Bars & Pubs

There are hotel restaurants, and then there are restaurants that just happen to be inside hotels.

We’ve brought together three of Aotearoa’s most recognisable creative voices to get a little closer to the people behind the art.

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. 

Auckland bartender PJ Renaud has won the 2026 Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series.

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.

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. 

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

Matariki is here and it's time to feast. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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

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

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.

 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

For a night out feeling fancy, a sweet pick-me-up or a tasty bite to get you through your day, Parnell won’t disappoint. Arguably the most stroll-worthy suburb in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, it's packed with restaurants, cafes and bars that know a thing or two about really good kai.

There’s something about dancing I just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s dancing in the moonlight, dancing in the dark or dancing in the rain, there really is nothing greater.

With its top-notch eateries and unrivalled views of the Waitematā Harbour, Wynyard Quarter is one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most beautiful spots.

Whether you’re staying down the road in Queenstown, or in the heart of this magical town, here are seven Arrowtown restaurants you seriously need to dine at, trust us.

Bargain bevvies, a bar snack or two and some quality yarns make for the ultimate after-work wind-down.

Easter is upon us and a long weekend of resting and feasting awaits. Take this holiday as a chance to go out to get your wine and dine on because that’s what we’ll be doing!

From anniversaries and honeymoons, to family reunions and birthdays, there’s one special spot that caters for every important milestone—Singapore.

Steeped in culture and brimming with world-class hotels, Michelin-starred street eats, a vibing nightlife and sun-kissed islands, Singapore is worthy of so much more than just a few hours between flights.

Between the gleaming skyscrapers and perfectly manicured gardens lies a paradise for savvy travellers. Let's dive in, shall we? 

Renowned for serving up the best in spirit-stacked sips, creative mastermind, and a-lister in the bartending scene Alastair Walker is set to hit Ōtautahi to host an epic night of all things shaken and stirred. 

The North Shore is as much for eating out and drinking, as it is for hitting the beach. If you don't believe us, check out the more than 55 spots we've carefully curated by suburb below, ranging from old-fashioned pubs, bakeries and burger joints to chic wine bars, cafes, and bistros.

Beer o'clock? We've got you. 

After a long morning walk and a day spent lounging lakeside, a bar hop chasing the sun seems the next appropriate step.

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

Whether you’re diving into the mad scramble that is Boxing Day sales, after a top-tier refuel mid-beach day, or soothing a deathly hangover on New Year’s Day, don’t waste your calories (and dollaz) on shoddy fare. It’s time to celebrate. Come 2025, it’s a new year and a new you, and that new you deserves to be fueled by the finest kai Auckland has to offer.

Show your pup some love and reward them for being a good boy or girl at these dog-loving establishments.

Grab a spot by the water, dig in to a tasty something and let the City of Sails treat you some next-level hospitality at Auckland’s best waterfront eateries.

The only thing worse than staying in on Sunday is being lumped with the responsibility of having to find a good restaurant that’s open on Sunday night. While usually a thankless task we've scoured all our favourite eateries to put together a list of where to eat in Auckland on a Sunday night. 

There's only one thing better than a dumpling and that's a plate of them, along with a generous portion of chilli crisp for dipping. 

The centrepiece of Auckland’s food events is officially back on the radar: Restaurant Month is here. We’ve never been so grateful to for having 31 whole days.

Those in the know frequent Auckland CBD’s best-kept secret: Panacea. The intimate cocktail kitchen can be stumbled upon up an unassuming flight of stairs on O’Connell Street. 

We love wining and dining in Ponsonby at the best of times—but throw in some one-off creations, tasting menus, and special prices, and we really don’t need our arm further twisted. So grab your planner and round up your foodie friends, here are all the best events you need to devour this year at Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024:

Ponsonby Central has long been renowned as a vibrant precinct. Its eclectic restaurants and bars serve up everything from Cambodian to Korean and feel-good American fare. 

If you’re sticking around Tāmaki Makaurau this Waitangi Day—Tuesday 6 February to be exact—you’ll be delighted to know a bunch of top notch eateries will be open for brunch, lunch, a cheeky tipple or three, or an all-out feast. 

From hidden speakeasies to bright and breezy spots with gorgeous courtyards to boot these are the best bars in Ponsonby.

Pristine immaculate coastline, endless lingering sunshine and bountiful local produce—Townsville has become a marvel of North Queensland for good reason, with a string of decadent new openings around the charming town awaiting exploration.

Enter, Queenstown’s newest hospitality destination SUNDAYS, a character-filled eatery and drink(ery) in a stunning church building from 1933.

We predict cooling off with a perfectly chilled cocktail as the go-to garnish for this social season.   

Spring has sprung—the season of new beginnings as nature wakes up. With it, we’re treated to longer daylight, blossoming flowers, and balmy weather allowing us to be out and about. And there’s no better way to celebrate the magic of the season than a lush garden pop-up at Azabu Mission Bay.

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Dine and drink like a local, from bistros and cafes to takeaways and food trucks, tipples enjoyed at home to beverages on tap.

Take yourself on a journey of unparalleled luxury and gastronomic delight. 

Could Devonport be Auckland's most charming suburb? Its old-fashioned villas, picturesque gardens and character buildings are straight out of a storybook, while it also happens to be located right beside the sea and beneath the watchful eye of not one, but two volcanic mountains. 

There's nothing better than shooting the breeze with friends, ice cold beverage in hand and grazing on delish eats (the more cheese, the better). But—news flash—good times can be enjoyed sans alcohol. 

It’s that time of year again when every man and his dog take the solemn oath to give their bodies and brains a break.

Long and unjustly discriminated as the smuttiest of spirits, vodka is both the queen of classy and the king of trashy - and we should know - here at Urban List we are fine connoisseurs of the occasional vodka vocation. So before we crank into the boom of Summer, we’ve rounded up 12 of New Zealand's best vodka brands.

Espresso martinis are like the grown-up version of a coffee, a harmonious yet powerful blend of alcohol and caffeine that will see you through the night (and potentially into the next day).

Ah, the margarita—one of Mexico's finest exports. There really is nothing better on a sultry summer's evening (or, at any time of year really) than a glass of this thirst-quenching, tequila and lime-laced tonic (especially when enjoyed by the beach, as is often the Mexican custom).

After having opened in the midst of various lockdowns, multi-award-winning distillery Broken Heart Spirits has launched Queenstown’s first-ever boutique gin garden.

“Frosé Your Way” has been dreamt up by everyone’s favourite rooftop bar Dr Rudi’s and will even feature a garnish wall so you can customise your drink to perfection.

Aotearoa is having a pop-public holiday in memorial of Queen Elizabeth II next week, Monday 26 September to be exact. Here are all some of the best places to feast in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Sitting at the base of Bob’s Peak Mountain and the iconic Skyline Gondola, Queenstown’s rad new dining and entertainment precinct, Upper Village awaits. 

From stylish cocktail lounges hidden inside architectural gems to modern laneway drinkeries and secret garden bars, we’ve rounded up some of the finest local establishments to sip your way through.

Nestled in the beating heart of Surfers Paradise, we’ve found the perfect place for the ultimate fun day out. Think: epic games, live sport and a total foodie nirvana. So where can you find this awesome spot? Perched on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Cavill Mall, boasting a 100-metre frontage opposite the world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach, is Paradise Centre. Home to over 90 stores, an alfresco dining precinct and a buzzing entertainment hub, gather your crew and make tracks here stat.

Aotearoa is home to incredible talent. Music, art, design, hospitality—it's fair to say we have creative inspo in spades. 

New Zealand has cemented itself as one of the best wine-making countries in the world. Thanks to our diverse landscape, our country produces an equally diverse range of incredible wines.

From late night eats to gorgeous gondola rides and delicious cocktails to live gigs, Queenstown is an epic city around the clock. Here are the best things to do in Queenstown at night.

Yo Ho, Ho! (and a bottle of rum). Rum has come a long way from being just a pirate’s tipple, to one of the most beloved spirits worldwide. With International Rum Day right round the corner, and with the assistance of the terrific team at Cove 27, we’ve rounded up some of the best artisanal New Zealand and international rums, so go forth and tipple.

Whether you’re planning a big birthday or a special shindig, only the best will do. Because we’re about nothing but the best, we’ve got you covered!

The Urban Wine Walk is an epic self-guided wine tasting experience, allowing participants to meander their way through New Zealand’s adventure playground's bustling bar and restaurant scene while sipping on a lip-smacking selection of NZ wines along the way.

From milkshakes to margaritas, burgers to bao—MOGLY Bar And Eatery is bringing a whole lotta deliciousness to the South Auckland suburb of Ormiston. Located on the edge of the still-evolving Ormiston Town Centre, this is one seriously epic spot and it's open for your eating and drinking pleasure every day of the week from midday until late.

Ah, winter. That delightful season when jammies and slippers become a fashion statement, social outings become rarer than a blood supermoon, and Netflix and chill takes on a whole new meaning. To help combat the winter blues and lure you out of hibernation, St John’s Bar and Restaurant are bringing back their ultra 'Gram-worthy pop-up igloos for a limited time.

It’s not a fiesta without tequila!

 If you're already an advocate for the spirit, we're with you and if not, prepare to be converted. 

If you and your mates like to keep your plates full and drinks flowing, then we’ve found the ultimate feast perfect for your next gathering. The legendary team at The Bavarian has done it again, this time bringing us Bavarian Fest. A value-packed three course menu with two hours of bottomless beers and cocktails for only $69 per person, a total steal for your crew.

SkyCity has recently launched Fortune on Fed, a craft beer pop-up bar serving divine craft brews. Treat yourself to cheeses, cold cuts and burgers – the perfect accomplices to an excellent beer sesh.

There's a lot to love about New Zealand right now (just ask anyone living overseas!), so the timing really couldn't be more perfect for the opening of the Cordis hotel's gorgeous new Kiwi-themed bar—Our Land Is Alive.

Make tracks for this pop-up bar that's hit Morningside where you can sip pink drinks beneath pink disco balls and hanging greenery in a purpose-built Pink Bar - a garden oasis that’s sure to look awe worthy on your insta stories... and who doesn’t love a bit of pink on their gram?