Nominations are now open for Iconic Auckland Eats 2026, inviting people from across Aotearoa New Zealand to share the story behind the Tāmaki Makaurau dish that means the most to them.
Now in its sixth year, Iconic Auckland Eats is an annual celebration of 100 much-loved dishes that can only be experienced in Auckland – from neighbourhood favourites and family-run eateries to destination restaurants, markets, food trucks and late-night dining spots.
For 2026, the initiative is placing even greater emphasis on the stories behind the dishes, shining a light on the moments, memories, people and places that make Auckland’s food culture unique. The five best storytellers will each win $500 to spend at their top five Iconic Auckland Eats, celebrating the eateries behind their favourite dishes.
Iconic Auckland Eats is a much-anticipated annual initiative by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, on behalf of Auckland Council, in partnership with Restaurant Hub, New Zealand’s largest online restaurant booking network.
Karen Thompson-Smith, Head of Tourism at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says a great dish becomes iconic because of the story that sits behind it.
“Iconic Auckland Eats is about capturing the story behind a dish – the people who make it, the community it represents, or the memories it creates. This year, we’re inviting people to tell us why a dish stands out to them. These stories help us showcase the incredible diversity of Auckland’s food scene and the communities who help shape it,” says Thompson-Smith.
The 2026 programme arrives at a significant moment for Auckland’s dining scene, explains Thompson-Smith.
“Recently, it was announced that the MICHELIN Guide will launch in Aotearoa New Zealand next year. Iconic Auckland Eats complements this milestone by celebrating the stories, communities and local favourites that shape the region’s broader food identity – from neighbourhood icons to destination dining,” says Thompson-Smith.
Last year, the public submitted 3109 nominations, an increase of 67 per cent from the 1857 nominations in 2024. Two dishes have made the Top 100 list each year since the initiative began in 2020 – fish sliders from Depot and lamingtons from Sugar at Chelsea Bay.
Anyone in Aotearoa can submit a story about a dish that has left a lasting impression on them in Tāmaki Makaurau. Every nomination contributes to a richer picture of the many cultures, cuisines and neighbourhoods that make the region a world-class food destination.
Food lovers have until 22 February 2026 to channel their inner author, crafting a story that captures why their favourite eatery meal or succulent snack is deserving of a placing in the Top 100 Iconic Auckland Eats.
Judges include Mark Gregory, co-owner of Restaurant Hub, and Connie Clarkson, Manager of Auckland Council’s The Kitchen Project and one of New Zealand’s Top 50 Women in Food and Drink, with a guest judge still to be announced.
Stories can be submitted at: aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats
Resources for restaurants are available at: aucklandnz.com/iconic-eats/restaurant-resources
The final Top 100 Iconic Auckland Eats list will be announced in May 2026