RIVERSTONE KITCHEN
Riverstone Kitchen is an award-winning restaurant nestled in the spectacular North Otago countryside which has gained a reputation for delicious food, simply prepared from local, seasonal ingredients.
Chef, restaurateur, author of four cookbooks, and father of two, Bevan Smith is the owner of the renowned Riverstone Kitchen, located just 15km north of Oamaru.
Bevan’s food philosophy is reflected in the expansive gardens that surround and define Riverstone Kitchen, creating a seamless connection between the restaurant and the land. He founded Riverstone Kitchen in 2006, and it quickly earned recognition, winning Cuisine’s prestigious Restaurant of the Year Award in 2010. The restaurant’s focus on supporting local suppliers and its extensive production gardens has redefined seasonal dining in rural New Zealand.
“I am passionate about showcasing the best that New Zealand has to offer and am a strong advocate of locally-sourced produce and sustainability.”
Bevan’s culinary journey began in 1991 when he left his family’s farm to train as a chef in Christchurch. His passion for food led him to London, where he worked at Terence Conran’s La Pont de la Tour and Michael Caine’s Canteen. After spending five formative months travelling through the Mediterranean, Bevan moved to Australia, becoming head chef at Philip Johnson’s acclaimed Ècco Bistro.
Returning to New Zealand in 2006, Bevan established Riverstone Kitchen on his family farm in North Otago. The restaurant quickly became a sought-after destination for locals, food enthusiasts, and international visitors.
Bevan has also authored four cookbooks, each highlighting the seasonal produce from Riverstone Kitchen’s gardens. The recipes are simple, flavourful, and reflect his belief that good food should be accessible to all. His latest cookbook, a collection of over 90 of the restaurant’s most popular recipes, is his proudest work to date.
Nearly two decades after its opening, Riverstone Kitchen continues to thrive, with Bevan leading his dedicated team from the heart of the kitchen. Passionate about delivering a high-quality dining experience, he remains committed to showcasing the very best of New Zealand’s produce.
