Wānaka restaurant Kika has done it again, with yet another accolade at the prestigious Cuisine Good Food Awards.

Each year Cuisine selects more than 40 experts from around the country to anonymously judge restaurants and find the country’s 100 best.

Kika made the top-100 list 2017, 2018 and 2019 and 2021 (the awards didn’t take place in 2020 due to Covid-19) but this is the first time it has received a “hat”, awarded to restaurants singled out for an exceptionally high standard.

“We are over the moon at receiving a hat,” Kika owner James Stapley said. “It’s a great boost to the team and all of our hard work.” 

“We are still doing what we have always done but great to be recognised,” James said.

He told the Wānaka App support from locals had been crucial during the “incredibly difficult time” for hospitality in recent years.

“I’m personally eternally grateful for the amazing support we have had by the Wānaka locals. Without that continuing support it would be a different story.”

Cuisine judges, who shared the top restaurant list on February 22, said Kika’s reputation “thunders on”.

James said at Kika the team always strives to make delicious, interesting food with “lots of layers of flavours”.

“Kika exudes warmth and welcome, which is what they’re all about. Stapley regularly changes the menu to marry with the seasons, but these plates are made for sharing.”

Kika’s Roman gnocchi, mushroom puree and confit garlic cream was singled out by Cuisine judges as a top dish to try.

James said Kika has always strived to make food that is both delicious and interesting.

“The food is simple but complex,” he said. “Lots of layers of flavours.”

Kika was Wānaka’s only restaurant to receive a Cuisine hat.

PHOTOS: Supplied