Meet Fraser and Shannon McCarthy, the husband-and-wife team behind Lillius. They’ve been working side by side in the industry since 2009, bringing their shared love of food and hospitality to life in their own restaurant in 2017. Lillius, named after a meaningful family connection, reflects their creativity, passion, and dedication to showcasing New Zealand’s finest seasonal produce.

Both trained as chefs, honing their skills in top New Zealand kitchens before working as private chefs in France. While Fraser leads the kitchen with his inventive, produce-driven menus, Shannon—an experienced chef herself—plays a vital role behind the scenes, shaping the restaurant’s vision and keeping things running smoothly. Though she’s less present in the dining room while raising their toddlers, her influence is felt in everything from menu development to Lillius’s strong relationships with growers and producers.

Lillius has earned widespread recognition, including Metro’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant in 2022, 2 Hats in the 2024 Cuisine Good Food Awards, and a runner-up spots in the 2024 Metro Restaurant of the Year Awards. Featured in Metro’s Top 50 Restaurants, and Cuisines Top 100 New Zealand Restaurants and known for its sustainable approach to seasonality, the restaurant has established itself as one of Auckland’s premier dining destinations.

With Fraser in the kitchen and Ben Walls managing front-of-house, the team delivers a warm, welcoming, and ever-evolving dining experience. Whether for a special occasion or a relaxed night out, Lillius invites you to enjoy inventive, seasonal dishes in an intimate and elegant setting.