Talofa...welcome to Tala
Join us on a journey as we showcase the beauty of traditional Samoan cuisine and heritage through an innovative contemporary dining experience.
Tala named in TIME’s annual list of ‘The World’s Greatest Places’
Tala has been chosen by TIME for its coveted annual list of the ‘World’s Greatest Places’.
The list highlights 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay around the globe. Tala is the only restaurant in the Oceania region to make the 2026 list.
Tala’s Executive Chef/Owner Henry Onesemo says that to be recognised by an internationally iconic outlet like TIME is incredibly exciting.
“My goal with Tala is to share the beauty of Samoa’s food and culture as widely as I can, and being on TIME’s World’s Greatest Places list puts us in front of so many people around the world. We’re so happy and really humbled.”
The TIME list with Tala is online and Tala will also feature in a special ‘World’s Greatest Places 2026’ print edition of TIME, available from 31 July, 2026.
View the article here.
Tala named ‘Supreme Winner’ at Viva Top 50 Restaurants 2025
Tala has been awarded ‘Supreme Winner’ at the Viva Top 50 Restaurants 2025, recognised by Jesse Mulligan and the judging panel as Auckland’s best restaurant. Mulligan called the decision “immediate,” praising Tala as “enchanting… nothing like it in the city or the world.”
The award follows Chef Henry Onesemo’s recent recognition at the Best Chef Awards in Milan and Tala’s Three Hats (19/20) from Cuisine, marking a significant moment for Samoan cuisine on the world stage.
View the announcement here.
Chef Henry Onesemo of TALA awarded knife at Best Chef Awards!
We are thrilled to announce Chef Henry has been awarded a coveted knife at the Best Chef awards in Milan, Italy!
This is a proud moment for TALA as he became the first Samoan chef to represent his culture and cuisine on the global stage.
In under two years, TALA has become the first Samoan restaurant to receive a knife at the Best Chef Awards and be awarded three Hats at the Cuisine Good Food Awards.
Thank you to all of our loyal guests who have been part of our story.
We look forward to sharing our Samoan hospitality with you soon!
Tala Named One of NZ’s Best Restaurants
TALA achieved a coveted 3 Hat ranking at the Cuisine Good Food Awards in mid-2025, making it one of New Zealand's top six restaurants.
Cuisine Editor Kelli Brett says that 3-Hatted restaurants are: “…simply exceptional and the best of the best”. The Cuisine judges described Executive Chef Henry Onesemo as: “... a trailblazing Pasifika chef redefining fine dining and cultural storytelling” and noted of TALA, “This is not just food; it's a journey into the heart of Samoa, served with flair and a side of thoughtfulness.”