aryeh
[ari-aye]
Our Culinary Home & Restaurant in Piha - Grounded in Kai, Creativity & Connection
Named for the Aramaic word lion and inspired by Piha’s iconic Lion Rock, Aryeh represents strength, perseverance, and a deep respect for our whenua.
Our kitchen is the heart of our culinary home — a place of manaakitanga, where food, stories, and inspiration are shared. Here, we bring people together around kai that honours where we’ve come from, where we are, and the natural world that sustains us — inviting connection with each other, with culture, and with the land and sea that surround us.
Nau Mai, Hāere Mai. Sit, share, and stay awhile.
The food
delicious New Zealand cuisine
Our hyper-seasonal set menus are inspired by the bounty of Āotearoa, showcasing locally sourced ingredients, premium farmed meats, wild-shot game, and sustainably sourced kaimoana.
Collaborations with nearby growers, farmers, fishermen, and hunters ensure an ever-evolving menu that celebrates the unique flavours of Āotearoa.
Bask in the breathtaking view and lush green backdrop of native forest while indulging in one of our set menus:
2 & 3 Course Trust the Chef Menus
5 Course Signature Menu
The Story of New Zealand Extended Menu
We welcome and encourage bookings for all set menus.
For walk-in guests, our Sun Deck Menu offers the chance to pop in and enjoy a bite without a booking, weather permitting.
THE KITCHEN
Executive Chef Lucas Parkinson: From the Mountains to the Sea
At 38, Lucas has become one of New Zealand’s leading chefs, known for inventive, sustainable cuisine and his collaborative spirit. His debut restaurant, Ode in Wānaka, earned multiple Chef’s Hats and acclaim for its organic, hyper-local approach.
A Continuation of Culinary Philosophy
At Aryeh, the kitchen is the heart of our culinary home — a place of manaakitanga, creativity, and connection. Each dish is crafted to weave together the past, present, and future, connecting people to culture, community, and the natural world. We celebrate ingredients in their purest form, honouring te taiao while delivering memorable, thoughtful food experiences.
Connection and Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of Aryeh — it’s who Lucas is. Nicknamed the “King of Co-labs,” he has created countless collaborative dinners with other chefs and restaurants, sparking creativity, joy, growth and often friendship.
We welcome chefs, growers, foragers, fishermen, and producers to connect with us. At Aryeh, we celebrate co-creation, shared ideas, and building a community around good food, stories, and meaningful connection.