Wānaka may be a small town but it still has some of the best food in the country according to industry experts. 

The prestigious Cuisine Good Food Awards have announced the first-round of their annual awards celebrating the best restaurants in New Zealand and Wānaka’s Kika has made the list.

The tapas restaurant is one of three restaurants in Queenstown Lakes to be selected from 78 around the country; the others are the Sherwood and Amisfield, both in Queenstown.

Cuisine selects more than 40 experts located around the country, led by food and dining expert Kerry Tyack, to anonymously judge restaurants nationwide throughout the year and determine the list and winners.

“It’s always been important to us to celebrate restaurants right across the country,” Kerry said.

Judges said Kika, known for its adventurous combinations like a black pudding butty with pork floss and quince aioli, “exudes warmth and welcome”.

Judges said Kika owner/chef James Stapley kept the menu fresh with seasonal changes.

“Owner/chef James Stapley regularly changes the menu to marry with the seasons,” judges said, noting that a well-assembled wine list “widens our smiles”.

But the accolade isn’t a first for Kika - it made the list in 2017, 2018 and 2019 (the awards didn’t take place in 2020 due to Covid-19).

Cuisine editor Kelli Brett said restaurants deserved more respect than ever for continuing to produce great food despite the challenges of Covid-19.

“This year we have navigated ever-changing restrictions to uncover New Zealand’s best dining experiences and have gained even more respect for an industry that has shown great creativity and resilience,” Kelli said. 

“Despite huge challenges, it has bounced back and is forging ahead with even brighter plans for the future.”

She urged Kiwis to put the top restaurants on their ‘must try’ lists. 

The first in a two-part list, Cuisine will reveal its full top restaurant list and category awards winners at a digital awards ceremony on February 8. 

See all the first-round winners here.

PHOTOS: Supplied