Rothko Restaurant is the restaurant at the Sculptureum, 40 Omaha Flats Road in Matakana, rated 4.3 from 263 Google reviews. The website describes relaxed, shareable plates by day and a considered, immersive progression of dishes at night, led by Head Chef Neil Sapitula, with cooking over fire, fermentation and seasonal ingredients.
The website says it won One Hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards in 2026 and Best Destination Restaurant in the Metro Awards in 2025. Its Kitchen Gallery experience seats guests at the pass or close to the kitchen, with prepayment required and dinner only. Reviewers mention fish and chips, duck, lamb ribs and beef short ribs, praise flavours and the chef's table, and mention the Sculptureum setting, though some other guests were disappointed.
At a destination restaurant, book ahead, especially for dinner or the kitchen seats, and ask about dietary needs when booking. Choose a few plates for lunch, or a set progression at night, and allow time to enjoy the setting.
For creative dining in Matakana, Rothko at the Sculptureum is a special-occasion choice.