Samoa Makes Michelin History as TALA Earns the First-ever Star for Pacific Centred Cuisine

A Samoan restaurant in Auckland has made culinary history after becoming the first Samoan eatery in the world to be awarded a Michelin star. TALA, based in Parnell, received the honour in the inaugural Michelin Guide for Aotearoa New Zealand, marking a major milestone for Pacific cuisine on the global stage. The restaurant is co-owned by Executive Chef Henry Onesemo and his wife Debby Onesemo, and is built around a deeply Samoan identity rather than a wider Pacific label. TALA's menus focus on storytelling through food with set dining experiences such as the Chef's Journey and Fagogo Journey. Since opening in November 2023, TALA has quickly risen through Aotearoa's fine dining ranks. At the centre of its dining experience is an approach rooted in Samoan tradition: the restaurant uses an umu, or earth oven, prepared during service so guests can see the cooking process from start to finish.