AUCKLAND

Due to open in April, we’re excited about Waku Waku the new Remuera venture owned-operated by Makoto Tokuyama (Cocoro) and Jason Lee, (entrepreneur whose interests are too numerous to mention here) together with head chef Lucas Lee (ex-Gochu), where they promise ‘old value, modern Japanese’ style – we’ll be back with more. Culinary director Des Harris welcomes a new face at FISH at the Hilton to usher in a new menu of sustainable local seafood (above) – Josh Seeds will join the hard-working team as executive chef. Welcome Inca Ponsonby (below) where Nic Watt brings Peruvian-Japanese fusion to Ponsonby Central with the favourites from Inca’s Newmarket menu and a whole lot of new South American street food and East Asian cuisine. If you like your burgers with a Korean kick, then head to Dominion Rd where there’s a new branch of Tiger Burger joining the OG in Grey Lynn (and you can get Korean fried chicken, too). Already in Christchurch, Mumbaiwala has a new spot on Ponsonby Rd with a more relaxed casual all-day vibe and a mostly vegetarian or vegan menu. Deep-dish squares Detroit- style are the pizza style of choice at Slabs on Onehunga Mall – with only six signature flavours it’s sticking to what it does best. First came the food truck, then Jo Bro’s Burgers set up permanent shop as part of Titirangi’s Street Feast – now Brody Jenkins and Josh Barlow are flippin out on Pt Chev Rd with all your faves. Keep that summer-in-the-city feeling with a visit to the new Island Gelato Co.

on Ponsonby Rd because as well as special scoops it serves gelato shakes and cakes, Little and Friday goodies and Allpress coffee. Due to open in May 2022 at Pacifica – Auckland’s tallest residential tower – Bossi will be an Italian restaurant and bar, deli and private function and dining space headed by executive chef, Shaun Dowling. If you love Urbanaut Brewery and Taproom in Kingsland for its cool craft brews, now there’s another reason to linger – new venture Burgernaut offers simple yet sensational burgers for meat eaters, and vegetarians and vegans can switch to Impossible Meat and the dairy-free Angel Food cheese. Are you ready for life in the, er, Slowlane? – Jeff Kim and Isaac Yu of &Sushi have opened on Great South Rd to bring great coffee and daytime fare to Greenlane. Goldie on Dominion Rd is a modern, healthy, posh roast shop where they’ll cook you the perfect Goldie roast dinner with sides, salads and even sticky toffee pudding. Authentic Jamaican and Mexican-infused fare is the go at Nanny’s Eatery in Kingsland, so do your tastebuds a favour and get the flavour. Knead is a newish little cutie on Remuera’s Benson Rd with perfect pastries and baked goods and a great corner possie for observing life drift by. Farewell to much-loved Grey Lynn café Crumb – many a morning has slipped away while sipping coffee out front on a bean bag. Watch out for Grey Lynn’s It’s Java which is moving to Karangahape Rd. Pudu is a new Malaysian restaurant in the spot formerly occupied by Zap2 on Dominion Rd. The folk behind food truck/boat Captain Kai Moana are opening a permanent location in Papakura on Great South Rd – let’s hope they continue with the BBQ scallops on fry bread and cream pāua pockets. Parag Shah, owner of Rotorua’s favourite vegetarian Indian restaurant, brings the successful recipe to Auckland, with Steam now open on Dominion Rd. Mibo in Mt Eden is a new bakery from the owner of

Benedict’s with all the treats your heart desires. For posh fish and chips in Orakei, check out Catch, a new gourmet seafood takeaway – spread your picnic blanket on the lawn overlooking the water and tuck in. New in Victoria Park Market, Milenta brings executive chef Elie Assaf and a menu influenced by the traditional flavours of South America – sharp styling by Izzard Design is a definite winner. There’s a neighbouring cocktail bar, The Shy Guy, due to open in April, too.

WELLINGTON

The gargantuan, New York-style slices at Tommy Millions have filled many a hungry belly in its 10-year stint, but now it’s shutting up shop. We hear rumours of Elixir, soon to open in Chews Lane (in the location vacated by the old Glass bar) – can’t wait to see what’s happening. Keep an eye on the Astoria as it’s amid a full renovation and almost ready to open as a casual all-day Italian called, wait for it, the Astoria.

CHRISTCHURCH

BYO good company to newly opened Seven at the Muse Art Hotel (below the rooftop Pink Lady Gin Bar), and they will provide the rest.

QUEENSTOWN

Giants Restaurant and Bar – inspired by the mountainous giants of the Southern Alps, the earthy iron ore, greenstone, and mossy tones – is at Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park hotel and is open to both locals and in-house guests.

ARROWTOWN

Little Aosta by Ben Bayly (below) is the newest bambino right next door to its big brother Aosta, and likewise is inspired by the cooking techniques of Northern Italy paired with ingredients of the south of New Zealand – expect a family-friendly, fast-paced trattoria.