INTIMATE

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SEASONAL

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ARTISTRY

New Zealand's only Two-Star MICHELIN Guide-awarded restaurant. Experience modern New Zealand fine dining through an evening tasting menu, The Journey. Essence is where New Zealand’s finest produce meets European culinary artistry.

An intimate experience of culinary artistry is awaiting you at Essence. Led by Director of Culinary, Paul Froggatt, Essence will nurture you through a journey of food. With produce sourced locally and from further afield, Essence aims to elegantly story-tell the blend of culinary artistry, nature and the best produce.

Sample Menu

Reserve a Table

With a modern New Zealand style, Essence will also embody the European experience and heritage of Paul Froggatt.

For diners experiencing The Journey at Essence, prepare for a full evening of culinary artistry, and perfectly partnered wines and mocktails from Prelude to The End. Designed to delight the senses.

Essence is open in the evenings for in-house guests, visitors to Queenstown or those who call Queenstown home.

Essence: evening dining with grace, authenticity, the finest ingredients, and culinary artistry to nurture the senses and feed the soul.

"At Essence, my approach is simple — to honour the purity of exceptional ingredients, letting flavour, seasonality and technique speak for themselves. Each dish is a reflection of place, memory, and craft — designed to evoke a sense of quiet luxury and connection to New Zealand’s natural rhythm."

Paul Froggatt

Director of Culinary - Two-Star MICHELIN Guide-Awarded 2026 for Essence by ROKI

Dining options at Roki Collection Queenstown

When it’s time to slow down – relax in Queenstown’s favourite new destination…

Rees Valley by ROKI

An exclusive culinary sanctuary like no other. True to the essence of ROKI Collection, Rees Valley by ROKI offers the luxury of tranquillity in the mountains. A space to inhale, unwind, and reconnect, where the untamed beauty of nature meets the intentional luxury of ROKI Collection.

The library Bar

Sit back and enjoy an environment where conversation and knowledge shared is welcomed. Explore New Zealand’s finest wine cellar, designed with you in mind, or mix it up with a cocktail to connect to your senses at The Library Bar.

The Terrace

Settle in with the awe-inspiring panoramic views of The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu while relaxing over a seafood inspired lunch and evening menu at The Terrace. Director of Culinary, Paul Froggatt's menu is inspired by his passion for fishing and designing dishes inspired by nature.