AUCKLAND

Still going strong after 15 years, Takapuna Beach Café is now open for dinner, with a seafood-centric menu from chef Devon Pizarro. Truth/dare pops with cocktails and Indonesian flavours that will get you talking, all in a jewel-box package on Snickel Lane. Very sorry to say farewell to Candela, whose Spanish/Latin vibe lit up K Road like no other. Westmere favourite Catroux now has space to breathe in a bigger new spot on Garnet Rd – new surrounds but still all your cabinet favourites and a full café menu and a buzzy, happy vibe. Where once was Roses Dining Room, now meet Blue bringing you breakfast, lunch and wine-bar classics, drinks and snacks.

HASTINGS

Ari, in the new H Central development, cruises around the Mediterranean with modern bistro dishes harking from southern Europe to north Africa and the Middle East.

WELLINGTON

Vonuts now has a new place on Willis St, so stop by, say hi and try the gorgeous plant-based goodies for yourself. Inspired by Turkish and Middle Eastern flavours, Parla is filling tables all day in Island Bay. Cruising round the Hutt Valley and Porirua, look out for Taco Palace food truck, for your fill of taco scrum – find them on socials. The cherry clafoutis might just be your new favourite at Good Grief Baking (on Abel Smith St), though it’s hard to pick from among the delish pastries and breads, not forgetting great coffee, too.

ARROWTOWN

Look up from Buckingham Green and you’ll spot Swiftsure by Man O’ War, a bistro with a generous terrace, alpine views and a huge welcome. Billy’s is the latest addition to the Ayrburn precinct – a modern Chinese-inspired restaurant in a beautiful 19th-century homestead (try to bag a table in the lush conservatory).

DUNEDIN

From the team at Buster Greens, here is noble (pictured below), a sleek modern café in a heritage building on Stuart St, ready to up your breakfast and lunch game.