As a year ends and a new one dawns it's customary to reflect... So of course at Urban List we jump straight to the food. 2024 has been a year of losses—we've saw icons like Madame George, SPQR and countless others close their doors permanently and we saw the businesses in Wynyard Quarter lose 70% of their foot traffic when the bridge went down. But against all odds and in the fact of one of the hardest, grittiest years for our local hospo scene to date, we've also seen a feast of bangin' spots be brought to life.
Here we celebrate the new openings of 2024 that you, dear Urbanlisters, loved the most.
Bianca
Ellerslie , Auckland
If your ideal 'last supper' involves a big bowl of pasta and a plate piled high with cannoli, read on. Ellerslie's cool new pasta joint, Bianca, does both dishes exceedingly well.
Hazy Tiger
Auckland ,
Hazy's glowing tiger signals a departure from your daily—cross the threshold and you’ll find yourself in Hazy Tiger, a trippy wonderland of Korean eats and sip-worthy libations.
The Nightcar
Auckland CBD,
The Nightcar is basically the answer to an Aucklander’s prayers: generous late-night opening hours, stackable portions, exquisite Chinese cuisine and a champagne trolley.
Tala
Parnell, Auckland
Date night just got a whole lot more delicious with Tala, Parnell’s hidden gem, opening its doors and slinging sleek, contemporary yet traditional Samoan fare.
Anise
Eden Terrace,
Would Anise be shadowed by its prestigious predecessor, The French Cafe? But, after just three weeks since opening, Anise, had already carved its own way into the spotlight.
Queens Rooftop Bar & Wineshop
She’s sleek, convivial and statuesque—with a bar that nods to the glamour of the great skyscrapers of yesteryear where you're greeted by an impressive raw bar.
Advieh
Auckland, Auckland
You would be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that ticks as many boxes as Advieh, the latest gem from acclaimed Chef Gareth Stewart.
Impression Restaurant
Mount Eden, Auckland
From the uniquely numbing Sichuan heat to the delicately balanced notes of Northern Chinese cuisine, Impression's dishes showcase each region's best.
St. Marg’s
Auckland,
Emerging from the ashes of the ol’ Thirsty Dog, St Marg's is decked out with lush olive-green banquette seating, pops of indoor greenery, organic cotton and rice paper lamp shades.