Aosta

Put simply, the Aosta in Arrowtown dining experience is like no other. If you’ve had the pleasure of sitting down at this one-hatted restaurant, you’ll understand there’s a deeper magic at work beyond exceptional food and wine.

Established in 2019, this acclaimed restaurant is a collaborative venture between New Zealand celebrity chef Ben Bayly and Sir Michael Hill, both driven by a shared passion to bring Italian cuisine to the heart of the South Island. Aosta draws its name from a picturesque alpine valley in Northern Italian, a place that mirrors the climate, landscape and charm of Arrowtown and the broader Central Otago region. The two towns were destined to collide.

Three words define the Aosta philosophy: terroir, technique and seasonality. In true Italian style, only the very best ingredients make it onto the table, carefully sourced from local growers, farmers and artisan suppliers. The menu evolves with the seasons, showcasing what is thriving on the land at each passing moment.

When dreaming up dishes at number 18 Buckingham Street, the culinary team pays homage to Nonna-approved recipes, adding in a few modern twists inspired by New Zealand ingredients. Take, for instance, the famed pappardelle, where kina replaces egg in the pasta dough, topped with thinly sliced braised paua for a lighter rendition of carbonara. Few guests escape the delicious clutches of the tiramisu, an interactive dessert that is magically transformed into a masterpiece at the table. Each plate at Aosta narrates a captivating tale of people, culture and passion, expressed through flavour.

The venue itself is a mixtape of old and new traditions. The original stone walls and gold-framed bar shelves nod to the building’s bygone days as a barn during the gold rush era. Inside, things take on a luxurious yet inviting tone, with warm contemporary fixtures and an open kitchen bringing the place alive.

Aosta is treated more like a home than a restaurant, with a tight-knit family of chefs, waiters and bartenders waiting to embrace each guest with genuine warmth and hospitality. Make sure you check out their baby, Little Aosta, a fun and family-friendly pizza, pasta and spritz bar next door.