Contemporary Samoan restaurant TALA has been named among New Zealand’s very best, receiving the prestigious 3 Hat ranking at the 2025 Cuisine Good Food Awards, announced this week in Auckland.
Only six restaurants nationwide were awarded 3 Hats this year, placing TALA in an elite group and marking a milestone for Samoan food and hospitality.
Executive Chef/Owner Henry Onesemo, who runs the restaurant alongside his wife and co-owner Debby Onesemo says, “Three Hats has always been our dream. To achieve this by sharing Samoa’s food, traditions and heritage as the exceptional culinary experience we know it can be is a thrill and an honour.
This latest recognition follows international acclaim, with The Australian naming TALA one of the World’s 12 Most Exciting New Restaurants for 2025.
Fa’a Samoa in a new light
Founded by Samoan-born Henry and Debby Onesemo, TALA is built on the principles of Fa’a Samoa (‘the Samoan way’). The restaurant blends open-fire cooking and an umu (traditional hot-stone oven) with refined contemporary technique.
Signature creations include Copra, a dessert inspired by the aroma of coconut oil production in Samoa and Palolo, a luxurious dish of caviar, palusami and taro.
With its second birthday approaching in November and the addition of a new Head Chef, TALA continues to showcase Pacific heritage on the world stage, proving that Samoan cuisine belongs firmly in the ranks of global fine dining.
