Wakatipu Grill

Wakatipu Grill has been nominated as a finalist in the prestigious Cuisine 2012 NZ Restaurant of the Year Awards.

Hilton Queenstown's signature restaurant Wakatipu Grill is one of 50 finalists throughout New Zealand and one of only three finalists in Queenstown.

The prestigious awards are now in their eighth year and have long been the benchmark for the country's best eateries.

Wakatipu Grill Executive Chef Peter Thornley has led the restaurant since opening in June 2011 and has embraced the importance of sourcing local produce with his 'fresh, local seasonal' philosophy. The wine list includes a focus on boutique wineries as well as leading New Zealand vineyards and the menu showcases the full flavours and nourishing food that is so characteristic of the Central Otago region. Specialties include slow cooked Alpine Merino lamb shoulder, winter heirloom carrots, salt baked pears, and their signature dish, rotisserie pork belly.

Andrew Nisbet, general manager, Hilton Queenstown said, "Wakatipu Grill is one of the jewels of our Hilton Queenstown property. Peter and his team have done an exceptional job in establishing the restaurant as a must visit dining destination in Queenstown."

The Cuisine 2012 NZ Restaurant of the Year winners will be announced at an industry event on Monday 6 August.