Mission fare rated tops

DINING DELIGHT: Mission Restaurant in Hawke's Bay has been included in a prestigious top 10 restaurant list.

One of the world's leading travel websites has put Hawke's Bay in its top 10 for possessing what it calls one of New Zealand's finest restaurants - which went down very well at Mission Restaurant in Greenmeadows, which got the nod for the list.

The annual Travellers' Choice Awards staged by the US-based site, Trip Advisor, are based on customer ratings of a restaurant for the food, the service, the atmosphere, the value and the overall experience.

"This is an exceptional result for us," Mission Restaurant manager Daniel Jaritz said.

It underlined the effort staff went to in providing every customer with an "outstanding experience", from the time they walked in until the time they dined and left, he said.

Head chef Graeme Miles said his side of the equation, the preparation and presentation of the food, was a straightforward one.

"My food philosophy is simple - I cook what I like to eat."

Mr Miles said it all hinged on combinations that tasted good and delivering the flavours simply.

He returned to the Mission Restaurant last December after a couple of years overseas, having started out there in 2006 and working through until 2012.

Mr Jaritz said making what was regarded as an elite list was extra special because it was clear the experience was resonating with the people who mattered - the customers.