Queenstown restaurant makes history with two Michelin stars

If you haven't tried to book a table at Essence yet, good luck. The Queenstown fine-dining restaurant at the ROKI Collection on Rees Street became the only eatery in New Zealand awarded two Michelin stars in the country's first-ever Michelin Guide ceremony for Oceania. The announcement, made Thursday night in Auckland, has already sent reservation requests through the roof, according to the chef.

**Q: How do I get a reservation at Essence now that it has two Michelin stars?** **A: Reservations are managed through the ROKI Collection's website and typically book out weeks in advance. The restaurant seats around 40 guests per service, and the chef has confirmed they're fielding hundreds of new booking inquiries daily since the Michelin announcement.**

Michelin awarded 16 stars total across New Zealand, with the South Island capturing nearly half — including one star for Amisfield in Queenstown and another for The Grille at Eichardt's. The recognition puts Queenstown on the map as a serious food destination, not just a ski town. The chef of Essence described the award as a 'dream come true' in interviews, but warned that the surge in demand means tables will be harder to come by.

For visitors already in town, the good news is that several other Michelin-recognized restaurants are within walking distance or a short drive. Amisfield, located at 10 Lake Hayes Road, offers a more casual cellar door experience alongside its fine-dining menu. The Grille at Eichardt's on Marine Parade is another option for those wanting a taste of Michelin-level cooking without the two-star waitlist.

**Q: What other Queenstown restaurants got Michelin stars?** **A: Amisfield received one star, and The Grille at Eichardt's also earned one star. That gives Queenstown three Michelin-starred restaurants in total from the 2026 guide.**

If you're planning a ski trip later this season, book now — not just for Essence, but for any Queenstown restaurant with a star, because availability will only get tighter as word spreads.