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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Scoff The Best South Canterbury Bites At This Food Festival
Image credit: scoffsc.nz (Two Raw Sisters) | Website
Get your stretchy pants ready, South Canterbury is wrapping up S.C.O.F.F.—South Canterbury Outstanding Food Festival this week. It’s been popping off since September 5th, with the festival finishing on Sunday 21st September. Get your last bites and sips, celebrating all the local food growers, makers and artisan shakers (of the cocktail variety) from our Pacific Ocean through to Aoraki Mount Cook.
Head To The Movie-Making Capital For A Film-Inspired Dinner Menu
Image credit: CoCo Lounge at the Roxy | Instagram
The Roxy Cinema have released another Eat The Film series with their restaurant CoCo At The Roxy—at the now sold-out sessions of The Princess Bride. During the screenings this Monday 15th to Wednesday 17th September, film fanatics will be presented themed dishes (and cocktails) that arrive at perfectly-timed scenes in the theatre, with the secret menu to be revealed on the night. Check out the previous Eat The Film menus for a taste of what’s to come on their website.
Sip On Limited Edition Wine At Esther’s Winemaker Dinners
Image credit: Esther Restaurant | Instagram
Food and wine lovers, head to Esther for the last dinner experience from their Crushed Grapes series—intimate three course dinners crafted by Chef Sean Connolly alongside the winemakers, bringing limited releases and sips straight from the cellar to your glass. Marlborough-based boutique family winery Hans Herzog are making the trip to Tāmaki Makaurau, sharing a selection of exclusive and rare pours to go with the feast on Thursday 18th September. We’re talking woodfire puffed bread, yellow fin tuna crudo, saganaki (a.k.a. fried cheese), pumpkin tortellini (with all the sage browned butter)—just to name a few of the dishes you’ll be spoilt with. Check out the full menu and book here.
Get Ready For A Taste of Niue In Tāmaki Makaurau
Image credit: Scenic Matavai Resort Niue | Supplied
The first ever Taste of Niue event is taking place this Saturday 20th September at Okahu in Ōrakei. Chef Will Mordido from Aotearoa (Buko Pop-Up) and Chef Teraitua Cuthers from Niue (Matavai Niue) are coming together to create modern four course feast using traditional Niuean ingredients and techniques. Expect a showcase of Niuean kaimoana as well as umu-inspired lamb and honey from Niue to name a few things in the cards. Guests will also be treated to a taste of Niue through canapés, storytelling, cultural performances, and the chance to win a seven night stay at Scenic Matavai Resort Niue. Proceeds will be going towards the Matavai Hospitality Scholarship Fund, supporting the next wave of Niuean chefs and hospitality. Get your tickets stat.
This Wellington Wine Bar Is Doing A Tex-Mex Graze This Weekend
Image credit: Graze Wine Bar | Vicki Young
Graze Wine Bar in Pōneke is kicking things off Tex-Mex this weekend (Saturday 20th-Sunday 21st September) with their third test kitchen run exploring the Americas, one cuisine at a time. This weekend is all things Tex-Mex with Graze dishes remixed (or should I say, tex-mex’d)—from chilli con paua stuffed in gorditas, asparagus and chilli fajitas, to smoked kahawai and avo tostadas. Don’t forget a house cocktail too—with their take on a spicy marg or a kawakawa horchata to finish off your Tex-Mex spread, Graze-style.
Don’t Miss Out On Cazador’s Mexico Food Tours With All The Local Eats
Image credit: Cazador | Supplied
The 2025 Cazador-Mexico Food Tour kicks off at the end of this week, with a bunch of lucky travellers making their way to Mexico City and Oaxaca with Rebecca and Dariush from Cazador. Since starting their tours back in 2018, they’ve been opening a few spots for those on the Cazador and San Ray mailing list to join in on their trips. With Cazador, you can bet there’s off the beaten track food experiences along with soaking in all the history and culture—from street stalls, markets, and restaurants, to cooking demonstrations hosted by Cazador (with a cheeky margarita at the rooftop bar). Check out their full itinerary by signing up to their mailing list—and keep tabs on when their next trip will be.
Get Your Reo Māori Edition Of Crunchy Peanut Butter For Breakfast
Image credit: Pics Peanut Butter | Supplied
This Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (15–22 September), Pic’s Peanut Butter is bringing back te reo to the breakfast table with the return of Pic’s Pata Pīnati Kakukaku—the reo Māori edition of its classic Crunchy Peanut Butter. First launched in 2018, this year’s run is the biggest yet and available at supermarkets nationwide for September (RRP $7.50, 380g). It’s more than just peanut butter on toast—the jar is designed to spark kōrero in the kitchen and help make te reo a natural part of daily life.
To celebrate, foodie and author Naomi Toilalo from WhānauKai has created two delicious recipes, with a Wītipīki (Weetbix) remix, ft. Keke Papatahi Wītipīki me te Pata Pīnati (Weetbix & Peanut Butter Slice) and Te Keke Kakukaku (Crunch Slice). Reka!
It’s Fatima’s 30th Birthday Month Of Treats And You’re Invited
Image credit: Fatima’s | Supplied (@markbysouthnz)
Fatima’s is partying it up like it’s 1995 with month-long celebrations ahead of their cookbook release this October (you can pre-order online)—and with allll the birthday snacks. This O.G. institution in Tāmaki Makaurau is turning the big 3-0 and they’ve teamed up with local bread legends over at Wild Wheat with limited edition doughnut—a date, orange, cinnamon and caramel number, for the next two weeks (September 8th-21st). Swing by the shops (Ponsonby, Commercial Bay and Takapuna) and check out the rest of their bday month offers.
Grey Lynn Has Just Scored A Lush New Deli, Bakery and Wine Bar
Image credit: Mother | Instagram
We’ve got the word that Mother, a modern neighbourhood deli and bakery by day—and soon to be wine bar by night—is officially opening in Grey Lynn, Tāmaki Makaurau on Tuesday 9th September. With some well-known hospitality names from Honey Bones, Hotel Ponsonby, Lillian behind this swoon-worthy spot, we know it's going to be good. Think open kitchen, fresh pastries (they quietly opened the doors for a soft opening the week prior) and a beautiful lush fitout—with all the delicious chocolate tones and textures. Make this your next cosy spot for coffee and pastries all day (and soon-to-be-supper and wine haunt at night).
Pinkies Up, This Cafe Known For Their Cinnamon Buns Has Launched Next Level High Tea
Image credit: Farm House Cafe | Supplied (Red Photography)
If you’ve mished it to the stunning grounds of Hill House Cafe (or their sister spot Farmhouse Cafe), for a bite of their famous cinnamon-spiced buns, a.k.a. the controversial and delicious sin-in-a-bun (love it), then you’ll know the hype. If you’ve been lucky enough to go to Farmhouse Cafe for their high tea weekends on the beautiful grounds, you’ll also be excited to know that Hill House are now launching High Tea weekends, starting this Saturday 13th September. Note that isn’t just any ordinary three-tiered situation—they’re bringing a trio of scones, sweet and savoury courses, and a house-made gelato or sorbet for a palette cleanser. Along with barista made coffee and bottomless cups of tea, their signature high tea starts at $79.90 per person (plus you can also upgrade to bottomless matcha, Prosecco or champagne if you’re feeling fancy). Get ready for the ultimate weekend treat and make a booking, stat.
Celebrate In Style With Cocktails On The 38th Floor
Image credit: Bar Albert | Supplied
Bar Albert in Tāmaki Makaurau is turning 3 this year and they’re hosting a birthday celebration in style—with 18 days of giveaways, new menu offerings and live music every Friday night. A lucky guest will be randomly selected each night to win luxury accommodation packages, champagne or Bar Albert dining vouchers. Make your way to the 38th floor of Voco Auckland this month (from 2nd to 20th September) for a chance to win, with a glass of bubbles (or a birthday month cocktail), plus check out Chef Daniel’s new menu snacks. We’re eyeing up the taleggio and saucisson, raclette-inspired tartiflette.
Raise Your Glass To Aotearoa’s Award-Winning Brews
Image credit: Remuera New World | Instagram
The 11th 2025 New World Beer & Cider Awards winners were just announced last week and we’re here for all the Kiwi brewing talent. From weird and wonderful scoville-steeped Spicy Pickle Beer from Garage Project, to crisp classics like Lakeman Brewing’s Primate Pilsner (three years running on the list)—an expert panel tasted over 650 entries over three days to make their hard decision of just 25 top picks. Tāmaki Makaurau husband and wife team, Hamish Ward and Caroline Muller-Ward from Isthmus Brewing Company took out this year’s Supreme Champion with their hop-loaded 3D IPA. Think West Coast IPA flavour waves of pine resin, citrus and malty caramel—a definite all-round crowd pleaser from the judging panel. Grab yours from your local or head to Browns Bay Brewing who are now pouring it by the pint.
This Cocktail Bar And Lounge Is Slinging One-Off Brisket Sandos For The Month
Image credit: Little Culprit | Instagram
Get ready for Little Culprit’s “Limp Brizkit,” a.k.a. their Nu-Metal inspired brisket sandwich pop-up this month. The chefs at Culprit will be flexing their sandwich-making skills every Thursday and we’re not talking just any sandwich. From a Kiwi tribute to Montréal smoked meat, cheesy pull-aparts, to Chef Berty’s pastrami made from scratch—plus Glenfiddich cocktails thanks to guest bartender Ryan from Panacea. Word on the street is that Chef-owner Kyle Street has started the sando train with his low and slow brisket brodeo (ft. Skippy onion rings and truffled Brie). Make your way to Little Culprit stat—we’ll be rollin’ there with stretchy pants.
Hungry for more? Check out the hottest new openings you need to know about here.
Urban List The Feed has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Main Image Credit: Londo | Supplied (Jerome Warburton @jeromewarburton)
Hungry? Wash Down Mid-Week Dinner Catchups With These 0% Palomas
Tread carefully with pre-dinner treats. Our tip? Skip the snacks, sip a booze-free bevvy instead.
In partnership with
Ingredients:
60ml grapefruit juice
30ml fresh squeezed lime juice
15ml maple syrup
½ teaspoon non-alcoholic tequila
Pinch of sea salt
100ml Schweppes Classic Soda Water
Salt or Tajin for rim
Method:
Make the rim by pouring a small amount of salt or Tajin on a shallow plate. Run a lime or grapefruit wedge along the outside of the glass and dip the moistened rim into the salt or Tajin and press gently.
Pour the grapefruit juice and lime juice into your shaker. Add the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and a pinch of sea salt, along with 3-4 cubes of ice. Replace the lid and shake for about 15-20 seconds until the shaker is cold and the ingredients are well combined.
Strain over fresh ice into a tumbler and top with Schweppes Classic Soda Water. Garnish and serve.
Keep sipping through the week here.