The Feed | The New Zealand Food News You Need To Know

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).

For the first time in 125 years, the MICHELIN Guide is coming to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026. If it’s worth a special journey for Michelin, it’s worth one for you too. Start planning your trip and discover flavours that tell our story... now.

Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Aotearoa again—get us in your inbox here.

Get Your Hands On The Latest Iced Oat Matcha Latte From Brewé 

Image credit: Brewé | Supplied

Aotearoa canned beverage brand Brewé has expanded its range with the launch of an Iced Oat Matcha Latte, following their debut in December last year. Their latest addition is a response to growing demand for café-quality drinks in convenient, ready-to-drink formats—a low calorie and dairy-free alternative designed to be enjoyed throughout the day. Get your iced oat matcha latte to-go or their existing iced oat caramel latte on your next pastry run, from select Farro stores. 

Get Ready For Mediterranean-Style Steak Nights At Esther

Image credit: Esther Restaurant | Supplied

Esther has just released their Bistecca Tuesday—a Mediterranean-style steak night. Inspired by the great Italian trattorias, the chefs source exceptional cuts of steak from across Aotearoa and then you can choose your cut from their steak trolley. Sit back as it’s cooked to perfection, carved tableside, and then served with a selection of classic accompanying sauces and sides (more duck fat roast potatoes, please). Bring along that special bottle of wine with only $30 corkage to make it extra special. Running every Tuesday from 5.30pm from $59 per person. 

Sharpen Your Knives, This German Cult-Fave Kitchen Tool Has Arrived

Image credit: HORL® | Supplied

Used in kitchens across the globe, HORL® has landed in Aotearoa and is quietly changing the (chopping) game. With an easy-to-use magnetic angle block to stabilise the blade, and rolling sharpener giving two different angles to get that perfectly sharp angle—it works across a variety of kitchen knives and is simple to use. Coming in a compact size and using thoughtful materials like ocean-bound recycled plastic for their entry model (as well as a durable walnut and oak, or bronze aluminium for their more advanced range), this helpful tool can sit on the kitchen bench, be taken out on the fishing boat or a handy addition to those weekend camping trips. Here’s to no more blunt knives in the kitchen, wherever you go. Check out the latest, hottest kitchen accessory at both domestic and commercial kitchen supplies shops across Aotearoa here.

Escape to Provence With This Saturday Long Lunch At Gilt

Image credit: Gilt | Rachel Duignan (Urban List NZ)

Gilt has just released their Saturday Menu Du Jour to Provence. Inspired by French classics, travel to Provence with their new series of Saturday Menu Du Jour exploring different French regions. Start with a mini ratatouille entrée for the table, complete with toasted baguette and olive tapenade. For mains, choose from tender bavette in tarragon mustard jus with a side of heirloom tomatoes, or bouillabaisse with mussels, clams, and fish in a flavoursome scampi bisque. Both mains are served with unlimited pommes frites—save the jus for that essential dip. Along with a glass of Provence wine (or you can order by the carafe), it’s the chance to try some incredible, limited-edition bottles from France, over a long lunch that transports you to the streets of Europe. Finish with Paris-Brest choux, filled with lavender crème pâtissière and pops of in-season peaches. Side note: It’s the perfect pairing with their latest negroni which you can order separately to the Saturday menu—made with plums infused in vodka for six months, reminiscent of umeboshi, with a light caramel sherry flavour.

Their long lunch is $65 per person (for three courses), plus additional pricing for wine. Check out all the details and booking information here. 

The Hokitika Wild Foods Festival Is Back For Its 36th Year

Image credit: Hokitika Wildfoods Festival | Website 

Adventurous appetites, assemble. The Hokitika Wild Foods Festival is back for its 36th year this Saturday 14th March. Showcasing the wild food of the West Coast, expect huhu grubs, crispy crickets and wild game, to garlic-fried garden snails and foraged garden weeds to name some of the more wild options (alongside foraged fruit slushies, brisket and barbecue options for the not-as-wild side of snacks on offer). Along with entertainment all-day with live music from Sir Dave Dobbyn, Tadpole, Sonar Flare and The Lady Killers (plus special guest Annie Crummer), a ‘feral fashion’ competition, and family-friendly activities too (plus children under 11 years old can attend for free). Check out all the details here. 

Check Out This Limited-Edition Champagne Line-Up Inspired By Formula 1® 

Image credit: Moët & Chandon x The Wine Room by David Nash | Supplied

To coincide with the Formula 1® season, Moët & Chandon - the Official Champagne of Formula 1® - has partnered with The Wine Room by David Nash to launch “The Podium”, a limited-edition champagne flight inspired by the precision, theatre and exhilaration of race day. Available from Monday 9 March until the end of March, the curated tasting experience pairs three exceptional cuvées with refined canapé bites by Chef Ryan Moore. Mark the season in style with The Podium Champagne Flight at $99 per guest at The Wine Room by David Nash.

Sparkle, Sip and Sashay This Pride Month With A Dazzling Drag Brunch in Pōneke

Image credit: The Southern Cross | Supplied

From 12pm to 2pm on Saturday, March 14, head to The Southern Cross for an unforgettable afternoon of glam and laughs at their Pride Brunch in the beautiful garden bar. Start with a refreshing cocktail, followed by brunch and live performances by some of Pōneke’s top drag queens including Selina Simone, Olivia Dreams, and Homer Neurotic. Tickets are $55 for brunch and welcome cocktail. R18+ event. Get your pride glam on and tickets here. 

This Aotearoa Wine Is Bringing Its UK Success Story Home, With A Sleek New Can Offering 

Image credit: Villa Maria | Supplied

As consumers seek more convenient, on-the-go ways to enjoy wine, Villa Maria is bringing its signature quality to a fresh new format with the launch of Villa Maria individual cans. Following a successful debut in the UK this year, where Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc quickly became one of the top 10 canned wines, the new range is is now in Aotearoa and includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Sparkling Rosé, in a sleek 250ml can. Villa Maria cans are now available in major retailers throughout New Zealand. RRP $7.99

Bossi Introduces A Monthly Con Cura Table—An Act Of Kindness

Image credit: Bossi | Supplied 

When Jenna Carter opened Bossi in 2022, it was a heartfelt tribute to her Nonna, whose recipes and unwavering Italian hospitality remain at the very centre of the restaurant today. At Bossi, that philosophy is captured in two words: con cura—with care. Coming from her own family tradition, when Jenna and her children go out for dinner, they take turns choosing a table and anonymously covering the bill as an act of kindness. Now at Bossi, The Con Cura Table invites the community to nominate someone who could truly use a night off. Each month, one table will be welcomed in for a dinner for two, personally taken care of by Bossi's incredible chefs. Check out all the details here. 

Save Meals From Going To Waste With Too Good To Go—Now in Ōtautahi 

Image credit: Too Good To Go | Supplied 

After launching in Aotearoa starting with Tāmaki Makaurau late last year, Too Good To Go has now launched in Ōtautahi. Download the free-to-use app to purchase a ‘Surprise Bag’ filled with food that would otherwise have gone to waste, at a reduced price from bakeries, cafes, restaurants and grocers. More than 40 local faves, including Ilex Cafe, Fluffy Bake Shop and Underground Coffee Roasters are already on board in Ōtautahi, aiming to reduce the $3 billion worth of food wasted in Aotearoa each year. Download the app here. 

Get Your Hands On This Limited Edition Canterbury Sunflower Oil Collab

Image credit: Ashley & Co. x The Good Oil | Supplied (Photography by Katie Begbie)

Ashley & Co. and The Good Oil have released a limited-edition extra virgin sunflower oil in a beautifully designed olive-coloured squeeze bottle which smells and tastes of grassy sunflower fields. Grown across the Southridge plains and cold-pressed just down the road in Rolleston, it’s a great addition to any kitchen bench and a versatile oil for salads or even in baking. The oil is available via Ashley & Co. and select stockists. Check out their recipe inspiration thanks to Fatimas (from their latest cookbook)—we’re eyeing up a warm slice of nutty, citrus almond cake, made with this limited edition sunflower oil.  

Burger Nation 2026 Announces Its Biggest Year Yet

Image credit: Burger Nation NZ | Supplied

Burger enthusiasts unite—this year’s Burger Nation organised by Cook & Nelson in association with McClure’s Pickles (which runs from 25th February to 25th March) has 307 venues taking part from across Aotearoa. From fried pickles, beef marrow confit onions, to flame-kissed patties and gherkin queso—there’s even a whole short rib, birria-style, between buns with dipping sauce from Gina’s Truck (Moore Food Company) at Giant Brewing Co. (pictured). The voting power (and supreme winner) will be in the power of diners hands (and appetites) so get stuck in for some serious burger eating and judging. Get all the judging info and burger line-up here.

Aotearoa’s Largest Gin Producer Has Released G&T In A Can 

Image credit: Scapegrace | Supplied

Scapegrace Distilling Co. has unveiled its Scapegrace Gin & Tonic with Hawke’s Bay Lemon, a premium New Zealand distilled G&T in a can. Along with their existing Gin & Soda offering, this has been developed in response to consumer demand for locally-made, high-quality G&T. Scapegrace Gin & Tonic with Hawke’s Bay Lemon (5% ABV) is available nationwide in 10-packs (330ml cans). R18, drink responsibly.

Mount Maunganui’s Fife Lane Has Been Named One Of The World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants

Image Credit: Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar | Instagram

Mount Maunganui’s own Fife Lane Kitchen & Bar has officially landed at No. 94 on the 2025 World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list and we're pretty pumped about it.

Led by meat master Dylan Burrows, the Maunganui Road steakhouse is known for premium New Zealand breeds and cuts, including Lake Ohau Wagyu from Canterbury and Greenstone Creek beef from Taranaki. The team mainly dry-ages in-house before finishing each cut over a charcoal grill, letting smoke and flame star.

Beyond the steak (though that’s very much the main event), Fife Lane delivers polished service and a sharp wine list (perfect for pairing with a steak, of course) that secures its spot as one of the world's best steak restaurants. - Isabel Croker

Live Your High Tea Era With This Elegant Offering In March

Image credit: Aotearoa High Tea in The Libraries | Vicki Young

Aotearoa High Tea in the Libraries is back for 2026 with a menu that draws on classics with a modern Aotearoa format. Executive Chef Andrew Lautenbach’s latest menu features contemporary classics like poached chicken and Waldorf salad reimagined into a club sandwich (featuring walnut paste and sliced grapes), smoked kahawai in a chive-dipped savoury cannoli, tender lamb shoulder and pickled onion in a crisp scone-like bun, and a melt-in-your-mouth cheese roll to name a few of the savoury picks in the line-up. With an incredibly light crisp exterior and comforting centre with aged gouda, cumin and béchamel—I swear it’ll convert any cheese roll purist. Save room for sweet, because the malt ice cream sandwich is a stand-out. It tastes like spiced Christmas cookies, and will have you wishing you could have a constant supply of oat cookies with mānuka honey ice cream year-round (and you can, because word is that you can get this ice cream sandwich down at kingi, too—you can thank me later). Having just reopened for the first one of the year last Sunday, they only hold two sittings each month—book now so you don’t miss out for March (their next event is on Sunday 29th March). Tickets start from $95 per person, including a very elegant glass of No1 Family Estate Assemblé to start, and selection of Zealong tea.

Win A Pack Of Our Sweet, Sharp, And Creamy Conversation Cards

Image credit: Urban List NZ | Supplied

For when the cheeseboard is out, and the chat needs a little extra bite, together with Mainland, we’ve created an exclusive deck of 50 conversation starters—guaranteed to spark the deep-and-meaningfuls and the outrageous confessions. With only 500 packs up for grabs (plus a tasty $2K for one lucky winner), once they’re gone, they’re gone—so get in quick. Grab your pack here. 

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: Aarth | Supplied