Eight local restaurants on 2017's La Liste

The prestigious La Liste rates these eight Kiwi eateries among the world's very best.

A handful of celebrated New Zealand restaurants have been bestowed with an internationally recognised honour.

The prestigiousLa Liste has released its annual 1,000 Outstanding Restaurants List, with Ponsonby's own Sidart, Auckland's The Grove, Kazuya, Cocoro and Baduzzi among others, making this year's cut.

Here are the eight Kiwi restaurants receiving culinary kudos on a global scale:

1. The French Cafe, Eden Terrace
This divine inner-city oasis is a testament to husband-and-wife duo Creghan Molloy-Wright and Simon Wright. Nestled on Auckland's bustling Symonds Street, The French Cafe has long reigned as one of the city's finest modern bistros. With the addition of the private dining area, The French Kitchen, it's little wonder why The French Cafe is no stranger to this prestigous hand-picked round-up.

2. The Grove, Auckland Central
Boasting contemporary French fare, The Grove received a coveted spot on this year's list. Serving arguably one of the city's favourite degustations, The Grove offers foodies the full culinary experience through an ever-evolving and innovative menu.

3. Sidart, Ponsonby
Founded by celebrated chef Sid Sidart in 2009, this beloved Ponsonby eatery has held pride of place at Three Lamps ever since. The inspired, contemporary menu boasts an element of discovery, with visitors compelled to give in to their senses and trust the chef.

4. Kazuya, Eden Terrace
Helmed by Kagawa-born head chef Kazuya Yamauchi, this modern eatery maintains its minimalist mantra - 'to make guests smile'. The chic, refined interior mirrors Chef Yamauchi's inspired menu.

5. Cocoro, Ponsonby
This delicious Ponsonby hot-spot boasts the city's very best Japanese. Offering everything from crowd-pleasers to avant garde dishes, the intimacy Cocoro boasts is half its charm.

6. Meredith's, Mt Eden
Offering a 'degustation only' point of difference, Meredith's has long-reigned as one of Auckland's favoured dining destinations. Headed by Chef Michael Meredith, this Mt Eden staple never ceases to impress.

7. Baduzzi, Wynyard Quarter
Located in Auckland's thriving Wynyard Quarter, Baduzzi's authenticity is a welcome offering to Auckland's culinary scene. The modern Italian eatery is buzzing on any given night of the week, and offers everything from refined shared plates to spectacular seafood to the city's very best Negroni.

8. Roots, Lyttelton
The only eatery located outside of Auckland to make this year's coveted list, Lyttelton's beloved Roots has earned its place. This intimate little restaurant embraces a farm-to-table outlook, foraging for fresh, seasonal produce. Roots' degustation is well worth a try, just be sure not to leave your appetite at home.