Auckland’s Tala puts Samoan cuisine on global stage with TIME recognition
TIME has revealed its annual list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ and contemporary Samoan restaurant Tala in Auckland is one of its picks for 2026.
“…helped pave the way for more culturally specific dining in New Zealand, earning praise across Oceania for its singular focus.”
Tala is the only restaurant from the Oceania region to be chosen. The list, released online, highlights 100 extraordinary destinations to visit and stay around the globe.
Award-winning Tala is believed to be the world’s only contemporary Samoan restaurant and takes diners on a journey through Samoa’s culture and traditions through innovative tasting menus.
In the article on Tala, writer Jill K. Robinson notes that Tala has: “…helped pave the way for more culturally specific dining in New Zealand, earning praise across Oceania for its singular focus.”
She also highlights distinctive elements such as the traditional apa fafano ceremony at the end of the meal: “…a ceremonial hand-washing that reflects Tala’s guiding values: respect, service, and gratitude. It’s a quiet but powerful statement – one that positions Samoan food not as a subset of something broader, but as a cuisine that deserves to stand on its own.”
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 now and Tala will also feature in a special ‘World’s Greatest Places 2026’ print edition of TIME, available from 31 July, 2026.
Samoan Heritage
Henry Onesemo grew up in Samoa and the dishes at Tala are inspired by his Samoan heritage. He combines traditional cooking with modern techniques to bring the flavours and food stories of Samoa’s villages and street stalls to life in new and unexpected ways.
Tala’s exceptional food and dining experience has seen it ranked 3 Hats in the Cuisine Good Food Guide 2025 and named Supreme Winner in the Viva Top 50 Restaurants 2025. Henry and his wife Debby opened Tala in Parnell in late 2023.
Henry Onesemo is also the first Samoan chef to be recognised at The Best Chef Awards, awarded ‘One Knife’ at the international event in 2025 for his work at Tala in championing Samoa’s food and traditions.
TIME World’s Greatest Places 2026
- Read about Tala in TIME’s The World’s Greatest Places of 2026 here.
- See the full list here: TIME The World’s Greatest Places of 2026.