The Best NZ Restaurants to Celebrate Every Mum

11/04/2025

Mother’s day is around the corner, and as the date creeps closer, the quest to find her the perfect gift becomes more urgent. Choosing the perfect present can be tricky, but sometimes all mum needs is a night out surrounded by whanau with some good kai.

New Zealand has an array of establishments for all types of diners. After all, no two mums are the same. Whether she’s adventurous with her food or all about the classics, health-focused or a fast-food fan—there’s a perfect spot for her. This guide has some great places from across the country to consider for this special day.

Gaja
Ponsonby, Auckland, North Island

For the trendsetter Mum: The trendsetter mum loves being at the forefront of everything fresh and exciting. Whether it’s discovering new fashion or uncovering the next hot spot, she’s always in the know. If Mum is a trailblazer, Gaja in Ponsonby is the ideal spot. With its unique, modern Korean flavours and sleek atmosphere, it’s a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day in style. Finish with a handcrafted cocktail or house made soju, and you’ve got a Mother’s Day party on the cards.
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The Old Vicarage
Christchurch, Canterbury, South Island

For the homebody Mum: She’s all about warmth and relaxation—whether it’s decorating her space or settling in for a quiet evening, home is where her heart is. If your mum is a homebody, The Old Vicarage is the next best place to take her because this cafe restaurant and bar is located inside an old minister’s house. Dining here will feel like eating in your own living room, except no one needs to cook. The food is impeccable, serving familiar specialties for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With hearty food and high calibre service, this place doesn’t just aim to fill the stomach, they feed the soul.
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Pravda Cafe
Wellington CBD, Wellington, North Island

For the brunch Mum: From eggs Benedict to freshly brewed coffee, this mum knows how to make brunch an event worth looking forward to every weekend. For the mums who want a little bit of everything, this cafe and grill in Wellington is an underrated hotspot. By day, Pravda serves up classic favourites with a twist. We’re talking eggs benny with Turkish bread, or pancakes topped with dulce de leche. Pravda’s distinct charm truly comes out at night. One of their most unique appetisers is their grilled nectarine, and aside from their mains, they also have a menu dedicated to a variety of steaks.
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It's perfect for a spectacular fine dining experience with beautifully curated food and wine menus

You need to try arriving in time to catch the sunset colours

Look out for the Fijian style fish curry and Black Angus tartare

Sidart Restaurant
Ponsonby, Auckland, North Island

For the wine and dine Mum: From gourmet dishes to a carefully selected wine list, this mum enjoys the finer things in life, making every dining experience unforgettable. She thrives on the atmosphere of a stylish restaurant, enjoying the ambiance as much as the meal itself. This is where Sidart comes in – an award-winning fine dining restaurant overlooking the Auckland city skyline. Showcasing Fijian Indian cuisine made with seasonal New Zealand ingredients, Mum will enjoy discovering a perfect wine pairing to elevate her meal.
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Gorilla Kitchen
Auckland CBD, Auckland, North Island

For the vegan Mum: This mum is all about vitality—whether it’s through yoga, wholesome meals, or outdoor activities, she embraces a healthy lifestyle every day. Whether your mum has some dietary restrictions or just likes to keep it green, Gorilla Kitchen in Auckland is the perfect establishment to visit for a casual and nutritious bite to eat. With a 100 percent vegan menu, this place makes sure their dishes cater to everyone regardless of their meat-eating habits. Many diners say they wouldn’t have guessed the dishes were entirely plant-based!
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Gemmayze Street
Auckland CBD, Auckland, North Island

For the adventurous Mum: With a fearless spirit and a love for the unknown, she’s the mum who always says “yes” to new adventures. If your mum is the type who always wants to try something new, Gemmayze Street is sure to take her for a spin. Offering up authentic Lebanese cuisine, the menu delivers a flavour punch to the gut (in a good way). Gemmayze Street offers a variety of sharing dishes for those who want to curate their meal, as well as a few set menu options, making it a great place to take Mum.
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Featured Locations

Gaja

A modern Korean kitchen and bar, Gaja is a beautiful and authentic restaurant in Ponsonby. Gaja has charm in spades with its rustic yet modern dining room with globular paper lanterns and Korean art. It has a strong personality allowing you to experience this bold cuisine on your own terms. Relaxed and trendy, Gaja knows exactly how to attract the locals.  Gaja delivers a dining experience that is both comforting and invigorating.

Photography: Courtesy of Gaja

Korean, Asian

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The Old Vicarage

Embracing its historical roots, The Old Vicarage carries forward the tradition of nurturing its local community. No longer a clergy's residence, it stands as a haven where down-to-earth individuals gather for fresh, local New Zealand dishes. This homely space radiates warmth and invites connection, echoing with laughter and tempting aromas. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, it has become synonymous with exceptional food and service. Ideal for special occasions, its private rooms host memorable events, while the sunlit deck and charming gardens offer premier alfresco dining in Christchurch.

Photography: Courtesy of The Old Vicarage

European, Light bites & snacks

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Pravda Cafe

Pravda Café & Grill, nestled in the heart of Wellington, blends French and New Zealand cuisines in an elegant, old-world setting. From morning espresso to evening steakhouse, Pravda is a city institution renowned for its diverse menus. Enjoy modern café favourites and world-famous cheese scones during the day, complemented by Immigrant’s Son coffee. Come evening, indulge in Wellington’s finest steaks, sourced from premium red meat and grilled to perfection. Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s expertise shines through in every dish, ensuring a culinary journey that satisfies all tastes, from innovative salads and burgers to classic bistro offerings.

Photography: Courtesy of Pravda Cafe

Bistro, Steakhouse

$$$$ - $$$$

Sidart Restaurant

Located in Ponsonby, Sidart is an award-winning fine dining restaurant with stunning views of the Auckland city skyline. Owner by executive chef Lesley Chandra who is proud of his Fijian Indian heritage, evident in his menu which showcases Indian flavours with the best of New Zealand's seasonal produce. Six and eight-course tasting menus offer diners the chance to taste dishes that may include kingfish, fresh asparagus, pork, quail or venison, all created with unique flavours and techniques. Vegetarians are also well catered to with the Vegetarian Discovery menu.

Photography: Courtesy of Sidart Restaurant

Modern New Zealand

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Gorilla Kitchen

Gorilla Kitchen, nestled in Uptown Auckland, is a beloved vegan haven on Symonds Street. Known for its innovative plant-based dishes and extensive beverage selection, it's open for brunch, lunch, and dinner throughout the week. From fresh salads and hearty bowls to indulgent burgers, nachos, and pizzas—all vegan—the menu caters to every palate. Whether you're savouring a craft beer, fine wine, signature cocktail, or a non-alcoholic refreshment, Gorilla Kitchen promises a delightful dining experience. Embraced by locals as a top destination for vegan cuisine, its commitment to delicious, 100% plant-based fare shines through every dish served.

Photography: Courtesy of Gorilla Kitchen

Burgers, Pizzas

$$$$ - $$$$

Gemmayze Street

Gemmayze Street continues a 130-year-old story of food, love, and family. Located in St Kevins Arcade, this Lebanese eatery is led by talented Kiwi chef Samir Allen, who has Lebanese roots. The restaurant’s interior transports diners to Lebanon, featuring Arabic script, monochrome photos, and copper accents. Gemmayze Street offers a culinary journey with beautifully presented mezze dishes that promise to tantalise the taste buds.

Photography: Courtesy of Gemmayze Street

Lebanese

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