Eight New Zealand restaurants have made a competitive list of the top 1000 eateries worldwide, a higher number than in previous years.
La Liste arrives at its rankings by aggregating data from top publications and review sites. It's a well-respected, robust ranking system.
The top-placed Kiwi contender is Auckland fine-dining restaurant The French Café, run by Sid and Chand Sahrawat, who are also behind city spots Cassia and KOL.
"Our wonderful staff were ecstatic! It's been a long winter, and they were really stoked to have their efforts recognised," head chef Sid Sahrawat said.
"We are also proud to have increased our overall scores by four points from last year."
It's been tough time for New Zealand's hospitality scene, particularly those in the fine-dining space as cost of living concerns bite.
"We haven't seen anything quite like it since 2009 when we experienced the recession. Business slowed down after Easter and is only just picking up now post-election and maybe because it's the festive season," Sahrawat said.
"There is real anxiety about next year as our customers' disposable incomes are tight, given high interest rates, and eating out is a luxury not a necessity. As long as we can sustain our business, we aren't looking to make profits - we just want to survive as businesses through these tough times."
Catherine George, co-owner of popular Ponsonby spot Paris Butter - which has been recognised on La Liste for the very first time - said fine-dining is the first activity to get cut in tough economic environments.
"We've seen fluctuations in patronage and have had to adapt continuously," George said.
"So [to make La Liste], the team was absolutely thrilled. It was a moment of great pride and joy for everyone involved."
George said making the list was "incredibly motivating" and had boosted morale.
"We're excited to continue evolving, innovating, and delivering memorable experiences to our guests."
Other international culinary lists like the Michelin guide or the World's 50 Best do not rank New Zealand hospitality venues, making La Liste a benchmark for top restaurants in Aotearoa.
New Zealand restaurants on La Liste
- The French Café (score: 94.5)
- Amisfield (score: 88)
- Paris Butter (score: 87)
- Pacifica (score: 86)
- Logan Brown (score: 86)
- Cocoro (score: 84.5)
- Ahi (score: 83)
- Don Alfonso at Helena Bay (score: 78).
