AUCKLAND

Sid Sahrawat has revealed a bold new menu direction for his award-winning finedining restaurant SIDART, moving from contemporary Kiwi cuisine to “progressive Indian cuisine”.

It’s been a busy year for the Sahrawats who take over iconic restaurant THE FRENCH CAFE from Simon Wright and Creghan Molloywright in September. The famous establishment will be known as Sid at The French Cafe, with Sid adding his signature flair to the menu of contemporary NZ cuisine.

Kyle Street and Jordan Mcdonald from Culprit have opened in Auckland’s newest hotspot, Queens Rise. LOWBROW will be offering contemporary fast food and natural wine.

Point Chevalier welcomes cafe-bistro AMBLER, a new venture by Julien Albe (formerly of of Meadow and The Tasting Shed) and Matthieu Gosset (ex-petit Bocal and Woodworks). The team behind Winona Forever, Hello Friends + Allies and Major Tom recently opened a fourth outlet FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE in Freemans Bay.

Sydney’s fave Instagrammable ice cream creator, AQUA S ICE CREAM PARLOUR, has come to NZ, scooping a bit of the love on Queen Street.

At VIC ROAD KITCHEN, sisters Harriet and Lucy Byrnes are offering Mediterranean style in a historic Devonport building.

Wow, a gothic rock ‘n’ roll bar/ live music venue on Auckland’s K Road. At ANTHOLOGY LOUNGE (pictured) the cocktails pay homage to rock legends and charcuterie platters keep you rolling along.

SUMTHIN’ DUMPLIN’ is a new hole-in-wall dumpling joint on Auckland’s O’connell St for traditional dumplings and some fusion bites including beef and cheese!

WELLINGTON

Fancy dining at the Beehive? BELLAMYS BY LOGAN BROWN, the Parliamentarians’ dining room, is now open to the public subject to certain rules, including booking 24 hours in advance, supplying all guests’ names and going through the security scanner.

Thorndon favourite HILLSIDE KITCHEN is moving away from meat, becoming totally plant based from September.

Aloha to LULU’S OCEANIC EATS, a Hawaiian-styled contemporary bar and eatery, marrying traditional Hawaiian with modern Pacific influences on Courtenay Place.

CHRISTCHURCH

With a focus on ‘good’ beer, food and community THE FERMENTIST brewery, taproom and cafe in Sydenham combines signature beers and cider brewed on site with plant-based, locally sourced fermented foods.