One of Christchurch’s smallest restaurants has been a big winner in this year’s Cuisine Good Food Awards, taking out Casual Restaurant of the Year and awarded One Hat at the hospo industry’s annual accolades fest.

Londo is tucked into the Carlton Courts complex, on the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Ave. ‘Tucked’ is the word – Londo's not big in size but it’s a monster on flavours done well. One of those places where the fare sends your taste buds on an adventure, not just a stroll around the block to get your steps up.

More than 400 of the nation’s top chefs, restaurateurs and industry figures gathered in Auckland for the awards ceremony, at which 20 category winners and 102 hatted restaurants were announced.

Chef-owner Robert Fairs heads up Londo. His focus is firmly on fresh, locally sourced ingredients in both the drinks and the food. “Clever cooking,” say the judges, “where simplicity rules on an ever-changing menu, and hero ingredients such as raw fish, heritage tomatoes, blackfoot pāua or creamy vibrant avocados are elevated by clever sauces, dressings and vinaigrettes.”

Curated by a national judging panel of food-and-drink writers, critics, chefs and hospitality professionals and led by food-and-drink expert Kerry Tyack, the Cuisine Good Food Awards showcase the country’s outstanding talent and hottest venues, with the aim of encouraging patronage and showcasing New Zealand cuisine to both local and international audiences.

For the full list of 2025’s winners, head to Cuisine Good Food Awards 2024/2025