They were joined by nearby venues Ayrburn and Swiftsure in Arrowtown.
Big Fig was rated number four while Kika came in at number five.
Here is what they had to say about the restaurants.
Big Fig: If you are craving a home-cooked meal but your accommodation does not have a kitchenette, Big Fig is your answer.
This lake-front restaurant is all about ‘‘slow food served fast’’ with several meals precooked and ready to dish up. Select a plate size and take your pick of meat, vegetarian and vegan options.
Try the slow-cooked beef cheeks and the kumara gratin. It is also open for breakfast and lunch.
Kika: For a sophisticated meal you cannot fault, head to Kika, a two-hatted restaurant.
The menu is meant to be shared, but you can comfortably dine solo too, with dinner dishes including wagyu short rib and ricotta and spinach gnudi (dumplings).
The gnudi melt in your mouth, while Kika’s take on a coconut rice pudding is unique and the star of the menu.
Despite the obvious skill in the kitchen, Kika retains a relaxed, homely atmosphere in large part due to its friendly staff and location in a down-toearth mountain community.
