AUCKLAND

Adding to the cool vibe that’s sparking up in Mt Eden, XOONG mixes Japanese and Chinese influences with favours from across north east Asia and a cracking cocktail list, all in seriously glam surrounds.

Josh Barlow, ex-The Grove and a high-powered clutch of London spots, takes over as executive chef at THE SUGAR CLUB in Auckland’s Sky Tower.

Neon-bright LOVE EXPOSURE – the latest venture from the team behind Happy Boy, Kiss Kiss and Chinoiserie – rocks poppy, punchy Vietnamese fare, this time in Eden Terrace.

BLUEBELLS CAKERY has outgrown its Eden Terrace space and moved on to more spacious digs in Kingsland.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? In St Kevin’s Arcade on K Road, new cafe EGG & SPOON has it covered with an egg-centric menu to eat in or to go.

MARTINBOROUGH

Located in the historic Martinborough Hotel, UNION SQUARE BISTRO & BAR is the new venture from Adam and Nicola Newell, combining Adam’s considerable experience in Michelin-starred restaurants with fresh produce sourced from their own gardens.

WELLINGTON

CUBA ST BISTRO is open again after a break, with chef Frank Schatz in charge of the kitchen.

The latest addition to the capital’s Press Hall, AROHA is a haven for vegetarians and vegans looking for a quick lunch or dinner.

CHRISTCHURCH

Francesca Voza – of Francesca’s Italian Kitchen in Wanaka and Christchurch and the Albert Town Fish Co. – has added a new Christchurch kid to the family. MIRO, housed in beautifully restored building on Oxford Terrace, is centred around a custom-built charcoal grill.