Indagare ambassador Jim Klaus recommends Ahi for its locally sourced tasting menus and chic, lively interiors. "The chef at Ahi has a television show called New Zealand Food Story that you can find on the entertainment systems on Air New Zealand flights," he says. "He’s a cross between Anthony Bourdain and Bear Grylls, and the show is well produced and a joy to watch, showing him as he meets the producers of the ingredients for his restaurant. It really emphasizes the strong farming history of New Zealand, from lambs to eels to wallaby. We recognized many of the chefs in the kitchen from the show!" Menu items have included fresh fish with farm mushrooms, red deer with black pudding and leeks and duck breast with nettle chimichurri. Jim recommends sitting at the counter.

Housed in a cozy cottage, with airy white interiors, Boulcott is run by New Zealand star chef Rex Morgan (he often serves as a head judge on television in Masterchef). No reservations are accepted, so often the street in front of the bistro is lined with Champagne-swilling diners patiently waiting for a table. Classic bistro fare is served alongside an excellent wine list.

No trip to Waiheke is complete without a visit to Cable Bay Vineyards, one of the island’s best wineries. Perfect for wine tastings, a casual afternoon glass or a full lunch, the vineyard offers flavorful local wine and a lush atmosphere. Be sure to dine at the Verandah for a taste of modern North Island luxury with stunning views of Hauraki Gulf and Waiheke’s rolling hills.

Another one of Wellington's most iconic cafes and coffee roaster, L'Affare has large, eclectic interiors, complete with mismatched tables and chairs and even a coffee equipment showroom.

The neighborhood of Parnell is not on everyone's list – it's about a 10-minute drive from the waterfront – but if you do find yourself exploring here, come for lunch to this whimsical restaurant. It occupies a building that used to house an old chocolate factory and interiors are light and fun (there's a wall hung with pocket mirrors). Cibo is located off-the-tourist-path, so it draws a lot of locals. Book a table in the pretty private courtyard during the warmer months.

Ponsonby’s hip, star-studded Dear Jervois focuses on fresh, organic food in a casual-cool atmosphere. Boasting courtyard, terrace and indoor seating, the café offers a balanced menu of both vegan- and carnivore-friendly fare, from vegan Nutella pancakes to delicious breakfast tacos.

In walking distance of the Sky Tower, the ever-popular Depot is helmed by star chef Al Brown and makes a great spot for lunch (or dinner) when touring the area. The menu is full of small plates designed to be shared – don't miss oysters when they are in season – and the vibe is congenial.

The revamped Britomart is one of the city's most thriving areas for shopping and dining. Its elegant but gritty-cool Ebisu is a good choice in this trendy neighborhood. The exposed brick walls and dark-wood paneling are a perfect backdrop for the colorful, beautifully prepared plates. The sushi and sashimi is super fresh (there are also Bento Boxes), and the larger plates showcase the chef's innovative take on traditional Japanese izakaya.

Down the street from Caffe L'Affare and Havana Coffee Works, this is a great local spot for lunch in the Te Aro neighborhood. The menu is short and well-edited according to season, with a focus on New Zealand fish and game, as well as a good local wine list.

A local favorite a bit off the beaten path, the mutli-level Havana is a great place to refuel over a flat white and a sweet snack, like homemade scones and pies.

This local favorite is outside of the city center but it's a good tip for Lord of the Ring fans touring at Weta Workshop, the special effects company that has been working with director Peter Jackson since his early film days. The Larder started out as a casual neighborhood joint run by local chef Jacob Brown (who used to cook at Boulcott Bistro). But word of his innovative menus – more sophisticated than the laid-back ambience belies – got out, and now many locals make the short trip to this suburb (it's about a 15 minute drive) for lunch or dinner.

One of Wellington's most lauded restaurants, Logan Brown is located inside a restored 1920s bank building, with gorgeous interiors complete with soaring ceilings and polished parquet. It looks like it will be overly formal, but the friendly staff keeps things down to earth. The often-changing menu is full of New Zealand bounty (line-caught hapuku; wild Fjordland venison; Cook Straight octopus) and the wine list is epic. It's a great choice for lunch or dinner.

Gaelic for “to crave,” Miann is perhaps the best patisserie in all of New Zealand. The experimental menu changes constantly and items are often themed for holidays or current events, but the craftsmanship of each dish remains the same high quality year-round. Treats on rotation have included such indulgences as whiskey and vanilla cheesecake with caramelized oats, honey and raspberry and the seasonal Chinese lantern bon bons. Located near the fashionable Britomart area, Miann’s dark, wooden interiors make for a romantic atmosphere, and the open kitchen allows for voyeurism as the team of pastry chef’s construct each plate with immaculate detail.

Indagare ambassador Jim Klaus loves Mr. Morris for its locally sourced tasting menus and chic, lively interior. Seasonal and sustainable produce are used to create modern Pacific dishes, including beef tongue with daikon and Vietnamese mint, snapper with chickpea and green-lipped mussels and steak tartare with gochujang and a salted egg yolk.

Mudbrick's lofty terrace with sweeping views is one of Waiheke's most romantic spots for a gourmet meal. It's great for lunch, but even more special as the sun starts setting and diners can spot the twinkling lights of Auckland in the far-off distance. The menu is definitely on the pricy side, especially since you're on casual-cool Waiheke, but everything is exceedingly well prepared, the wine lists is local and terrific and the views are unbeatable.

Indagare Tip: Be aware that Mudbrick is a favorite for special occasions – if you're craving a romantic, quiet evening, be sure to ask whether they are hosting a larger function the night you plan on dining here.

For breakfast that tastes as good as it looks, head to Neo in downtown Wellington. With a bright and inviting atmosphere filled with natural light, cream-colored interiors and pinewood tables, the health-conscious café offers organic, vegetarian and gluten-free options, in addition to daily chalkboard specials. Try one of the homemade toast spreads or the “veggie brekkie”: a delectable combination of grilled halloumi, beetroot, avocado, fresh sprouts and hash browns, drizzled with a homemade balsamic reduction. Daily house specials, pastries and coffee are also available for takeaway.

The name is the only thing misleading about this Wellington institution: it's neither shack nor all-fish. Interiors evoke a Mediterranean seafood taverna, with simple wooden tables, ceramic-tiled floors and old black-and-white pictures lining the walls in mismatched frames. But the menu is all-Kiwi, with Kapiti Coast snapper, Kaikoura crayfish and the excellent Bluff oysters (when in season). There are some non-seafood options, including one of the city's best cheese platters.

Auckland may not be known for its Italian food, but tucked away in St. Kevin’s Arcade is a cozy wine and pasta bar with excellent food.

Located inside the Old Bank Arcade, Wellington's de facto mall in the center of the city, this is a nice spot for a take-away picnic or a quick lunch (salads, sandwiches, traditional pies).

A great spot for a laid-back weekend brunch or lunch, St. Heliers is located a 25-minute drive outside of Auckland and has a wonderful location across the street from a beach. You want to settle in here, soak in the local scene and order from the rather sophisticated brunch menu: smoked market fish, Agria galette, Bircher müsli and Haloumi and asparagus salad were options during a recent visit.

The Oyster Inn is one of Waiheke's most popular spots for a rosé-fueled brunch or lunch. Many locals come here straight from the ferry, plant themselves on the verandah and people-watch while snacking on a lengthy menu of greatest brunch hits, including an excellent seafood selection.

In walking distance to the main shopping and the Te Papa Museum, the WBC serves excellent food in a contemporary dining room. The name derives from the fact that the restaurant sits in a beautifully restored Art Deco building that used to house a boot factory. The seafood dishes in particular are excellent.