The story
Toast & Oak is the creation of a group of hospitality professionals who met over coffee and wine and turned a shared vision into reality. Executive Chef Giulio Barducci, originally from Italy, leads the culinary direction alongside his wife Nathaly, a sommelier and service leader. The team also includes Romain and Casady Cunat, Hayden Davison, and Chad Cleaver, each bringing experience from France, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Together they’ve built a restaurant that feels refined, welcoming, and deeply personal.
The kitchen’s approach is guided by European technique and a deep respect for the seasons. Ingredients come from local farms, vineyards, and orchards, with foraged botanicals and native produce connecting every dish to Aotearoa. The menu changes frequently to reflect what’s best, whether you choose the immersive ten-course Expressions tasting menu, the five-course Essence, or a flexible à la carte option. Snacks are served from 4PM, dinner from 5PM.
The wine list is curated with love and expertise, offering both classic vintages and exciting discoveries. It’s long but approachable, designed to encourage questions and exploration. This commitment earned Toast & Oak a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025, a recognition of a cellar that is every bit as considered as the cooking. Guests can choose from cellar, botanic, or Tūhara pairings to accompany their meal.
Located up the checkered stairs at 15 Shotover Street, Toast & Oak offers an atmosphere that balances precision on the plate with genuine hospitality. The restaurant is open daily for snacks and dinner, and also caters to private parties, outdoor seating, and takeaway. A monthly newsletter, At the Table, shares seasonal menus, wine stories, and behind-the-scenes details, reflecting the team’s belief that dining is about more than what’s on the plate—it’s about how people feel when they walk through the door.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Location
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