Innovative Samoan Dining
The Samoan word “tala” means “story” or “tale”. For chef Henry Onesemo, Tala is where he tells his own tales of Samoa in a unique dining experience inspired by his heritage.
Chef Henry reimagines, revisits and refines ingredients and dishes from Samoa’s villages, road stalls, and his own childhood, combining traditional cooking with modern techniques to create stunning menu ‘Journeys’.
As the world’s only Samoan fine dining restaurant, Tala offers a new perspective on the food culture of Chef Henry’s homeland.
“Our dream has always been to show Samoan food in a new light,” says Chef Henry, “To tell its stories, introduce guests to fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way) and to share our Samoan hospitality.”
Chef Henry Onesemo
Henry Onesemo grew up in Samoa and his passion for food started young. He recalls helping in the kitchen as a child, and early Sunday morning trips to the fish market with his Dad to make the umu (traditional Samoan earth oven) before church.
After living and working in Hawaii and Florida, where he met his wife Debby, Henry returned home to Samoa, where he trained as a chef. He subsequently worked at Auckland restaurant Meredith’s and later spent time at Gaa in Bangkok, where traditional Indian food was presented in a Michelin-starred setting.
The COVID pandemic prompted Henry’s return to New Zealand and he and Debby launched Tala as a pop-up concept in 2022 before opening the current restaurant in Auckland’s Parnell in November 2023.
Tala was awarded Three Hats (19/20) by Cuisine in 2025, making it one of the top six restaurants in New Zealand, having earlier been named ‘Best New Restaurant’ in 2024.
2025 also saw Henry awarded One Knife at The Best Chef Awards in Milan, and Tala named Supreme Winner in the Viva Top 50 Restaurants 2025.
