Aosta

Tucked into historic Arrowtown, Aosta channels the alpine soul of northern Italy through a distinctly Central Otago lens. Executive chef Ben Bayly, winner of the Best Restaurant of NZ award 2024 for his Auckland restaurant Ahi, joins head chef Andrea Cattalini to shape a menu that is both authentic and quietly inventive. Their compass points to the Valle d’Aosta, while ingredients are gathered from the growers, breeders and vineyards of Arrowtown and the wider region.

The cooking’s elegant and precise, with antipasti that balance purity and punch - think woodfired focaccia dabbed with mascarpone and black truffle oil, or stracciatella with watercress pesto. Pasta is a daily pleasure, shifting between shapes and sauces - expect hand rolled ricotta cavatelli with cherry tomatoes and aged balsamic. For a main course, the Royal Burn lamb trio celebrates local produce alongside garden peas and courgette flowers.

To finish, indulgence takes a playful turn with the Aosta tiramisu, featuring layers of salted caramel. The bar keeps tempo with refreshing drinks, alongside juices grown on the land that surrounds the dining room.

Settle in for an Italian journey with Otago in its stride. Book in, bring an appetite, and let the mountains meet Milano on your plate!