If you haven’t heard about it yet, a new kind of Tepan House had landed in Auckland, and it’s one that leans into fire, craft and quiet precision. Opened in November 2025 at JW Marriott Auckland, Kureta is an intimate, Japanese-inspired dining experience rooted in the elements and shaped by New Zealand’s natural purity.
Led by Chef de Cuisine Akihiro Nakamura, Kureta is a modern Tepan House that celebrates flame and heat through refined Japanese technique, local ingredients and a strong sense of place. With just 30 seats, the restaurant is designed to feel immersive and personal, inviting guests into a shared elemental table where the cooking is as much part of the experience as the food itself.
Chef Nakamura brings more than two decades of Japanese culinary experience to Kureta, having started his career in Tokyo at just 18 years old. His approach blends authentic omakase traditions with modern teppanyaki, underpinned by close relationships with local farmers, fishermen and artisans. The menu champions premium New Zealand produce alongside exceptional wagyu from New Zealand, Australia and Japan, as well as carefully dry-aged ingredients prepared in-house.
“We know that guests are looking for authentic, artisanal and experience-driven dining – and that’s exactly what Kureta offers by bringing together the southern oceans and volcanic lands of New Zealand with the precision and elegance of Japanese culinary tradition,” says Akihiro.
The open kitchen creates a theatrical yet understated atmosphere, allowing you to watch each dish come together in real time. Complementing the food is a beverage list that leans heavily into unique and interesting Japanese offerings, adding another layer of depth to the experience.
Kureta is also defined by its design. Drawing on Japanese craftsmanship and natural simplicity, the space features burnt timber, hammered bronze, distressed leather, stone and metal. These raw, tactile materials evoke fire, earth and water, creating an environment that feels intimate, atmospheric and quietly dramatic.
Girish Talreja, General Manager, JW Marriott Auckland, says, “We’re proud to introduce Kureta to JW Marriott Auckland’s dining portfolio. A place where Japanese craftsmanship meets New Zealand’s exceptional local produce. Guests can expect an elevated dining experience defined by authenticity, and a deep respect for both nature and flavor.”
Kureta is set to become one of Auckland’s most considered new dining destinations. More information and reservations at kureta.co.nz.