Hawke's Bay's Elephant Hill rated NZ's best winery restaurant

Elephant Hills winery restaurant head chef Ashley Jones celebrates a top award. Photo / Duncan Brown

Hawke's Bay's culinary expertise has been lauded by the nation's premier food guide, with Elephant Hills Winery being named the nation's best winery restaurant.

The award for Elephant Hill was the pick of the bunch with five other Hawke's Bay restaurants and eateries also recognised at Cuisine's annual Good Food Awards.

"We are truly humbled at our recent win at the CGFA winning the best winery restaurant of 2018," restaurant manager Suraj G.C. said.

"To gain the Two Hat status is outstanding and the entire Elephant Hill team are so very proud of this award.

"It shows that our hard work and dedication over the decade has been acknowledged.

"We also would like to congratulate all our regional peers for their achievements in the CGFA 2018.

"This really puts Hawke's Bay on the map as a food and wine destination.

"We would also like to thank the team at Cuisine, Kelly Brett and Kerry Tack. Each year it gets better and the competition stronger with new establishments opening. CGFA is the industry's benchmark for awards, and having the Two Hats this year is extra special as it is Elephant Hill's 10-year anniversary."

Alongside the best winery restaurant for Elephant Hill, Cuisine magazine also awarded its Two Hat status to Pacifica, Bistronomy and Craggy Range, while a One Hat status was awarded to Te Awa.

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said the awards were evidence that the region was "on fire" at present.

"We did better than most regions for our size.

"These restaurants and Black Barn Bistro and Pacifica made the top 100 restaurants in New Zealand.

"It's a huge result."

The awards' lead assessor Kerry Tack said he was delighted to have the opportunity to shine a light on those that have made Cuisine's list of the 100 most influential restaurants of the past 12 months.

"The list recognises innovation, consistency, delivery of promise, value and satisfaction. While there are others who deserve applause and support, these are the best of the best, those of which Kiwis can be immensely proud."