The magazine polls more than 400 chefs, travel specialists, food and travel writers and wine professionals from across the world for their top culinary travel experiences to come up with its 15 best international restaurants in its annual awards.
It said Amisfield winery and restaurant was “as famous for its bold dishes as for its pinot noir”.
“The restaurant has become a beacon for wine enthusiasts worldwide who seek an unparalleled dining experience. What sets Amisfield apart is not just its stunning location or award-winning sips but also its otherworldly, refined tasting menu that showcases the region’s seasonal, hyperlocal ingredients,” the magazine said.
Executive chef Vaughan Mabee was “fully committed to source quality New Zealand ingredients for every innovative, artistic dish” at the restaurant, the philosophy of which was “rooted in the belief that exceptional dining experiences are borne from a deep respect for the land and its bounty”.
The restaurant has a 12-course $440 dinner dining option, but the magazine said it was Amisfield’s 30-course option at $695 — that was “a must”.
“The multi-course feast unfolds like a show with dishes crafted to look like the animals they came from. If anyone is worthy of this trust, it’s Mabee, the only New Zealand chef chosen as one of the World’s Top 100 Chefs,” said Food & Wine.
Its No 1 restaurant was Asador Etxebarri in Axpe, Spain.
No 2 was pork restaurant A Casa do Porco, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
— APL
