Tala

Samoan umu cooking at a 23-seat chef counter

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Budget: From NZ$215 per person
Address: 235 Parnell Road, Parnell

A small restaurant opened by Samoan chef Henry Onesemo. Guests are welcomed with a hand-washing ceremony, and the kitchen cooks in an umu, the traditional hot-stone earth oven. It took three hats and Chef of the Year at the 2026 Cuisine Good Food Awards, and reportedly a star in the first Michelin Guide New Zealand that June. With around 23 seats, you settle in for the whole tasting run.