Where To Eat & Drink In New Zealand

The arrival of the Te Ara Tupua has made getting from Wellington to Lower Hutt much, much easier. Here, Nick Iles outlines all the delicious reasons to make the journey to the Hutt. 

Bex Jujnovich gives us the honest version of what weeknights look like in her house. 

With winter’s indoor-socialising era officially upon us, hosting at home no longer needs to look like a Pinterest board brought violently to life. And we’re here to show you that the best hosts aren’t necessarily the ones making everything from scratch.

Whether payday is a distant memory or you simply don’t want to spend your life savings on a meal, don’t go running for those two-minute noodles just yet. There are plenty of cheap eats in Auckland that are minimal on coin but maximum on deliciousness.

Father’s Day is just around the corner (6 September if you’re wondering) and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon.

New Zealand's leading local restaurant guide has just launched its 2026 awards—here's all the winners, from the lauded three hats to restaurant of the year. 

We’ve rounded up ten of the most romantic restaurants in Auckland so you can take the guesswork out of where to go for the most romantic date night. 

New Zealand takes its pies seriously, and the results of the 2026 New Zealand Bakels Supreme Pie Awards are officially in.

Celebrating all things funghi, the inaugural Auckland Mushroom Festival is bringing informative talks, great food and lots of fun to Karangahape Road this month.

For the month of August, Visa Wellington on a Plate turns the capital city into a gastornomical adventure. From pop-ups from acclaimed internatonal chefs like pitmaster Rodney Scott, to Auckland's Pici popping up in Poneke for two nights, outlandish themed dinners and intimate meals with growers and makers, WOAP once again brings all things wonderful to Welly. 

Forget the tourist hubs and ski slopes—these are the secret spots worth planning your trip around. 

Two of Auckland's most-loved restaurants are coming together for two days of exceptional food and even better vibes. Expect duck fat tortillas, big flavours and a great meal. 

Matariki is here and it's time to feast. 

Whether you’re after a traditional Vietnamese ham, or a crispy crackling lid—let this be your guide on where to find the best banh mi in the city.

This one-off event is one to be experienced rather than documented. It’s been created around a simple idea: if every moment is unrepeatable, perhaps we should treat it that way. 

It's been hotly anticipated for months and, as of tonight, New Zealand's first Michelin Guide has officially dropped. Here are all the restaurants to win stars and Bib Gourmands. 

We've got some of the most savvy parent influencers to spill their secrets about where they (and their kids) love to dine, so your next dinner out with the family goes straight to core memory—for only the right reasons.

We’ve looked high and low and we’ve scouted the best places to eat if you’re gluten free—because there’s no need to miss out.

Whether you’re a matcha convert or you’re curious about the vibrant green tea that's taken the world by storm, Tāmaki Makaurau has you sussed. Let's find your perfect match-a. 

Forks at the ready, Taupō isn’t just about hitting the slopes or whiling away hours on the lake.

The central tenets of winter are, inarguably, mulled wine, bubbling raclette and settling in for the night at a hidden bar. But there’s another vital ingredient to a winter’s night out on the town and it manifests in the form of a roaring fireplace. 

From high teas with stunning waterfront views, to bespoke high tea pop-ups around town—this culinary city has a high tea setting and menu for every kind of occasion. 

Matariki approaches, this year landing on Friday 10 July. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate, in Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond. 

Whether it’s just a day trip, or a weekend away—Waiheke Island has over 30 wineries and vineyards (with many open to the public with a cellar door or tasting room, and some with restaurants too), as well as three breweries, gin and whisky distilleries. Here are our picks for the best wineries, vineyards, and distilleries on Waiheke Island.

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. 

The mercury might be plunging in Tāmaki Makaurau, but there’s one spot in the city that’s only getting hotter this winter. 

As Kiwis, a love of pies is practically in our DNA. These hearty pastries have been keeping us fuelled for generations and are the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a cheeky brekkie.

Sport is basically a religion here in Aotearoa, and meeting your mates to share a drink and yell sports-themed profanities is a rite of passage. And when you can’t make it to a game, there’s no better way to experience nail-biting sport than with a drink in your hand and plenty of people to create the vibe. 

​What’s a Sunday without a roast? We’re talking juicy, succulent pieces of meat drowned in gravy, paired with crispy, seasoned veges and—if you’re lucky—a fluffy Yorkshire pud on the side. 

Grab a pie and a pint, put your thinking cap on, and get ready to show off your obscure knowledge. Who knows? You might even come out on top. 

As far as baked treats go, cookies are king, and we don't discriminate.

We love Japanese food an awful lot here at the Urban List. And who’s to blame us? From sushi to sashimi to sake, Japanese cuisine delivers deliciousness on all levels.

From Peruvian tacos and schnitzels the size of your face, to perfect coffee and cocktails in bongs (for reals!), this suburb certainly has plenty to eat out on.

Forget everything you thought you knew about vegan and vegetarian food. Far from its can-o’-chickpea origins, vegan fare is now unapologetically delicious.

There’s plenty to uncover (pun intended), whether you’re planning your next meal, soaking in the arts and culture or looking for a breathtaking outdoor adventure when visiting Moananui ā Toi—the coastal Bay of Plenty.

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.

Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too. Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.

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.

From vintage teacups to bottomless bubbles—here are our picks for the best high tea offerings across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Make it a memorable weekend (with Mother’s Day this year on Sunday 10th May) and gift her the love language of food, with a feast out in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Korean food has officially taken over Auckland—and we're not mad about it. Whether you're in it for fiery Korean fried chicken, bubbling bowls of stew, or sizzling hot BBQ, this is your go-to guide to the best Korean restaurants in Auckland.

Ahhh Karangahape Road. One of the most vibrant, creative, and bangin’ precincts in all of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a little somethin' somethin' this ANZAC Day public holiday, there's loads to choose from. 

Whatever your tipple of choice—we’ve got you. Here are the best bars in Wellington.

From doughnuts to gelato, or make it a complete weekend affair with an Easter High Tea—these are our picks for the Best Easter Treats for 2026 

We’ve done the research and know the must-visit restaurants in QT, so read on for the best restaurants in Queenstown.

Fear not, breakfast-lover—you’re about to have the ultimate list of the best breakfasts in Auckland right at your fingertips.

Takapuna is one of my favourite suburbs in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Not only is it home to one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore, it also boasts a long list of amazing places to eat and drink and that's a combo that makes this food writer very happy indeed.

At Urban List, we've spent a lot of time thinking about what makes the difference between a good restaurant and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's very best. 

From creamy kormas and crispy pakora to dry fire-breathing curries and fluffy biryani, here are the best Indian restaurants in Auckland.

Whether you’re a traditional spiced fruit purist, team chocolate, or partial to a custard cross, bakers are slinging all sorts and we’re here to give you our picks for the Easter season.

 Ōtautahi is shaking up the drinks scene, one cocktail at a time.

From small batch spirits and sweet treats to world-class coffee and fine dining that'll mesmerise eyes and taste buds alike, consider this your guide to 48 hours of seriously good kai.

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

Dive into Urban List's top picks for the best Italian restaurants in Auckland.

We've rounded up the best of the best bars, with oldies, newbies and everything in between. No matter the specifics, all of these places have one thing in common: they're a damn fine spot to sink a drink.

Wondering where to eat in Christchurch? The Garden City has so many choice restaurants popping up all over the place that it can be hard to keep track, so let me make life a whole lot easier with this stunning list.

There’s a reason why Wellington is Aotearoa’s coolest capital. Among the most (and best) flat whites per corner, beach-side brunch spots and breathtaking walks along the windy hills, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara truly has some of the best restaurants in Aotearoa.

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

The economy may be in dire straits but your bank account need not be—cheap eats are not a thing of the past. In fact, you can tuck into a lunch that’s quick and healthy for less than twenty bucks, even if you work in Auckland CBD.

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.

Hello lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you haven’t made plans yet, you'd better hustle.

We’ve rounded up our crew's tried-and-tested favourites  so you can skip the guesswork and dive straight into an epic Auckland getaway.

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. 

We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again: rooftop bars are the shiz. What’s not to love about sitting sky-high, sipping on a beverage and taking in an epic view? Auckland’s best rooftop bars are dotted across the city and come in all shapes in sizes.

Finding a restaurant to eat at in Auckland on Christmas Day isn't always easy (the phrase 'needle in a haystack' springs to mind). Well never fear, 'cos we've done the hard yards for you and found out who's open to play host this year so you can sit back, relax and make merry while someone else does all the work.

It’s the festive season—or should I say feastin’ season—and if you’re a bit of a sweet tooth who cares more for the pav station than ham this Christmas, read on. 

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

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.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or anniversary, massive family reunion or fun getaway with the crew, Singapore delivers for every special occasion

We love a good market, especially one with the word 'Christmas' attached! So hop in the car, crank up the Mariah (your secret's safe with us) and head along to one of these incredible Christmas markets coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this holiday season.

 From meticulously designed neighbourhoods to world-class eats, buzzing cultural hubs, and effortless transport, every moment in Singapore counts. 

With thatched-roof farmhouses and world-renowned udon on her must-do in Japan hit-list, we asked Nozomi Inoue for the ultimate run-down on her favourite hotspots.

We’ve eaten far and wide across Wellington over the years to bring you the ultimate guide to 30 of the best cheap eats this city has to offer—for $25 and under.

Decision fatigue? Not on our watch—especially when our plans have *finally* made it out of the group chat and into the city.

No, it's not just you—eBikes are everywhere right now.

No matter your budget—from cheap and cheerful to total baller—there’s all manner of top-tier eateries to sink your teeth into.

Turns out The Garden City isn’t just about botanicals—it’s also one helluva brunching scene.

Wellington prides itself on its cafe culture—and we’ll be the first to say it’s justified.

Ho, ho, holy snowball. December is nearly here and it's time to get our Christmas party on. Is it just us, or did this year really sneak up on us?

A melting pot of rich culture, incredible cuisine and plenty of fun, Singapore is the ultimate getaway for families. 

Beyond Japan’s neon-soaked cities and 7-Eleven snack havens lies a world of unspoiled trails, steamy onsens, and wellness stays sure to transport you into a world of utter zen.

To understand Texas, you need to eat your way through it. And thanks to this guide, you'll know exactly where to go when you take the holy trip down to the Lone Star State.

With the colder nights calling for a tipple that warms from within, what better way to celebrate New Zealand’s Rum Month than with some tasteful takes on well, rum.