Cuisine Magazine is one of the world’s most prestigious food and wine magazines, and one of the leading experts in what constitutes New Zealand’s finest food. Each year, they host the Cuisine Good Food Awards and release their Good Food Guide—we’re proud to announce that a Parnell eatery has received an award, and five of our restaurants have been selected for the Good Food Guide!
Not only has Tala been selected for the Good Food Guide, they’ve also brought home the award for New Restaurant of the Year!
Discreetly snug in an intimate, understated Parnell dining room, a revolution is taking place. Samoan food, already loved by Pasifika New Zealanders, is being transformed by chef Henry Onesemo into a refined, sophisticated palette of flavours and textures like no other. Henry was born in Samoa, where he trained as a chef, and later had stints in Hawaii, Florida and Thailand before landing a spot at Meredith’s in Auckland.
In 2023, with his wife Debby, they began Tala, where they offer three forms of set menus to diners. Dining here is like having an intimate conversation with someone in their own home. Henry incorporates what he finds in the markets each day into each course, which comes served with a gentle discourse as he shares his vast knowledge of ingredients, techniques and provenance. Every dish is spectacularly interesting—from the raw ramen evoking childhood memories of eating crisp noodles from plastic packets to the moreish croquettes of palusami, a phenomenal lamb sapusui, and smoky chicken and taro given a complete makeover. In between courses, Henry educates and encourages diners to look deeper and consider more carefully. By the time the meal is over, the conversion is complete.
The reviews are in—Rhu is a worthy member of the Good Food Guide!
The unorthodox approach of the chefs has claimed space in the heart of Parnell Rd, delivering simply delicious food from this bakery and wine bar. Charred avocado toast with kimchi, a fried chicken sandwich and the fast-becoming-famous milk buns can be matched with wine from a small but focussed natural wine list.
If you haven’t yet visited Cornelia, it’s time to fix that—there’s a reason they made it into the Good Food Guide!
Tucked away in a tiny side street just off Parnell Rd, this little casual neighbourhood meeting place offers a small but succinct menu of Italian dishes. Tasty pasta, meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, friendly service and a well-chosen short wine list make for a relaxed and delicious dinner.
Cibo has been serving up great food for 30 years, and their inclusion in the Good Food Guide is testament to that!
Familiarity breeds content at this stalwart venue where an elegant, confident menu has kept this restaurant’s name on locals’ lips for decades. Some items have become legendary. Try the silky duck parfait for starters or, if you need to dine and dash, the banh mi is street food made sublime.
Take your tastebuds on a trip with Good Food Guide suggestion Barulho!
Spanish-style tapas and shared plates are served amid sleek surrounds in a Parnell side street. From lunch til late you’ll find the beloved flavours of the Med including charred octopus with ajo blanco, a generous version of paella and be sure to save room for dessert—maybe a satin-smooth chocolate and olive oil mousse cut with tinges of mandarin.
