AUCKLAND

Grey Lynn is buzzing with fresh energy as Mother – the new deli, bakery and wine bar from Hugo Baird, Willy Gresson and Petra Galler – opens its doors offering everything from irresistible pastries, vibrant salads and hearty sandwiches to brewed coffee and evening wines. Parable House is the latest addition to Mount Eden, a warm and inviting café created by husband-and-wife duo Danny Lee and Dianne Cho. Tucked among the lively boutique streets of Parnell is the newly delicious arrival of Éclair Studio, a pâtisserie where pastries are elevated to edible art. The team behind Ripe has opened Gather Eatery at Smales Farm – this new sit-down spot marks an exciting chapter for the group, offering a slower and more relaxed style of dining to compliment their family of four delis. Enjoy summer crowd pleasers at Takapuna Beach Cafe’s Fish & Chip Shop pop-up, as the beachfront favourite makes its return for 2025 from 8 October. With a sun- drenched courtyard, layers of greenery, a sandpit for the kids and a warm welcome for dogs, Onehunga’s The Springs Tavern is set for summer as your social hub. Approachable, comforting, and authentically Korean is the go at Chul’s in Commercial Bay where baekban and kimbap are the stars. Right on the beach at St Heliers, Water Boy is the latest easy-going venture from the duo behind Remuera’s Corner Bar – we’re reserving our spot on the front banquette for the summer. In Britomart, Bar Ziti is a laneway bar and Italian kitchen serving casual fare of Italian classics with a modern edge.

Palmerston North

Holy Smoke is a new spot in town – expect bold, slow-smoked BBQ, house-made sauces and a lively atmosphere.

WELLINGTON

Hippo is back at QT Wellington with executive chef Antoine Collet presenting a menu of local ingredients – from Te Matuku oysters to Ōra King salmon – crafted with Parisian precision. Looking ahead, Ben Bayly is to operate the new hospitality offering at Wellington’s Pavilion, with Garage Project confirmed as exclusive beer partner – set to open in late 2026, the redeveloped Oriental
Bay landmark will become a vibrant waterfront hub blending casual dining, craft beer and community spirit.

Marlborough

The Wine + Food Experience Marlborough is now open in Blenheim’s riverside precinct, bringing together 50+ local wineries, artisan producers and riverside dining all under one roof in a one-stop showcase of the region’s world-renowned flavours.

DUNEDIN

Coupe Society is Dunedin’s newest speakeasy, bringing a touch of intrigue to the city’s cocktail scene – hidden down an alley across from Rialto Cinema, it serves an elevated menu of whisky, rum and finely crafted cocktails for those with a taste for the sophisticated.