The Chevrons has aimed to celebrate excellence in hospitality by allowing industry members to nominate their peers.
The Restaurant Association of New Zealand has introduced The Chevrons, a new national awards programme that will celebrate excellence in hospitality by recognising the best places to eat and drink across New Zealand as chosen by members of the industry.
From standout newcomers to neighbourhood gems and longstanding icons, The Chevrons are designed to help diners discover exceptional hospitality businesses while giving the industry a platform to recognise its top performers.
In its inaugural year, the Chevrons will feature six categories: Best Restaurant, Best Café, Best Bar, Best Newcomer, Hidden Gem, and Service Excellence.
Voting opens on 30th October 2025 and runs through to 19th November 2025. All hospitality businesses are eligible to vote, with each business able to cast two votes per category, one for a business in their own region, and one for their national pick.
Regional and national winners will be announced online on 26th November 2025 via the Restaurant Association’s digital platforms.
Winners will be awarded The Chevron, a respected symbol of peer-recognised excellence in New Zealand hospitality. Alongside a certificate, recipients will gain valuable visibility through media coverage and a dedicated spotlight on the Restaurant Association’s Dinefind platform, showcasing them as one of the country's top places to dine.
Marisa Bidois, CEO of the Restaurant Association, said the new awards come at a crucial time for the industry.
“The Chevrons are about championing the spirit of hospitality and shining a light on those who are doing exceptional things,” said Bidois.
“We want to give our industry something to rally around and feel proud of. These awards are about uplifting each other and acknowledging the incredible people who make hospitality in New Zealand what it is. And who better to select the best establishments than the industry professionals themselves? Awards like this don’t just celebrate success within the industry, they also help guide the public to the very best places to dine, encouraging people to get out and experience everything our amazing hospo sector has to offer.”
Nominations for The Chevrons opened on 29th October, with winners announced on 26th November.
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