Celebrating North Canterbury on the Plate

D.O.T.I Eatery & Bar is celebrating after their dish was the most rated in this year’s North Course, a reflection of both its popularity and the restaurant’s commitment to local produce. Their dish was duck breast with asparagus, cauliflower, bacon, orange, goat’s cheese, and hazelnut praline. It featured local ingredients from Canter Valley Ltd, Harris Farms, Little Farm Goat Dairy, Loburn Grove, Fernside Microfarm and was paired perfectly with a glass of Rose from House Of Ball.

Owner Hannah Williamson said the North Course is a “Great opportunity to showcase local suppliers and get our customers excited about what North Canterbury has to offer.” She added that the event also gives the team something different to focus on for the month, and “the excitement of a competition really boosts team morale.”

Hannah highlighted the importance of using local ingredients not just for the North Course but year-round: “We are so lucky with what we have right on our doorstep – why wouldn’t you make the most of it!” Reflecting on the recognition for their top-rated dish, she said,

“We were super proud of this dish and our customers loved it, so it’s really cool to receive this recognition.”

North Canterbury cafés and restaurants have showcased the region’s incredible food and drink in the fourth annual North Course which wrapped up in November, with locals tasting, rating, and celebrating the dishes throughout the month.

Eighteen establishments across Waimakariri and Hurunui participated serving exclusive North Course creations made with locally sourced ingredients, many paired with North Canterbury wines, beers, and coffee. The event encourages diners to support local while highlighting the producers behind the ingredients.

The top six most-rated dishes for The North Course 2025 were:

• D.O.T.I Eatery & Bar, Kaiapoi
• Brew Moon Brewing Company, Amberley
• No.31 Restaurant & Bar, Hanmer Springs
• Black & White Coffee Cartel, Rangiora
• CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen, Kaiapoi
• Urban Revival, Kaiapoi

The competition was close, reflecting the high standard of dishes across all participating establishments. Many of the dishes featured products from MADE NORTH CANTERBURY producers, strengthening connections between cafés, restaurants, and local suppliers.

“This event is about more than just creating amazing dishes,” says Kelly Lynch, Marketing Specialist at Enterprise North Canterbury and MADE NORTH CANTERBURY.

“It builds awareness of local produce, fosters relationships between eateries and producers, and gives diners a reason to explore the region’s incredible food and drink offerings.”

The North Canterbury Getaway prize this year included a night’s stay at Ridgeway Venture’s Sky House in Cheviot, a complimentary round of disc golf, a double pass to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, and two tickets to the 2026 North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival. Congratulations to winner Jeanette Banks.

Thanks again to everyone who tasted, rated, and celebrated North Canterbury’s incredible food and drink.