On May 1, 2026, Vaughan Mabee announced his departure from Amisfield, a restaurant that has become synonymous with fine dining in Queenstown, New Zealand. After nearly 15 years at the helm, this marks the end of a significant era for the establishment, which has garnered multiple accolades over the years.
Mabee, who was recognized as the 44th best chef in the world in 2023, resigned in February 2026. His resignation came as a surprise to many within the restaurant community, especially since Amisfield has consistently been named Cuisine’s restaurant of the year.
The announcement reached staff through text and email, reflecting a rapid shift within the team. Simon Toneycliffe, a spokesperson for Amisfield, commented on the situation: “Amisfield does not comment on the private affairs of its current or former staff in order to protect their privacy.” This decision underscores the respect for Mabee’s contributions while acknowledging the change.
As Mabee steps away to spend more time with family and explore overseas opportunities, he leaves behind a legacy of culinary excellence. He has spent 31 years honing his craft, including time at prestigious kitchens like Noma in Denmark and Martin Berasategui in Spain.
Sung Peng will continue to lead the kitchen at Amisfield, ensuring that the high standards established under Mabee’s leadership are maintained. Aaron Jacobson is set to take charge of operations starting next Wednesday.
The restaurant has held three hats with an impressive score of 19.5 out of 20 since 2019 and was awarded ‘Best Chef Dining Experience’ at the Best Chef Awards in Dubai in 2024. These accolades reflect not only Mabee’s talent but also the dedication of his entire team.
Mabee also made his mark on television as a judge on MasterChef NZ and Taste of Art—further expanding his influence beyond just the kitchen. As he moves on, many wonder how this transition will affect both staff morale and customer experience.
The culinary landscape in New Zealand continues to evolve, and while Vaughan Mabee’s departure signifies change at Amisfield, it also opens doors for new talent to emerge within this vibrant restaurant industry.
