TALA has been named one of New Zealand’s top restaurants, achieving a coveted 3 Hat ranking at the 2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards, announced Monday night in Auckland. 

TALA was one of just six restaurants from across the country to receive 3 Hats in this year’s Awards. “In short, [3 Hatted restaurants] are simply exceptional and the best of the best,” says Cuisine Editor Kelli Brett. 

Cuisine praised TALA’s rise to 3 Hats this year from 2 Hats in 2024 as a fantastic achievement, describing Executive Chef Henry Onesemo as: “... a trailblazing Pasifika chef redefining fine dining and cultural storytelling.”

The Cuisine judges also noted of TALA: “This is not just food; it’s a journey into the heart of Samoa, served with flair and a side of thoughtfulness.”