AUCKLAND, Today: Viva, Aotearoa’s go-to for all things style, food, drink and beauty, is gearing up for the fifth annual Viva Top 50 Restaurant Awards, celebrating Auckland’s best dining experiences for 2025.
Curated by Viva’s Dining Out Editor Jesse Mulligan and new judge Kelly Gibney, this year’s list will reveal the city’s top 50 restaurants, including the must-watch Top 10 and the Supreme Winner.
Now a staple for food lovers, the Viva Top 50 Restaurant Awards have become Auckland’s trusted guide to the city’s ever-evolving dining scene.
Jasper Fulcher, NZME Managing Editor – Lifestyle, says the awards continue to hold a special place in Viva’s editorial calendar. “Viva’s Top 50 is more than a list – it’s a reflection of Auckland’s exceptional food culture.
“Each year our judges bring together expertise, curiosity and passion to uncover the restaurants shaping the city’s dining experience.”
“This is the fifth year of our Viva Top 50 Restaurant Awards and the standard is higher than it’s ever been.” – Jasper Fulcher, NZME Managing Editor
Jesse Mulligan, Viva’s Dining Out Editor, says this year’s lineup highlights the city’s resilience and creativity. “This is the fifth year of our Viva Top 50 Restaurant Awards and the standard is higher than it’s ever been.
“Restaurants have got through a tough winter and are now bringing joy to the plate with bright spring ingredients and optimism for the summer ahead. I’m so excited to be working with Kelly as a guest judge.
“She is my favourite recipe writer in New Zealand and her forensic knowledge of cooking techniques and ingredients has made this the most thorough list yet.”
Kelly Gibney, a food writer, photographer and cookbook author, says joining as a judge has been a highlight. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Viva Top 50 Restaurants for 2025.
“The high level of innovation, skill and heart we saw served up nightly in Auckland is incredibly exciting to share. I hope the list motivates readers to get out and experience it for themselves.”
Last year’s Supreme Winner was Gemmayze Street, and anticipation is already building for who’ll take top honours this time around. Readers can even have their say using the hashtag #vivatoprestaurants, by emailing viva@nzherald.co.nz, or commenting on the main article.
Stay tuned to Viva.co.nz and @nzhviva for the full Viva Top 50 Restaurants for 2025 announcement on 19 November.
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