The winner of Monteith's Wild Food Challenge is...

After serving up some of the wildest and most creative dishes in the country, the Monteith's Wild Food Challenge has crowned its 2026 champion - and it's a familiar name taking home the top prize!

The Smoking Barrel has gone back-to-back, claiming the title for the second year running thanks to its "Forest to the Sea Wild Tasting Board", perfectly matched with a Monteith's Driftin' IPA.

The winning dish emerged from a live cook-off held in Auckland on June 18, where five finalists from around the country battled it out for bragging rights and a $10,000 prize.

Representing regions from Northland to Southland, the finalists showcased some seriously inventive takes on wild food, putting unique spins on everything from locally sourced seafood and meats to foraged ingredients.

The dishes were judged by a panel that included marine biologist and spearfisherman Sam Wild, West Coast Pie Co. founder Emily Lucas and our very own Jeremy Wells. Finalists had to recreate their dishes live while explaining the stories and inspiration behind their creations.

After a tight contest, The Smoking Barrel's dish stood out for its flavour, creativity and celebration of wild New Zealand ingredients.

“The standard this year was incredibly high, and every finalist brought something unique to the table,” says judge Sam Wild.

"What set the Smoking Barrel’s Forest to The Sea Wild Tasting Board dish apart was its ability to tell a complete story. It wasn't just about the wild ingredients themselves, but the thought, creativity and purpose behind every element on the plate” he says.

For chef Josiah Smits, winning the competition for a second straight year was the reward for months of dedication.

"It's incredible. It's been a journey for sure, but the last two months I’ve lived and breathed this competition every day.

It’s always been about how we can improve the dish, and develop that authentic connection with our suppliers. It's a great result for our restaurant and the wider community, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”

DB Breweries Marketing Director Fraser Shrimpton said this year's competition showed just how much momentum the Wild Food Challenge continues to build.

"The Wild Food Challenge brings together some of the most creative talent in New Zealand hospitality, and this year's finalists were no exception. The dishes were inventive, but it was the stories, local connections and passion behind them that truly set them apart.

“The standard was exceptionally high, making the judges' decision a very difficult one."

Now in its second year since returning, the Monteith's Wild Food Challenge continues to shine a spotlight on the chefs, venues and communities championing wild flavours across Aotearoa.

And if this year's competition proved anything, it's that New Zealanders are more than happy to get a little wild with what's on the menu.