Where To Eat & Drink In

With the ocean at your fingertips, coastal long lunches on the cards and plenty of boutique accommodation to choose from, we know we’d scoop out some of our precious annual leave for a Noosa vacay in a heartbeat.

You asked, we delivered.

The year is 2026, and the pendulum is swinging. Dim lights are being cranked to full beam, to make way for a bigger, louder and distinctly American form of hospitality that’s rolling into town. 

When it comes to steaks, the grills (and chefs) in Tāmaki Makaurau aren’t messing around. Whether you’re all about how it’s cooked (from charcoal to woodfired) or all about the cut, there’s a steak for every kind of occasion, big or small. 

Expect discounted wines, 1-for-1 cocktails, ice-cold beers, and sunset-ready vibes across the island. 

Think theatre-sized screens, huge margaritas, giant foosball tables, arcade games (to pass time beforehand) and even boozy shakes to fuel yourself through any match, fight, game or race.

As the weather cools, heat up with these fire-fuelled stays, smoky feasts and flame-led experiences designed to spark connection and ignite good times aplenty. 

This magical bit of tech lets you earn rewards and access exclusive deals simply by hitting the town. 

From tussock-covered ridgelines and snowy mountains, to astounding rock formations and beech-forested lakes, Te Wāipounamu / the South Island serves fierce natural beauty. 

Think you’ve tried some crazy bites? Unless you’ve been to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, think again.

One of Newtown's most beloved pubs is getting a new lease on life, with the team behind Redfern favourite The Bat & Ball Hotel set to take over The Carlisle Castle later this year.

 From fresh to fried, whatever you're in the mood for, Fiji's got you.

Adelaide, and its stunning hinterland regions, are serving up the perfect cool-weather escapes for adventure and a taste of culture this winter, steeped in relaxation and reconnection with yourself and nature.

Tasmania's incredible landscape is a treasure map for the thoughtful adventurer. These are the best eco-friendly experiences, hyper-local dining options, off-grid adventures and community-building experiences in Tassie. 

The intimate 38-seater ushers in winter with beef crudo, prawn pansotti and salt cod mafaldine. 

As the vibrant capital of Japan, Tokyo pulsates with an energy that is truly unparalleled.

Whether you’d prefer fluffy clouds of kakigori melting in your mouth or a succulent piece of tonkatsu, these Tokyo restaurants have you covered.

Consider this your sign to book a trip that taps straight into your childhood joy.

Ah, France, the nation of l’amour, exceptional fromage and striped bretons; it’s the world’s most travelled to destination for good reason.

Long celebrated as one of Sydney’s best destinations for Korean fried chicken, late-night dumplings and Asian grocery hauls, Eastwood is about to get a major nightlife upgrade.

Melbourne now has a fresh awards list to dissect. 

The bold new phase will bring a new one-of-a-kind hotel, expansive public spaces and upgraded river infrastructure.

If you’ve got 48 hours and a curiosity for art, music, film and performance, this is your sign to make a beeline for Wellington. 

There’s a moment in Wellington when the day starts to soften and the city shifts gears. For our editor, this is Wellington at its best.

Should your ideal winter escape involve avoiding anything bright, buzzy or remotely eventful, Adelaide might not be the city for you.

When it comes to Adelaide’s cosiest date night dining, our editors have taken the guess work out of the equation, so all you have to do is book, rock up and enjoy your evening.

From your caffeine fix to working lunches, each venue is designed to cater to the different rhythms of Brisbane City.

With more space and neon-lit interactive zones, it's set to be the heart of the community from day to night. 

For a generation of Aussie kids, that cheese toast was practically a rite-of-passage.

We've found the best cookbooks so you'll never have to eat out again. Kind of.

As part of American Express delicious Month Out, we’ve pulled together a tight, editor-led shortlist of where to eat in Canberra this May.

Mediterranean summer? Not this year. As Perth’s winter settles in, our editor Dani is trading aperitivo hour on the Riviera for something comforting, cosy and closer to home.

Sorrento’s coast is set to welcome a luxe new steakhouse and bar, with Surreo and Bar Surreo officially revealed as the first concepts for George Kailis’ mammoth beachfront hospitality precinct, expected to open in April 2027.

Swap your waterproof jacket for a robe and hiking boots for slippers, here’s how to spend a stress-free 72 hours in Aotearoa’s geothermal heart.

If your heart is saying Euro summer but your bank balance is firmly saying “stay at home”, consider this your sign to look closer to home

Brisbane’s South Bank has it all, from bougainvillea-lined walkways to riverside markets and even an inner-city beach. Add a diverse dining scene, culture and entertainment, and you’ve got a sprawling lifestyle precinct worth exploring. 

We’re rounding up where to play, stay, and most importantly, eat when you’re in town for Melbourne’s RISING 2026.

If you’re plotting a 2026 escape, consider this your sign. Just a short, direct flight from Australia’s east coast, Auckland delivers a big-break energy with minimal travel time.

Spanning 10 days in May, South Australia (and beyond) is becoming a playground for top Aussie chefs and international heavy-hitters, allying together for a 150-event program that’s well worth travelling for. 

We’ve rounded up the best in where to sip and snack along Auckland’s waterfront, no misses, only hits.

Consider this your hit list for eating ridiculously well without blowing your wallet (because in Singapore, the best food is often found curbside, plastic stool included).

Whether you’re celebrating Mum, corralling your besties, or just craving a tiered tower of tiny treats (relatable), Adelaide’s high tea scene has got you covered.

Making coffee at home? Let these top-tier machines do the hard work for you—or inspire your passion for amazing coffee even more. 

Here’s how to make the most of what you got, according to culinary golden girl Alex Crisp. 

Originally established in 1910 and holding over a century of treasured history, countryside icon Milton Park Country House Hotel & Spa has undergone a major multi-million-dollar facelift.

File this under: oddly specific perks we wish we qualified for.

Long layover? Delayed flight? Arrived aggressively early because you don’t trust airport traffic? Good news: if you’re stuck at Changi, you’ve landed at the only airport where killing time feels suspiciously like a lifestyle upgrade.

To celebrate tall things Aperol (and the la dolce vita that comes with it), Subiaco will once again transform into a Euro-inspired playground with the return of Subi Spritz, the 4-day festival bringing spritz-fuelled fun to Subi. 

If your Easter countdown starts when hot cross buns hit bakery shelves, then this Aussie bakery is about to make your year. 

right on schedule, the gelato giants have announced the return of their annual Easter egg. The kind that has layers, secrets, and a centre that deserves a drumroll (and probably a large spoon).

Craving pasta? Burgers? Chinese? No matter what your cuisine preferences are, you’re guaranteed to find it there, which makes it the ultimate foodie destination.

London is a veritable revolving door of imaginative restaurateurs with deep pockets.

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

There’s a reason Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula is on everyone’s bucket list: from its stunning grounds to unique architectural design, moody black colour palette or funky bar and restaurant, the hotel is the very definition of a luxury stay.

If you’re dreaming of a few days to recharge, soak up some sun and leave the madness behind, this is where Dorsett Gold Coast enters the chat.

Have your say in our cultural index championing the people, places, experiences and stays defining Australia right now. 

From hospo leaders and musical innovators to destination makers and community builders, this is our new cultural index recognising the Aussies shaping what’s next.

Calling all seasoned beer appreciators, sippers and clinkers. Here are the best breweries on the Sunshine Coast worthy of your next sip.

Your go-to guide for maximising a trip to the Sunshine Coast

Australia’s wildest daytime dance party is going national. What started as a Gold Coast favourite has officially expanded into an Australia-wide tour for 2026. With headliner FISHER leading a stacked lineup across four major cities, Out 2 Lunch is shaping up as the festival everyone will be talking about this Autumn.

Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia.

Bagels are a classic Big Apple staple. While you can probably find a bagel on the menu of every corner deli, here are our top favourite bagel joints in the city that are guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds.

Tries, tunes, costumes and chaos—HSBC SVNS is back to take over Perth this February. 

At its core, Lunar New Year is a reset button. A chance to hit pause after the chaos of the year just gone, and spend time with the people you love.

Spirits are getting pricier, draught beer gets a freeze, and your weekend drinks might look a little different. Here’s the lowdown on what it means for bars, bottle shops, and your next night out.

Beyond the usual food haunts, there’s a bucket list-worthy gastronomic experience you’ll want to get familiar with—supper clubs.

Along with the balmy days, summer brings its fair share of unique situations. The same goes for summertime snacking.

It's the earmarked sports event of the summer, the Australian Open 2026 is the iconic stretch of January where Melbourne suddenly transforms into tennis-arm-chair experts. 

Let’s face it: the Gregorian calendar’s New Year's is overrated.

Ava Wardecki caught up with culinary creative and all-round ray of sunshine, Amelia Ferrier, to chat about what it really takes to live that full-time recipe creator life.

Your status as host with the most is about to be renewed this summer.

A fourth-generation chef raised in Abruzzo, Italy, Daniela Maiorano knows a thing or two about hosting the Italian way. Now settled in Byron Bay, she's found a way to blend her two worlds to create simple, flavourful food that hits every time.

Sunday seshes, backyard dinners and warm nights that roll into the early hours of the morning—summer hosting season is fast approaching. These are the trends and hacks we're loving for effortless entertaining.

Perth Festival is back with an unmissable 2026 lineup—here's how we're making a trip out of it. 

In Te Waipounamu's (South Island) largest city, a quiet transformation is unfolding. Ōtautahi Christchurch's dining scene is redefining New Zealand gastronomy—rooted in resilience post-earthquake, regional produce, and a new generation of chefs who are rewriting the rules.

Embark on a sensory journey across Aotearoa’s culinary map—connecting the dots between region, producer, and restaurant. It’s not just where to eat, but why it matters and sharing a kōrero with those turning local treasures into global experiences.

From locally-sourced produce to award-winning wines—it’s time to put Aotearoa under the spotlight, showcasing the magic that happens when multi-cultural culinary creativity meets incredible produce grown in Aotearoa soil. 

Western Sydney's Cabravale Club Resort has made a grand return to the city's nightlife scene with restaurants, bars, accommodation and entertainment primed for your next night out. 

Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia.

Turns out you don’t need a plane ticket to feel worlds away from Melbourne—a short drive to the Yarra Valley will do it.

When the saying “once bitten, twice shy” was coined—the creators didn’t take Louis Hanson into account. 

Sail through the slew of new year birthdays and anniversaries with these tips for budget-friendly celebrating.

Renowned Australian chef and restaurateur Shannon Bennett is opening The Belongil, a $10 million landmark multi-venue dining destination in Byron Bay in December 2025.

Buckle up—here’s our hit list of New Zealand spots where the journey and the destination both steal the show.

Swoop in for the $29 burger and beer deal, $45 express lunch or $98 share-style feasting menu. 

When it comes to Secret Santa, nailing the brief is an art form. This edit proves you can find something thoughtful and cool without blowing the $50 budget.

This vibrant coastal city nestled between the Central Coast and Newcastle invites you to come for the lake and stay for the food, the fun and the art. 

From cooking utensils and cookbooks to dinnerware and glassware, we've rounded up some of the best gift ideas for food-loving folks. Bon appétit, baby!

Square has teamed up with local chef Joel Bennetts to create Good Neighbours, a video series spotlighting the legends behind some of the city’s most-loved spots.