Hibiscus Coast food lovers can now put a local favourite on Auckland’s Iconic Eats list for 2026.

Nominations are open for Iconic Auckland Eats 2026, inviting people from across New Zealand to share the story behind the Auckland dish that means the most to them.

Entries close on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

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 putting a stronger spotlight on the stories behind the dishes.

The five best storytellers will each win $500 to spend at their top five Iconic Auckland Eats.

Karen Thompson-Smith, Head of Tourism at Auckland Unlimited, says a great dish becomes iconic because of the story 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,” she says.

She says the 2026 programme comes at a significant moment for Auckland’s dining scene, with the MICHELIN Guide set to launch in Aotearoa New Zealand next year.

Last year, the public submitted 3,109 nominations, up 67 percent from 1,857 in 2024.

Two dishes have made the Top 100 list every year since 2020, fish sliders from Depot and lamingtons from Sugar at Chelsea Bay.

Anyone in New Zealand can submit a story about a dish that has left a lasting impression in Auckland.

Judges include Mark Gregory, co-owner of Restaurant Hub, and Connie Clarkson, Manager of Auckland Council’s The Kitchen Project, with a guest judge still to be announced.

The final Top 100 Iconic Auckland Eats list will be announced in May 2026.

Coasties who want to back a Hibiscus Coast dining venue can submit their story online.

Know something local worth sharing?

Send it to [email protected]