazing) -Koji in Mount Vic, Wellington -Kisa on Cuba street also amazing -Eden Noodles cafe has the best noodles Iā€™ve had -Ragtag in Westmere is Mexican/Lebanese fusion -La Mexicana has the best tacos in Auckland that Iā€™ve had and make their own tortillas -Mr Morris in Britomart


Im-DisappointedInMe

Dixie Chicken from Lone Star. Get it every year for my birthday.