The Feed | The New Zealand Food News You Need To Know

It's that time of the week again. Get ready to feast your eyes on all the hottest food news from around Aotearoa. We’ve got the inside scoop on all the latest and greatest openings, collabs, events, products and more so you can spend less time researching and more time munching (because priorities, people).

For the first time in 125 years, the MICHELIN Guide is coming to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026. If it’s worth a special journey for Michelin, it’s worth one for you too. Start planning your trip and discover flavours that tell our story... now.

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Master The Art Of Sourdough At This Local Workshop

Image credit: Salt & Sugar | Facebook

Stone Oven and Salt & Sugar are bringing a hands-on sourdough workshop at Stone Oven this Tuesday 18th November. Learn an easy to follow recipe, get your own sourdough starter and bake your very own loaf of sourdough under the guidance of Salt & Sugar sourdough baker Thomas Schroeder, with drinks and nibbles from Stone Oven for $55. Try your luck for a last minute ticket here. 

Check Out This All-Day Diner Pop-Up With Local Pastries And Smashies

Image credit: Lillies | Instagram (@lillies.lillies.lillies) 

Lillies and local faves Patisserie legend Corentin from Butter, Papa’s Smashies (a.k.a. Papa P) and Ōtautahi coffee roasters Coffee Embassy are coming together to bring back their diner pop-up at Lillies this Sunday 23rd November. Think burgers, tarts, coffees and good times all day Sunday. They're also doing a collection for Christchurch City Mission on the day too, so jump on their socials to check out what's needed on the wishlist. All Day Diner tickets go live on Lillies’ website this Wednesday 19th November so make sure you get tickets stat.

La Maree Has Launched A Lush Spring-Summer Menu

Image credit: La Maree, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour | Supplied

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour’s newly-opened waterfront restaurant La Maree has launched a new Spring/Summer menu, showcasing Executive Chef Maninder Singh Panesar’s approach to French-inspired cuisine with Aotearoa ingredients. From Waiheke’s Te Matuku oysters with rhubarb mignonette, to venison tartare with blueberries and truffle to start, plus mains that celebrate Aotearoa—like Hawkes Bay lamb rump, and long-line market fish with Cloudy Bay clams. Don’t leave without a sweet treat from the dedicated dessert menu. Choose from classic flavours presented in playful and fun ways—like their chocolate, caramel and coffee cubes (filled with crémeux, chocolate pavé and coffee-infused ice cream) or a tangy lime meringue pie shaped like a lime (with a crisp green shell, that when cracked, reveals tangy lime curd and mousse inside). Check out the full menu here. 

Head To This Butchery And Curing Workshop With Wine Pairing

Image credit: Huntress x A Lady Butcher | Vicki Young

Huntress Wines and A Lady Butcher are hosting their last hands-on workshop for the year this Saturday 22nd November, learning the art of butchery and curing with Hannah Miller-Childs (a.k.a. A Lady Butcher) and hearing from Huntress winemaker herself, Jannine Rickards, about sustainable hunting and her wine journey. Taste hand-picked wines from Jannine on a guided tasting, while learning the art of butchery, and taste a range of ALB charcuterie specially selected to match each drop. Having been to one of their workshops previously, this is a fun event with hands-on tips and the chance to try some incredible charcuterie and wine—a must for any food and wine lover. Plus it makes a great early Christmas pressie, or a unique end-of-year gig with workmates and friends. Tickets are $165.00 per person plus booking fee—get your tickets here.

Lillius Are Turning Eight With A Special Dinner Celebration

Image credit: Lillius | Vicki Young

Tāmaki Makaurau’s Lillius are celebrating eight incredible years this Saturday 22nd November with both chef-owners in the kitchen—Shannon and Fraser are cooking up a special menu for one day only. Having dined there for a special birthday celebration a while back, I can confirm what a memorable dining experience I was treated to—I was blown away with beautiful cookery, attention to detail and top-tier service. I can’t wait to go back. Treat yourself to five courses for $165 per person—bookings required.

Spend Your Saturday Making Floral Arrangements With Bubbles And Dim Sum

Image credit: Huami | Supplied (Photography by Sonna Studios)

Step into the enchanting Huami garden this Saturday for bubbles and blooms with a side of handcrafted dim sum. Humai are running a floral arrangement workshop with expert florists from BLUSH at their Perrier-Jouët Garden. Sip on a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne, snack on dim sum and create your own posie bowl arrangement to take home for $95 per person. Book online here.

Southland Christmas Is In The Air This Weekend 

Image credit: The Southern Artisan Christmas Fete | Facebook

The Southern Artisan Christmas Fete is back this Saturday 22nd November. Held in the beautiful gardens of The Hideaway 201, five minutes out of Winton (or 20 minutes out of Invercargill). This is Southland’s ultimate Christmas day out supporting local artisan makers and producers, enjoying local craft beer, food offerings (whitebait fritters and woodfired pizza anyone?) and live music. Entry is $20 at the gate on the day, or upgrade to a Cannonhill Gourmet lunch box and ticket for $50. With all the local bread, cheese, pickles, pâté and mixed berry cheesecake treats, your picnic snacks are sorted for your day out in the gardens. Pre-order your ticket to avoid the queues here. 

This New Zealand Vodka Has Just Released A Brand New Look

Image credit: STIL | Supplied

STIL Vodka has just hit the shelves with a brand-new bottle design nodding to their homegrown roots. With an etched topographical map of the Kaimai Ranges, it’s a nod to the ranges’ spring water used to craft STIL. A great Christmas pressie gift with a bottle that can be doubled as a stunning vase in my books. R18. Drink responsibly. 

Auckland Bagel Club Just Opened Up Another Spot

Image credit: Auckland Bagel Club Ponsonby | Vicki Young

Popular Korean deli and dessert spot, Auckland Bagel Club, have expanded to their second store in Meadowland, Howick—opening this Saturday 22nd November. For those who have been to their Ponsonby shop when it opened last year, will know about that signature ABC bagel's fluffy and moist texture (which is totally different to the New York and honeyed Montréal-style varieties) and packed-fillings which makes Auckland Bagel Club unique. Plus their basque cheesecakes will have any cheesecake diehard drooling over all the flavour options. Word on the street is that mango mochi soufflé will make a debut on their Howick menu this Saturday too—run, don’t walk. 

Have Your Real Fruit Smoothie In Frozen Snack Form This Summer

Image credit: Fruzio | Supplied

Nelson-based Fruzio has just launched their latest treats—Smoothie Pops, made with fruit, lemon and flaxseed. Enjoyed frozen as a healthy alternative to ice-blocks or thawed as a smoothie shot, they come in Strawberry, Mixed Berry or Tropical (mango and passionfruit) flavours. Naturally sweetened and without dairy, nuts, gluten, preservatives and artificial colouring—Fruzio Smoothie Pops are the ideal pick-me-up summer treat. Available from New World and PAK’nSAVE nationwide. 

DineAid Kicks off Their 13th Annual Christmas Campaign

Image credit: DineAid | Supplied (Photography of Hello Beasty owners by Vanessa Wu)

This month until the end of December will see 61 restaurants across Aotearoa take part in DineAid’s annual Christmas campaign, raising money for the city missions in the lead-up to Christmas. The campaign raised over $70K last year, with the top 10 restaurant fundraisers from Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Whanganui-a-Tara (with Hello Beasty raising the most, with over $5550 last year). Diners have the option to donate $3 to their bill or add $1-3 to a popular dish or cocktail, with all funds raised going to the City Mission closest to their city or region. Jump online to check out the list of participating restaurants this year here and book with them to support the cause. 

We’re Here For Dazza And His Cookbook With All The Biggest Bakery Hits

Image credit: Darren Jarrett | Supplied 

Baker-owner Darren Jarrett is a bit of a bakery legend here in Tāmaki Makaurau. He owns a number of bakeries but any pie-fanatic will know about the top-tier pies (namely, beek cheek and cheese—and those sausage rolls) at Ashby’s Pies in St Heliers. He’s just released his first cookbook, Dazza's Cooked, celebrating all the biggest hits that put Ashby Pies on the map—and many more, ft. crowd-fave snacks like sticky chicken nibbles, corner bakery cinnamon-buns, and a banoffee pie to name a few of the drool-worthy picks (all captured deliciously by award-winning food photographer Manja Wachsmuth). Get your copy, stat.

Ahi Is Bringing Aoteaora Hospitality To Shanghai

Image credit: Ahi x W Shanghai - The Bund | Supplied (Photography by Graeme Kennedy)

This month, Chef Ben Bayly (of Ahi, Origine, Aosta, Little Aosta, The Bathhouse and Blue Door) and his team have transformed The Kitchen Table at W Shanghai - The Bund into ‘Ahi Shanghai.’ Inspired by Chef Ben’s travels in China, the collaborative pop-up opened to the public earlier this week. The space has been redesigned especially for the collab, and hotel’s Wet Deck has also transformed into “The Bach Shanghai,” representing summer bach vibes in Aotearoa. Visitors can experience a slice of Aotearoa in Shanghai—complete with Aotearoa wines, oysters and a fancy take on the Kiwi classic meat pie, all while overlooking the Bund skyline. 

Bellbird Eatery Has A New Chef-Owner And Is Entering A New Culinary Era 

Image credit: Chetan Pangam/Bellbird Eatery | Supplied 

Chef Chetan Pangam (previously Executive Chef at One80 for over 14 years, a huge hospo advocate in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and two-time champ for Visa WOAP Burger Welly in 2023/24) has just announced his new venture as chef-owner of Bellbird Eatery, at Dowse Art Museum’s on-site eatery in Lower Hutt. While Chef Chetan tells me that there aren’t many changes with the menu just yet—emphasising slow and steady vibes (and locals will be pleased to know crowd faves like the cheese scone will remain), we’re buzzing he’s got his own space and can’t wait to see the eatery grow with his culinary direction. Keep up to date with their upcoming dinner service kicking off later this month on their socials here. 

We’re Saying Yes To Game-Changing Gluten-Free Baking With A Scoop Of Ice Cream

Image credit: Giapo | Vicki Young

Team Giapo have stepped out of the freezer and into the oven with their latest addition to their treats menu—Giapo Baking. With freshly-baked, fluffy gluten-free baking (think cinnamon rolls, hokey pokey cookies, and my fave—chocolate-dipped donuts with crunchy cacao nibs and the softest interior) made daily from the talented crew at Giapo. I’ve been a long-time fan of their cookies (without even realising they’re all gluten-free) and can confirm their latest baking offerings are just as incredible. It’s a game-changer for your gluten-free friends and fam, and a must-visit—especially when the GF mates are in town. Jump on the Giapo app or pop in-store to check out what’s coming out of the oven and on offer each day. Ice-cream scoop addition to baking encouraged. 

Head To Muriwai For The Summer Food Truck And Beach Combo

Image credit: Local Legend Eats | Supplied (Photography by Paul Menezes Creative @pmcreatives)

Pack your togs and appetite, burger legends Local Legend Eats and their newest food offering Tacotearoa, are parking up west Tāmakai Makaurau ways at the beach. If you’ve had their burgs over the years across Tāmaki Makaurau at gigs and markets, then you’ll understand the hype. From Tacotearoa’s signature birria taco, to the legends’ burger menu featuring low and slow brisket—plus that famous hot honey fried chicken burger (pro tip: don’t forget a side of lava-cheese fries). They'll be parking up outside the old Sand Dunz Beach Café spot on select days. Check out their socials for opening days and times (they’ll change slightly with their truck travelling over summer gig season too).

Get A Taste of Cantonese And Shanghai Flavours Together On This New Menu

Image credit: Huami | Supplied

Huami by SkyCity has appointed a new Head Chef, He Jia, after a global search to bring exceptional Chinese flavours to Tāmaki Makaurau. Originally from Nanjing, China, Chef He Jia has over two decades of international experience—bringing flavours from his hometown, as well as drawing inspiration from other regions across China. His new menu at Huami blends Cantonese and Shanghai flavours with modern techniques—with new dishes like sautéed green river shrimp, a textural mushroom and macadamia medley, and XO scallops to name a few featured alongside Huami old faves. They'll still be serving those crispy tobasco prawns, that wood-roasted Peking duck (with the perfect skin) and their intricate hand-made dim sum classics too. Expect a flavoursome and exciting journey exploring some of the incredible styles of Chinese cuisine.

This Pōneke Brunch Spot Is Opening Nights With Pasta And More

Image credit: Volco | Instagram

I’ve been chatting to the Volco crew the past few months and it’s been a long time coming with all their hard work behind the scenes—they’re now bringing their dinner-time offerings at their newest Volco spot on Egmont from Thursday 6th November. From brunch to dinner, Volco on Egmont is going to be popping off on the laneway. We’re eyeing up pig’s head and guanciale croquettes, lamb and bone marrow pappardelle and lip-smacking eggplant with olio santo (literally meaning holy oil, a.k.a. that vibrant red, Italian-style chilli oil).  

Hungry for more? Check out the hottest new openings you need to know about here. 

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Main Image Credit: La Maree, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour | Supplied