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.

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Forget Black Friday Sales On Tech, Get Cookies Instead

Image credit: Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar | Supplied (Photography by Craving @cravingnz)

Move over Black Friday, make it Moustache Cookie Snack Friday—and get your limited edition Moustache Cookie plush toy (in Choc chunk or Oreo marshmallow) with their limited edition VIP cookie packs. They’ve already sold out of their allocated 100 over the weekend, but have just released their limited edition Christmas supply (another 100 plushies), so jump online and get your early Christmas treats sorted.  

Krispy Kreme Just Dropped Their Festive Doughnut Collection

Image credit: Krispy Kreme | Supplied

Upgrade the O.G. Glaze, because Krispy Kreme is dropping their Merry and Bright festive collection this Wednesday 26th November, right up until Christmas Day (at selected stores across Tāmaki Makaurau and delivery to select postcodes too). The festive line-up includes choc Kreme-filled Santa Belly doughnuts (with a sugar belt top), Christmas Cookie Crumb filled with spiced custard and topped with sprinkles, plus cute choc wafer and pretzel garnished Christmas tree and reindeer doughnuts. 

You’re Invited To Pici’s Big Five Birthday Party

Image credit: Pici | Vicki Young 

Pici are celebrating five years of delicious pasta and natural wines on Karangahape road this Friday 28th November, at Pici Wine Bar. With magnums pouring and DJs on deck, join them in celebrating the five years (and here’s to many more). Happy Birthday Pici!

Kākāpō Distillery Is Opening Their Cellar Door This Weekend

Image credit: Kākāpō Distillery | Vicki Young

Tāmaki Makaurau-based Kākāpō Gin are opening their cellar door to their micro-distillery this Saturday 29th November, in Whangaparāoa. They’re the first B Corp certified distillery in Aotearoa, with a brand new look (look out for the beautiful blue recycled gin bottles) and are all about supporting the hard mahi of kākāpō recovery (with 10% of their profits going towards the cause) while making award-winning gin. From floral Mānuka Honey and Elderflower to a spiced Kawakawa and Pink Peppercorn—there's something for every mood. Pop in for a free tasting, then find a sunny spot by the bar with a refreshing G&T, from 11am-6pm this Saturday (and selected dates online). 

Boogie To A 24 Hour DJ Set Raising Money To Support Movember

Image credit: Queens Rooftop | Supplied

Head to Queens Rooftop for the last week of Movember, a month of raising awareness on men’s health in November. From 12pm Friday 28th to Saturday 29th November, DJ Tim Richards will be spinning the decks non-stop for 24 hours, raising $10,000 to support men’s mental health, suicidie prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer for Movember. Get your Saturday brekkie boogie on with a side of Allpress coffee, Morning Made matcha and a Bloody Mary Cart, plus a set menu with granola and bacon butties. Donate over on DJ Tim Richards’ Mo Space. 

A Cute New Bar Called Kisi Just Opened In Ōtautahi

Image credit: Gatherings. | Instagram (@gatheringschch)

Gatherings in Ōtautahi have just opened up a small 14 seat space around the back of Gatherings in time for summer, with their official opening party this Saturday 29th November. Named after the Georgian grape varietal, Kisi, has been a long time coming. Complete with an outdoor area, it’s the perfect space for a post-Gatherings dinner tipple or glass of amber wine in the sun.

Start Your Sundays With This Epic Lebanese Breakfast Menu

Image credit: Za’atar Bakehouse | Vicki Young 

Starting this Sunday, the Lebanese Grocer is offering their Lebanese breakfast menu (from 10am-2pm). Weekends are for Lebanese coffee and manoushe-inspired breakfast offerings—flatbreads filled with spiced meats and gooey cheese, piping hot and fresh out of the oven, with the toasty smell of za’atar (which side-note, is made from a family recipe using oregano grown and sun-dried at his parents’ very own garden in Pōneke). If you’ve missed their Za’atar Bakehouse pop-up on Saturdays, then take this as a sign to make this your next Sunday breakfast ritual. 

Head To Sylvia Park For Lindt Ice Cream, Milkshakes And All The Choc

Image credit: Lindt New Zealand | Supplied

Lindt has opened their second boutique chocolate store at Sylvia Park in Tāmaki Makaurau (and third store in Aotearoa). Just like the Mānawa Bay and Queenstown stores, the latest Sylvia Park store is kitted out with all the Lindt chocolate drinks and crema gelata ice cream, Christmas goodies (Irish cream truffles, anyone?), the Lindt pick-and-mix truffle station, as well as the latest Dubai-style chocolate (with dark and white chocolate variations too). Make your way to check out the brand new store at Sylvia Park, stat. 

La Marée Has Launched A Lush Spring-Summer Menu

Image credit: La Maree, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour | Supplied

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour’s newly-opened waterfront restaurant La Marée has launched a new Spring/Summer menu, showcasing Executive Chef Maninder Singh Panesar’s approach to French-inspired cuisine with Aotearoa ingredients. From Waiheke’s Te Matuku oysters with rhubarb mignonette, to venison tartare with blueberries and truffle to start, plus mains that celebrate Aotearoa—like Hawkes Bay lamb rump, and long-line market fish with Cloudy Bay clams. Don’t leave without a sweet treat from the dedicated dessert menu. Choose from classic flavours presented in playful and fun ways—like their chocolate, caramel and coffee cubes (filled with crémeux, chocolate pavé and coffee-infused ice cream) or a tangy lime meringue pie shaped like a lime (with a crisp green shell, that when cracked, reveals tangy lime curd and mousse inside). Check out the full menu here. 

Auckland Bagel Club Just Opened Up Another Spot

Image credit: Auckland Bagel Club Ponsonby | Vicki Young

Popular Korean deli and dessert spot, Auckland Bagel Club, has expanded to their second store in Meadowland, Howick—opened last Saturday 22nd November. For those who have been to their Ponsonby shop when it opened last year, will know about that signature ABC bagel's fluffy and moist texture (which is totally different to the New York and honeyed Montréal-style varieties) and packed-fillings which makes Auckland Bagel Club unique. Plus their basque cheesecakes will have any cheesecake diehard drooling over all the flavour options. Word on the street is that mango mochi soufflé is everyone's pick post-bagel too—run, don’t walk. 

DineAid Kicks off Their 13th Annual Christmas Campaign

Image credit: DineAid | Supplied (Photography of Hello Beasty owners by Vanessa Wu)

This month until the end of December will see 61 restaurants across Aotearoa take part in DineAid’s annual Christmas campaign, raising money for the city missions in the lead-up to Christmas. The campaign raised over $70K last year, with the top 10 restaurant fundraisers from Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Whanganui-a-Tara (with Hello Beasty raising the most, with over $5550 last year). Diners have the option to donate $3 to their bill or add $1-3 to a popular dish or cocktail, with all funds raised going to the City Mission closest to their city or region. Jump online to check out the list of participating restaurants this year here and book with them to support the cause. 

Ahi Is Bringing Aoteaora Hospitality To Shanghai

Image credit: Ahi x W Shanghai - The Bund | Supplied (Photography by Graeme Kennedy)

This month, Chef Ben Bayly (of Ahi, Origine, Aosta, Little Aosta, The Bathhouse and Blue Door) and his team have transformed The Kitchen Table at W Shanghai - The Bund into ‘Ahi Shanghai.’ Inspired by Chef Ben’s travels in China, the collaborative pop-up opened to the public earlier this week. The space has been redesigned especially for the collab, and hotel’s Wet Deck has also transformed into “The Bach Shanghai,” representing summer bach vibes in Aotearoa. Visitors can experience a slice of Aotearoa in Shanghai—complete with Aotearoa wines, oysters and a fancy take on the Kiwi classic meat pie, all while overlooking the Bund skyline. 

Bellbird Eatery Has A New Chef-Owner And Is Entering A New Culinary Era 

Image credit: Chetan Pangam/Bellbird Eatery | Supplied 

Chef Chetan Pangam (previously Executive Chef at One80 for over 14 years, a huge hospo advocate in Te Whanganui-a-Tara and two-time champ for Visa WOAP Burger Welly in 2023/24) has just announced his new venture as chef-owner of Bellbird Eatery, at Dowse Art Museum’s on-site eatery in Lower Hutt. While Chef Chetan tells me that there aren’t many changes with the menu just yet—emphasising slow and steady vibes (and locals will be pleased to know crowd faves like the cheese scone will remain), we’re buzzing he’s got his own space and can’t wait to see the eatery grow with his culinary direction. Keep up to date with their upcoming dinner service kicking off later this month on their socials here. 

We’re Saying Yes To Game-Changing Gluten-Free Baking With A Scoop Of Ice Cream

Image credit: Giapo | Vicki Young

Team Giapo have stepped out of the freezer and into the oven with their latest addition to their treats menu—Giapo Baking. With freshly-baked, fluffy gluten-free baking (think cinnamon rolls, hokey pokey cookies, and my fave—chocolate-dipped donuts with crunchy cacao nibs and the softest interior) made daily from the talented crew at Giapo. I’ve been a long-time fan of their cookies (without even realising they’re all gluten-free) and can confirm their latest baking offerings are just as incredible. It’s a game-changer for your gluten-free friends and fam, and a must-visit—especially when the GF mates are in town. Jump on the Giapo app or pop in-store to check out what’s coming out of the oven and on offer each day. Ice-cream scoop addition to baking encouraged. 

Head To Muriwai For The Summer Food Truck And Beach Combo

Image credit: Local Legend Eats | Supplied (Photography by Paul Menezes Creative @pmcreatives)

Pack your togs and appetite, burger legends Local Legend Eats and their newest food offering Tacotearoa, are parking up west Tāmakai Makaurau ways at the beach. If you’ve had their burgs over the years across Tāmaki Makaurau at gigs and markets, then you’ll understand the hype. From Tacotearoa’s signature birria taco, to the legends’ burger menu featuring low and slow brisket—plus that famous hot honey fried chicken burger (pro tip: don’t forget a side of lava-cheese fries). They'll be parking up outside the old Sand Dunz Beach Café spot on select days. Check out their socials for opening days and times (they’ll change slightly with their truck travelling over summer gig season too).

Get A Taste of Cantonese And Shanghai Flavours Together On This New Menu

Image credit: Huami | Supplied

Huami by SkyCity has appointed a new Head Chef, He Jia, after a global search to bring exceptional Chinese flavours to Tāmaki Makaurau. Originally from Nanjing, China, Chef He Jia has over two decades of international experience—bringing flavours from his hometown, as well as drawing inspiration from other regions across China. His new menu at Huami blends Cantonese and Shanghai flavours with modern techniques—with new dishes like sautéed green river shrimp, a textural mushroom and macadamia medley, and XO scallops to name a few featured alongside Huami old faves. They'll still be serving those crispy tobasco prawns, that wood-roasted Peking duck (with the perfect skin) and their intricate hand-made dim sum classics too. Expect a flavoursome and exciting journey exploring some of the incredible styles of Chinese cuisine.

This Pōneke Brunch Spot Is Opening Nights With Pasta And More

Image credit: Volco | Instagram

I’ve been chatting to the Volco crew the past few months and it’s been a long time coming with all their hard work behind the scenes—they’re now bringing their dinner-time offerings at their newest Volco spot on Egmont from Thursday 6th November. From brunch to dinner, Volco on Egmont is going to be popping off on the laneway. We’re eyeing up pig’s head and guanciale croquettes, lamb and bone marrow pappardelle and lip-smacking eggplant with olio santo (literally meaning holy oil, a.k.a. that vibrant red, Italian-style chilli oil).  

Hungry for more? Check out the hottest new openings you need to know about here. 

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Main Image Credit: Moustache Milk & Cookie Bar | Supplied (Photography by Craving @cravingnz)