Discover the Chef behind QDiningNZ

Chef Quiel is a private chef and culinary creative whose cooking brings together the vibrant flavours of his Filipino heritage with the freshness of New Zealand’s seasonal ingredients. With more than a decade of experience in kitchens across New Zealand and overseas, he has developed a versatile style that balances East and West, tradition and innovation.

His career was distinguished early on with a win at the Lee Kum Kee International Young Chef Culinary Challenge, recognition that highlighted both his skill and his passion for bold, memorable flavours.

Since then, Quiel has worked in acclaimed restaurants and launched his own ventures, offering bespoke private dining, pop-up experiences, and tailored menus for special events.

At the heart of his approach is a simple philosophy: let ingredients shine, create dishes that connect with people, and craft dining experiences that leave lasting memories.

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Indulge in Filipino-Inspired East-Meets-West Cuisine with Custom Menus for Any Occasion.

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Culinary Experiences

Personal Chef Menu

Enjoy the elegance of a restaurant brought to your home. Chef Quiel creates bespoke menus that blend Filipino flair with New Zealand’s finest ingredients, tailored to your tastes and served with warmth and attention to detail.
An intimate, elevated dining experience designed to make your occasion unforgettable.

Pop-Up Events

Bringing people together through food,
Chef Q serves classic Filipino favourites with a Kiwi twist. From street-inspired bites to comforting crowd-pleasers, each dish celebrates culture, flavour, and community in every plate.

Bring people together over a delicious, shared meal. Chef Quiel caters for larger groups with buffet-style or family-style feasts, perfect for birthdays, baptisms, weddings, and other celebrations. Expect hearty, approachable dishes made to be enjoyed and shared - casual, flavorful, and full of heart.

Catering and Events

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Taste What We Offer

Explore Chef Quiel’s menu offerings for private dining, casual feasts, and catering. From elevated, intimate experiences to hearty shared meals, each dish is crafted to delight and bring people together.

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Sample menu

Gallery

Explore our culinary creations and unforgettable experiences.

Hear from those who've dined with Chef Quiel

"Outstanding Experience! We had the absolute pleasure of hiring Quiel and his team for Greg’s epic birthday celebration in New Zealand, and it truly made the night unforgettable. From the very first dish (oysters) to the final course, every plate was a masterpiece—beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and bursting with flavor.

The professionalism and passion his team brought into our home was second to none. Not only was the food exceptional, but the warmth, attention to detail, and seamless service created such a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere for all of us. Guests are still raving about the menu and how special the evening felt.

Quiel turned a milestone birthday into an extraordinary culinary experience that we’ll be talking about for years. If you’re considering hiring a private chef in NZ, don’t hesitate—this is five-star dining at its finest, right in the comfort of your own space."

- Elle F.

"We had the absolute pleasure of experiencing a private 7-course dinner with Quiel – QDiningNZ at our holiday rental in Queenstown, and it was nothing short of incredible.

From the very first dish, it was clear how much passion and skill went into the menu. Each course was beautifully presented, perfectly balanced, and full of flavour. It was easily one of the best dining experiences we have ever had.

What made the evening even more special was the atmosphere that Quiel and his partner created. They brought such warmth, calmness, and generosity into our space, sharing not only their food but also their culture, stories and local recommendations.
If you are looking for a memorable, intimate, and truly delicious dining experience in Queenstown, I could not recommend Quiel highly enough. This was an absolute highlight of our trip."

-Anna H.