Food at Domu begins with respect for place. Chef Toby Stuart brings more than two decades of experience from some of the world’s most exacting kitchens, but his approach here is intentionally grounded in Abel Tasman.
Having worked across Europe, the UK and the Americas, Toby is known less for spectacle and more for substance. A steady hand, classical training, and an instinct for letting ingredients speak. At Domu, that philosophy translates into food that feels thoughtful and generous, shaped by seasonality, provenance, and a deep understanding of technique rather than trend.
Chef behind the Chefs
Toby has spent his career working at the highest level of European and international dining, quietly shaping kitchens and mentoring talent.
His experience spans more than a dozen Michelin-starred kitchens, including L’Escargot Picasso Room, Auberge du Lac, The Square, Galvin at Windows, Roux at Parliament Square, Inverlochy Castle and The Cromlix, alongside formative time in France with Richard Neat in Cannes and La Maison de Troisgros.
After relocating to New Zealand, he held executive roles at Rock Ferry Wines, Harvest Restaurant (obtaining One Hat) and Cloudy Bay Vineyards, helping secure national recognition while deepening his connection to regional produce. At Domu, Toby draws on classic European foundations, particularly the warmth and simplicity of Provençale cooking, reinterpreted through the lens of the region and its rhythm.
Cuisine du soleil
The food experience at Domu is designed to feel familiar yet elevated. Menus lean into comfort, memory, and nourishment, refined by precision rather than complexity. Guests can expect dishes that are quietly confident, generous in spirit, and deeply tied to the land around them. Local pasture-raised meats, exceptionally fresh seafood, and vibrant organic vegetables. It’s food that invites you to slow down, take notice, and feel cared for. Impressive not because it tries to be, but because it’s made with intent.
Book your stay
If you don't see availability for your chosen dates or if you would like to book Domu for an exclusive use, send us an email request and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.
Your Place at
Domu Awaits
Wellness facilities, gourmet food, and warm, attentive hospitality.
Toby & Sabina