While restaurants claimed stars, the MICHELIN Guide also presented a range of Special Awards to those dedicated to their craft.
New Zealand’s inaugural MICHELIN Guide has highlighted the gastronomic achievements of the country’s best restaurants, but its Special Awards acknowledged the hard work and dedication of exceptional talent throughout the industry.
Its Special Awards honoured the passion and craft behind restaurant experiences that stay with guests long after the final course.
The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award was presented to a rising talent demonstrating exceptional skill, creativity, and leadership in the kitchen. The first recipient was Chef Robert Fairs from Londo, a Bib Gourmand restaurant in Christchurch. After beginning his career in Christchurch, he worked in restaurants across Dubai and Copenhagen before returning to New Zealand to open Londo: a small, relaxed restaurant built around seasonal, carefully sourced produce. His cooking reflects British roots, international experience and a strong sense of place, combining technical precision with a clear, personal style. At the counter, Fairs is confident and understated, engaging warmly with guests throughout service.
Recognising excellence in hospitality, attentiveness, and the art of creating memorable guest experiences, the MICHELIN Service Award goes to Stina Persen from Graze, a MICHELIN Selected restaurant in Wellington. Born and raised in Wellington, Persen brings warmth, ease and genuine care to the dining room. Her hospitality is attentive without being intrusive, making guests feel welcomed as friends rather than customers. With a natural ability to read the room, she adds depth to the experience through thoughtful details and local stories that connect the restaurant to its city. In a compact capital built on community and connection, Persen’s Kiwi warmth, simple, sincere and generous, makes every table feel special.
Highlighting the skills, knowledge, and passion of talented sommeliers in the industry, the MICHELIN Sommelier Award was bestowed upon Matthew Aitchison, General Manager and Sommelier of The French Café, a MICHELIN Selected restaurant in Auckland. Aitchison leads the service team with a calm, relaxed and approachable style, underpinned by strong organisation and deep wine knowledge. His passion for hospitality is reflected in carefully curated wine experiences and precise food pairings that elevate the meal. He has built one of the city’s most impressive wine lists: broad in scope, thoughtfully composed and especially strong by the glass.
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