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).
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High Tea Just Got Cheesy
Image credit: Saint Alice | Instagram
I'm sorry, did someone just say Cheese High Tea? Hell yeah they did, and it was Auckland rooftop royalty, Saint Alice. Starting this weekend, the Viaduct fave is putting this beloved ingredient front-and-centre at three stacked high tea sessions every Saturday and Sunday (11:30, 12:00pm and $12:30pm), featuring exclusively cheesy treats. Amongst them: goats' cheese and thyme croquettes, fried haloumi, Southland cheese rolls and of course, a cheesy riff on the classic scone (this one's cheddar and onion). Don't forget the bottomless cocktails served in teapots, or bubbles and beer if that's more your jam—plus the absolutely immaculate waterfront views and epic $79 price tag. Vegans need not apply.
You Can Now Be Lulled To Sleep By Readings Of Three Auckland Cafe Menus
Image credit: Pepperoni Pizza Dreams | supplied
Struggling to get some shut eye? Slap some Pepperoni Pizza Dreams in your earpods and you'll be drifting off in no time. Hosted by Canadian with a soft spot for NZ, Julie Gauthier, the free weekly sleep podcast is an exquisite mélange of menus from around the world read in Julie's sleepy voice and one of her most recent episodes features none other than Tāmaki Makaurau hospo locals Bestie, Chuffed and Blue. This is top-tier content at its finest—I listened to the ep on the bus and became so relaxed I actually missed my stop.
Try it out for yourself on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to your podcasts.
This Coffee Liqueur Is The Actual G.O.A.T
Image credit: Jumping Goat Liquor | Instagram
Now here's a product that really has me jumping for joy (certainly better than one that gets my goat). I'm talking about Jumping Goat Coffee Infused Vodka Liqueur, a blessed union between two of life's greatest pleasures—caffeine and booze—in one smooth, beautiful brown drop. This is the perfect tonic to brighten your day (and your bar cart, just look at that road-cone coloured bottle) thanks to its mixture of premium NZ vodka, local spring water and organic cold-brew coffee; ideal for adding to cocktails, pouring over ice cream or (gasp) sipping neat. And I'm not the only one who's a fan—this liqueur recently took home a gold medal at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition in London; while a little closer to home, it's being used as a key ingredient in Takapuna Surf Club's slammin' pistachio tiramisu.
Takapuna Beach Cafe Is Now Officially Open For Dinner
Image credit: Takapuna Beach Cafe | Supplied
If you're an Aucklander—especially one that lives on the Shore—you'll be well acquainted with the legendary Takapuna Beach Cafe. In the 15 years since this spot first opened its doors beside the Taka boat ramp, it's earned an embarrassing amount of awards and is still one of the hardest places to snag a table. And now, for the first time ever, this hospo hotspot is running a dinner service until 8pm every night of the week, complete with an NZ-led wine menu and seasonal sharing plates crafted by head chef, Devon Pizarro. In keeping with the beachside nature of the venue, you can expect seafood to make a starring role (think Moreton Bay Bugs, whole flounder with mustard butter, scampi handcut pasta, and crayfish with XO sauce).
Daily Bread Now Has Its Very Own Brew
Image credit: Daily Bread | Supplied
Surprise surprise, another of my favourite pieces of news this week also involves coffee. But not just any old cup of Joe, no siree, this one's a collab between coffee slayers, Coffee Supreme, and the makers of the best damn pain au chocolat in town, Daily Bread. Yes, I'm frothing more than the milk in your barista's jug about this bespoke coffee blend that's been 18 months in the making and is fittingly named Daily Roast. Combining beans from all over the globe (Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia) to create a brew reminiscent of berries, dark chocolate, plums and praline, it's the perfect sip for enjoying on the... daily. Find it in your next cup of coffee from any one of Daily Bread's stores, or buy a bag of whole beans, filter grind or espresso grind (along with a cute stacker mug designed espcially for the occasion), right here.
Deadly Ponies Is Celebrating Its Birthday With A Takeover Of This Iconic Bar
Image credit: Eichardt's Private Hotel | Instagram
Can you believe local fashion royalty, Deadly Ponies is turning 20 this month? Me neither. But you can bet they're celebrating their two-decade tenure in style—in fact, they're taking over Eichardt’s Bar, located inside the iconic Eichardt’s Private Hotel, for two whole weeks to celebrate. Head on in from July 31-August 14, and you'll be treated to a menu of bespoke Deadly Ponies cocktails (I can only imagine how flippin' cool these will be), best enjoyed while snuggling infront of a cosy open-fire, wrapped in a Deadly Ponies Mountaineer blankie, inspired by the beaut alpine landscape outside. Dream. Situation.
Auckland Foodies Need To Hit Download On This New App, Immediately
Image credit: Chow Luck Club | Website
Finding good chow in Auckland is now easier than ever thanks to the launch of a new app from the hugely popular Chow Luck Club. Many of you will be familiar with the CLC name already (their Facebook following alone has more than 20,000 likes) or more specifically, their festivals, markets, and other food-realted events around Tāmaki, centering on ethnic food. Their freshly minted app, ChowLuckCard, will give you exclusive discounts and special offers from the city's very best eateries and food stalls. If you're all about that deal life, then download the app (here for Apple, and here for Android) right now.
Tread Softly This Dry July With Everything Except
For all those who celebrate, we're in the home stretch for Dry July. And its about this time that you'll either be considering eschewing booze forever (and feeling extra virtuous just thinking about it) or catching yourself eyeing up an ice cold pint, or a margarita, or a vino. And if you fall into the latter camp, you might just like to snag yourself a haul of Tread Softly's Everything Except. While you won't find a single drop of firewater in the non-alcoholic range, you will find oodles of character because far from being a tickbox exercise, this edit is treated with exactly the same TLC (and penchant for sustainability) as its lush counterparts. Plus, the floral detailing on the bottles are so damn cute.
Get Your 5+ A Day With Duck Island's New Veg-Flavoured Ice Creams
Image credit: Duck Island | Instagram
Duck Island is never one to shy away from an unconventional ice cream flavour (case in point: the pickle confection I was served on my first-ever visit to one of their stores). So I'm less surprised, more fascinated by their latest range of scoops, fittingly titled Eat Your Veg. Championing the produce of the winter season are three unexpected, yet enticing sweet 'n' savoury flavs—celeriac, white chocolate and coffee (made with the help of fellow Hamiltonians, Rocket Coffee)—purple kumara sticky rice (a vegan, gluten-free twist on the brand's famous black sticky rice number)—and finally, the scoop that I reckon will rule them all, pumpkin, sage and hazelnut (see above). Get your mitts on these this plant-packed trifecta at Duck Island stores everywhere, while stocks last.
Celebrate Bastille Day With A Raclette Feast
Image credit: Atelier | Instagram
Gather the crew for a gooey cheese ritual to celebrate Bastille Day at Atelier K’Road tonight (Monday 14th July). They’ve got a Golden Bastille cocktail to match—a warming earl grey cognac, lemon and honey elixir. If you can’t make it on the Monday, I hear the raclette cheese is making a feature on their upcoming French Love Wednesdays. Starting this 16th July, grab a date for a four course feast with a glass of bubbles for $69 per person. With dishes like ceviche, bone marrow and tartare, tarte leek fondue, market fish meunière (a.k.a. browned butter goodness) and dark cacao over steak to name a few items on the yet to be released menu. Don’t forget the chef’s choice of dessert du jour—if you’ve had the desserts at Atelier (two words: chocolate profiteroles), you know you’ll be in for a treat.
Get To This Cocktail Bar and Wine Lounge For Test Kitchen Thursdays
Image credit: Culprit | Instagram
Berty’s Test Kitchen has arrived at Little Culprit. With fun and casual North American-inspired bar snacks this month from Head Chef Robertta, be the first to taste braised short rib tacquitos with apricot mole, a jerusalem and artichoke ‘snickers’ mousse, and whipped Gruyère broccoli cheese every Thursday this July, between 5-9pm. Having had some of Chef Berty’s food during her time at Shepherd in Wellington back in the days, I've got to say that she’s got some of the most inventive and delicious flavour pairings out. Their Test Kitchen Thursdays is a fun way for chefs to experiment with dishes that may become Culprit dishes one day—and a limited chance to taste them before they change to another menu each month (as August will be Townhouse Ramen’s Little Culprit debut).
Make Your Way To Bar Magda For A Special Dry July Menu
Image credit: Bar Magda | Vicki Young
If you’re doing Dry July this month, head to Bar Magda for their limited edition Dry July set menu for $88 per person. With flavour-packed bites like barbecued beef tortillas, crab and prawn lumpia (deep-fried spring roll deliciousness), the signature soy-butter charcoal steak, charred artichokes with freshly-shaved truffles, and delicious mocktails to match—choose from O.G. blackberry sour, tangy feijoa, anise-spiced pineapple or a creaming soda-vibe quince number (personal fave). It’s hard to choose just one (or two in fact, as the menu includes two per person), so round up the crew and book here, stat.
Head To Napier For A Long Table Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner
Image credit: Swift Wines | Instagram
Jump in the car and get to Napier for a mid-winter Christmas feast hosted by Brad, chef-owner of Roam and Lauren, owner-winemaker of Swift Wines this Friday night. After 16 years in Melbourne’s top restaurants, Brad returned to the Bay in 2020–launching Roam grazing boxes in 2021 and later, the cafe in 2023. Fun fact: Lauren was Roam’s first customer back in 2021 and they’ve been talking about doing something special for years—and it’s happening this Friday. Expect Christmas-style feasts with a bubbly Swift Marceline Blanc de Blanc in hand. Book via their socials here.
Elevated Italian Meets Fine Dining At This Queenstown Culinary Collaboration
Image credit: Bossi | Suppiled
Head to Queenstown this weekend for a two-night winter dining experience with Executive Chefs Shaun Dowling (Bossi, Auckland—pictured above) and Giulio Barducci (Toast & Oak, Queenstown). Hosted by Antipodes Water, guests will be treated to a six-course feast at Toast & Oak. With unexpected pairings, bold flavours and New Zealand produce, this is the first of a two part series with the second event to be held in Auckland this Spring. Book your tickets here.
Food Trucks Are Parking Up At This New Pop-Up Kitchen Series
Image credit: Side Hustle Bar | Supplied
Side Hustle Bar in Morningside have kicked off a rotating pop-up kitchen series, with a three month residency for food trucks—a launchpad for food truck legends to test their skills off the road and in a fixed kitchen location. Hash n Smash and Karaage Boy are opening the series this month with their smash burger bun-filled, crispy chicken collab. Their opening menu will include signature smash burgers, karaage chicken sandos, glazed crispy tebasaki-style chicken wings, truffle Parmesan fries, hash bites, lotus chips and street style tacos (in a flavour-packed yuzukosho karaage chicken or smashed beef with pickles). They’ve also got vegetarian options, like the crispy veggie korokke sando and karaage tofu taco. Jump on the socials to keep up to date with the menu and next line-up of food trucks here.
Get Your Hands On Free Biscoff-Loaded Matcha This Sunday
Image credit: Blackdrop Eatery | Supplied
Thea Matcha and Blackdrop Eatery are celebrating four years with a special collab this weekend—and are slinging free Biscoff matcha at Blackdrop Eatery this Sunday 20th July from 11am. King from Blackdrop has been making some insane matcha drinks and you can get your hands on this Biscoff-infused milk, biscoff sauce-drizzled, Mie Thea matcha number for free—with 150 free drinks being made, get in early. Win a matcha tin of your choice by taking a photo of the event on the day too—check out their socials for the deets.
A Proper Sunday Roast Returns At The Wine Room
Image credit: The Wine Room by David Nash | Vicki Young
After six sell-out Sunday roasts in May and June, The Wine Room is bringing back Chef Ryan Moore’s beloved English Sunday Roast with all the traditional trimmings—roast potatoes, carrots, green veg, gravy and Yorkie puds. Oh, did we mention there’s also champagne and canapés on arrival? Don’t forget to save room for pudding (or two). Side note: they’re also slinging Périgord black truffle-infused negronis this truffle season—the perfect pairing with their truffle bao bites (pictured).
The Battle Of Burgers Has Begun Down South
Image credit: Le plônc | Instagram
Calling all burger enthusiasts—head to Nelson Tasman for their sizzling burger comp running from 26th June until 3rd August. With over 20 local venues crafting one-of-a-kind burgers, you can get your mitts on all the smash patties, battered fish, and smoky brisket your appetite desires. While you’re there, salivate over Le plônc’s $2,500 creation—but not how you'd expect.
Created in collaboration with Lee Woodman Studios, the tongue-in-cheek ‘Out of Reach: French Kiss’ burger is a flickering art installation showcasing a freeze-dried black garlic brioche-bunned number, stuffed with fillings of indulgent proportions. Literally out of reach, feast with your eyes over images made in the name of artistic and social commentary.
But for the one-off real deal (which will set you back $2,500) you can have it all—complete with black truffle-infused brillât-savarin cheese melted over tender flame-kissed ox tongue, rolled with triple cream cheese and 72-hour smoked ox cheek, and finished with fermented sour cherry barbecue sauce—made to order and delivered as an edible art installation in your home.
PSA: Your Mornings Just Got A Serious Upgrade
Image credit: Origine | Instagram
Origine has dropped a brand new breakfast menu—and it’s giving Parisian bistro meets waterfront luxe. Think melt-in-your-mouth French omelettes, dreamy viennoiseries, and espresso that hits just right. Whether you're fuelling a weekday meeting or making a long brunch of it (avec champagne, obviously), this Britomart gem is officially your new morning go-to. Plus, for the month of July they're slinging $1 coffees, too.
Mousse Masters, Assemble For The Dessert Competition Of The Year
Image credit: Weave Cacao | Supplied
Entries are open now to find the best chocolate mousse in Aotearoa. Using Weave Cacao’s couverture drops, the competition is open to chefs and bakers of all skill levels to flex their dessert skills for a chance to win the coveted title—and an opportunity to visit the chocolate source with a life-changing trip to Papua New Guinea. Get whiskin’—head Judge Peter Gordon will be tasting the grand final entries in October. Sign up here.
The Nightcar Are Slinging Signature Craft Cocktails With A Limited Edition Tasting Menu
Image credit: The Nightcar | Supplied
From July 11th to August 15th, The Nightcar are bringing “Earth, Sea & Land”—an exclusive tasting menu inspired by culinary influences from Head Chef Nam Tran and Founder Daren Zhou, from North West China to South East Asia. Expect each course a nod to the land, sea and soil—with their signature Nightcar cocktails to match.
Restaurant Month Is Back And Celebrating 15 Years Of Feasting
Image credit: Heart Of The City | B Beattie
Forks at the ready, one of the largest events in Tāmaki Makaurau's culinary calendar is set to return this August. The Heart of the City Auckland Restaurant Month will be dishing up it's signature offering of $55+, $45 and $30 menus (the latter being a proverbial middle finger to the recession) plus some swish events you'll want to lock in, stat, like La Zeppa's one-night-only transformation into a 1920s speakeasy, Chow Luck Club's iconic walking tours, a taco masterclass at Tacoteca and Korean eats with a side of Kpop dance workshops at Hazy Tiger. This year also marks the launch of a totally new Culinary Passport series with some seriously exciting curated progressive dinners.
Your Monday Night Just Got A Whole Lot Better With Queens Rooftop's Kitchen Co-Lab Series
Image credit: Queens Rooftop | Jake Dennis
Monday might just be the new Friday thanks to Queens Rooftop's new Kitchen Co-Lab Series that'll see its regular programming turned on its head as four talented local chefs stage a total takeover. Featuring Pici's Jono Thevenard (14 July), The Lebanese Grocer's Elie Assaf (21 July) and sister chefs Kasey and Karena Bird (28 July), you'll be treated to one-off small plate menus and custom-matched drinks alongside Queens Rooftop's cosy interiors and stunning harbour views. Who said the weekend had to end on a Sunday? Book here.
The Great NZ Toastie Takeover Returns, Hot Off The Sandwich Press
Image credit: MadameSocial | Instagram
With all the cheese melts and McClure’s spicy pickles one can acceptably eat between two pieces of bread in one sitting, The Great NZ Toastie Takeover returns for its eighth year. Created by Cook & Nelson, this year has over 200 venues across Aotearoa slinging toasties in all shapes and forms, from brioche-bunned, sesame-crusted, to allll the cheese-pulled and pickle-packed varieties—even prawn toast (pictured above). Make it a great Kiwi toastie road trip and try them all until 5th August.
Win Free Lunch For An Entire Year
Image credit: Commercial Bay | supplied
Battling with your colleagues over who has the best taste in lunch? Well, listen up. Harbour Eats Fork And Fame Awards is giving you the chance to put your lunch money where your mouth is. The month-long competition will see all the schmick eateries in Harbour Eats go plate-to-plate with winners being crowned in categories like bang for buck, best dish to flirt over, plant-based eats, messy feeds, sweet treat and fork-free.
The judge? You, plus a panel made up of Anna King Shahab, Gareth Stewart, Sam Low and Tabitha Lorck and special guests MasterChef NZ grand finalist Elliot McClymont and Pic Picot, founder of Pic's Peanut Butter. Yep, the pros are going to drop their two cents and you've got a chance to cast your vote, too, to see who'll take out the coveted title of People's Choice. Hit Harbour Eats between 30 June and 31 July, chow down then cast your vote to have your say. Plus, you might just win lunch for a year while you're at it. In this economy? Hell to the yes.
Tuck Into Milford’s Foodie Month This July
Image credit: Milford Motel | Craving NZ (Instagram)
Get ready for a foodie month of feasting—Milford’s eateries are doing up special signature menus at set prices for Milford Foodie Month starting this Tuesday. For all of July, eight participating restaurants and bars in the neighbourhood are taking part—including Khu Khu, Galata Kebab & Grill, Milford Motel and Pym’s of Milford to name a few (and don’t forget a Pym’s prawn cocktail while you’re there). Share your Milford eats and win a $250 dining voucher for your next Milford dinner date too. Sweeeet.
Channel Tropical Island Vibes, One Sip At A Time
Image credit: RUM Co. | supplied
If your winter is feeling a little too grey, we’ve got the ultimate ticket to island time—no passport required. RUM Co. of Fiji® has just dropped FIJI DRY® in Aotearoa, and it’s set to be your new go-to for those crisp, laid-back sips. Think golden Fijian rum (crafted with decades of island know-how) expertly mixed with Schweppes’ premium Dry Ginger Ale or Lemon, Lime & Bitters—basically, it’s a South Pacific holiday in a can. Whether you’re winding down after work or turning up the weekend, FIJI DRY® is here to help you sip back and relax—no sand between your toes required.
Get Ready To House Some Of The Most Bangin' Burgers To Ever Exist
Image credit: Visa Wellington On A Plate | Supplied
The 2025 Visa Wellington On A Plate’s festival programme is live and it's sure to get taste buds watering in anticipation. With Miramar-based locals Double Vision Brewing as the official partner of the month-long festival, get ready for the biggest culinary festival in the Southern Hemisphere coming this August. From international festival events, to exclusive festival brews from Double Vision to go with Burger Wellington's (4-24 August) 200+ unique burgers. We'll be booking our flights and making our burger wishlist, stat.
What else is new? Here are the best new openings in Auckland you need to check out.
Main image credit: Atelier | Supplied
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