The first restaurant in New Zealand dedicated to contemporary Samoan cuisine has been awarded two hats and named ‘New Restaurant of the Year’ in the prestigious Cuisine Good Food Awards.

Tala in Parnell opened in November 2023 by Chef Henry Onesemo and his wife Debby.

The restaurant offers dishes inspired by Henry’s experience growing up in Samoa, reimagined playfully.

Traditional aspects of Samoan life are also woven into the Tala dining experience with guests receiving an offering upon arrival and taking part in an ‘apa fafao’ handwashing ceremony.

The Cuisine judging panel have identified Tala as “consistently outstanding”, while the category award for ‘New Restaurant of the Year’ recognises Tala as: “showcasing excellence in all levels of hospitality within a unique new concept and space.”

Henry Onesemo said a Samoan restaurant winning two hats and the title of ‘New Restaurant of the Year’ marks an incredibly exciting moment.

“This is the first time a Samoan restaurant anywhere has been so highly awarded and we are honoured to be part of that story,” Onesomo said to Tagata Pasifika.

Onesemo grew up in Samoa and his passion for food started young. He recalls helping out in the kitchen as a child, and early Sunday morning trips to the fish market with his Dad to make the umu before church.

Henry trained as a chef in Samoa and after time in Hawaii and Florida he returned home. It was on a visit to New Zealand that he ate at Auckland restaurant Meredith’s. After returning to Samoa, he wrote to chef Michael Meredith hoping for an opportunity in the kitchen. Michael took Henry on in 2014 and under Michael’s mentorship Henry grew his career in Auckland.

Henry later spent time in Thailand at Gaa in Bangkok, where traditional Indian food was presented in a Michelin-starred setting. The COVID pandemic prompted his return to New Zealand and he worked as Head Chef at East St. Hall before launching the TALA concept with wife Debby in 2022.