Never miss an event, new opening or hyped bite again—get us in your inbox by joining Urban List Insiders. Become an insider
Urban List
  • Home
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Perth
  • Brisbane
  • Gold Coast
  • Sunshine Coast
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • Features
  • Best Of NZ
  • Things To Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Health + Wellness
  • Entertainment
  • Pets
  • Travel
  • More
    • Support Us
    • Subscribe
    • Directory
    • News
    • Brisbane, Redefined
    • Disney Cruise
    • Gift Guides
    • The Capsule Edit
Food & Drink

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

Written by:
Vicki Young
Contributor | Urban List NZ
13th Aug 2025

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).

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

Get Ready for Flavour And Ferments at Alt. Ramen Pop-Up

Someplace Somewhere’s Chef Owner Kane looks on over mid-serviceImage credit: Someplace Somewhere | Supplied (Emily Raftery @emilyrafteryphotography)

Someplace Somewhere are popping up again in Tāmaki Makaurau—this time with a ramen forward menu, and for one night only. For those who managed to get a sold-out spot to their OOH-FA takeover on Monday 11th August, and for those lucky enough to try Chef Kane’s food (from Naarm to Tāmaki) you’ll know Someplace Somewhere’s ethos is all about flavour—funky ferments alongside culinary nods to his love of Japanese cuisine. Inspired by their travels through Japan, Kane takes a deep dive into the art of ramen and adds his own touch—every next-level component is made by the chef himself. We’re talkin’ miso, mussel tare, white soy, peach furikake and homemade umeshu to name a few special treats pulled from his very own larder. Keep an eye on socials for their next pop-up drop.

Indulge Your Inner Diva with Late Night Tuesdays At Auckland Museum

A three-tiered high tea stand with all the delectable goodies from Tuitui Museum Bistro and Cafe in AucklandImage credit: Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café | Vicki Young

If you haven’t been to the immersive glam and star-studded Diva exhibition at Auckland Museum, then this is your sign to go. Even better, go on late night (date night) Tuesdays and treat your inner diva with the Diva-themed high tea beforehand at Tuitui Museum Bistro & Café inside the museum. Enjoy three tiers of treats, with our fave bite from Chef Billy and the team being their super soft, eggy truffle mushroom roll—plus a tipple of choice, like house bubbles or a classic cocktail (say less). Bring yourself and the bestie, it’s $89 for two people (excluding your Diva exhibition ticket). Book here. 

Grab A Seat At This Garden Dinner Table To Support A Local Community Farm 

An array of produce from Kelmarna Community Farm’s website pageImage credit: Kelmarna Community Farm | Website

Join Kelmarna Community Farm and Ozone Coffee for a delicious new collaboration this Wednesday 13th August at Ozone in Tāmaki. ‘Edible Conversations’ will explore local, sustainable food production and low waste kitchen practices over a four course dinner made of locally-sourced, nose-to-tail, and root-to-tip ingredients. With wild greens, seasonal produce and lamb sourced from Kelmarna, the menu is specially curated by Ozone’s Head Chef Dean Lewis—with 50% of the proceeds going towards raising funds to support Kelmarna’s educational and therapeutic work in the community. Grab your tickets here.

This Fave Neighbourhood Cafe Just Became A Cocktail Bar By Night

Sleek minimalist fit-out at Juno at The Greenhouse in Grey Lynn, AucklandImage credit: Juno | Supplied

When John and Jamie opened up Juno at The Greenhouse after closing up Omni last year (R.I.P. to pillow-soft sandos and the crispiest tempura eggplant ever), we got to see another side of their culinary talents—in the form of lush, daytime cafe offerings. Breakfast never felt more enticing (converting even the non-breakfast eaters)—from creamy porridge laden with poached seasonal fruit, to hearty seeded toast with mayo-cloaked eggs and pops of anchovies, and we can’t forget that vienna (complete with a thick layer of aerated cream over chilled, citrus-infused americano). Back in December, they had plans to open a wine and cocktail bar, and we can confirm it’s worth the wait. Opening this Friday 15th August, expect offerings from Chef John like a changing rotation of fresh kaimoana, classic steak tartare, crudités, cheese selection and dessert—alongside your glass of wine by the bar. 

Head To K’Road For A Dill-licious Dinner And Winter Disco Inferno This Weekend

Lechon pork and a pickletini sitting pretty at Bar MagdaImage credit: Bar Magda | Supplied (Egor Petrov)

Pickle-loving food and drink enthusiasts, assemble. Bar Magda are opening up the dance floor this Saturday 16th August for a one-off, special pickle gin-inspired cocktail event featuring Big Dill Pickle Gin and Peddlers Gin. Enjoy a shared dinner featuring dishes like gin-cured salmon, lechon pork and dill sauce over layers of kumara gratin—and don't forget a compulsory pickletini or two before you hit the dance floor with DJs Omar S and Another Anna on the decks. Book here.  

Make Your Way Down South For Honey Baked Brie And Boozy Hot Chocs

A decadent hot chocolate from Victoria Lounge Ōamaru as part of the Great Waitaki Warm-Up FestivalImage credit: Victoria Lounge Oamaru | Instagram

Embrace the last week of the Great Waitaki Warm Up in Ōamaru, wrapping up this Saturday 16th August. Ōamaru’s favourite cafés, bars and restaurants have released special winter warmer menus featuring four different takes on decadent hot chocolates (including of the boozy variety), baked brie with spiced honey and toast, slow-cooked bone broth, mulled wine or gin, and hot toddies. For the full line-up and details, check out the Waitaki App here. 

Drop Everything, Burger Welly Season Is Now In Full Swing 

Zelati’s plant-based burger inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate sits in a blue background for this year’s Wellington On A Plate Burger Welly FestivalImage credit: Zelati | Supplied (Tessa Calogaras @tessacalogaras)

Visa Wellington On A Plate have kicked off their month-long food festival in Te Whanganui-A-Tara. With over 200 burgers kicking off Burger Wellington (and a Double Vision Brewing pint to match), events and pop-ups with themed menus, unique restaurant experiences and international guests, we’ll be eating our way from breakfast through to dessert—including this viral Dubai chocolate number, remixed into a plant-based burger form from Zelati. Make your last burger (meal) of the day a dark chocolate gelato and pistachio creme knafeh one, sandwiched in a pistachio-buttered, chocolate brioche-style bun. 

Cue The Tears, Neat Cakes Is Shutting Up Shop

Jack in the Neat Cakes kitchen. Image credit: Neat Cakes  | Instagram

Tears were indeed shed as I watched a reel this week announcing the closure of the one-and-only Neat Cakes (the sentimental backing track from T. Swift certainly didn't help). Jack Orsbourn has been churning out some of Auckland's most incredible cakes from her kitchen on Dominion Road for the past two-and-a-half-years (though her baking journey started far, far before that) but sadly, the time for her unique brand of plant-based goodness has come to an end as she faces continued uncertainty around the shop's lease, and takes a well-earned break. The shop's official last day of trade will be on Saturday 23 August (though nationwide delivery will be available until Wednesday 27 August, and there'll also be a bake sale for Gaza in collaboration with other venues on Sunday 24 August. Get all the final date details here). In a heartfelt Insta post to her customers, Jack writes: “There’s a million things I want to say but most importantly I want to say thank you for loving my cakes and accepting me for who I am. I’m sure I will share a few more words over the next month and lots of tears so please make the most of coming into the shop while you can.” When really, the thanks should go to you, Jack, for your incredible contribution to the cake scene here in Auckland, and beyond. —Kathryn Steane

A Month-Long Winter Festival Has Descended On Auckland's Viaduct, And It's Fire

Fiery cocktails at Grape & Olive. Image credit: Grape & Olive  | Instagram

Things are getting heated at Auckland's Viaduct this month, with the launch of the first-ever By The Fire festival. Described as 'a curated, precinct-wide celebration of warmth, ritual, and connection, all inspired by the elemental power of fire,' this festival runs throughout August and features themed eats and drinks from many of the area's best dining destinations. Look out for Hello Beasty's food cart, serving dishes hot off the hibachi grill—an ember-charred, flame-grilled, smoke-infused lunch courtesy of Esther—and warming winter cocktails from the likes of Grape & Olive (pictured), Bivacco, and Frida Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar. Don't forget to also check out the incredible bonfire sculpture complete with log seating, crafted by local lighting genius, Angus Muir. —Kathryn Steane

And It's That Time Again, Auckland—Restaurant Month

A plate topped with a slice of Bombe Alaska. Image credit: Heart Of The City  | Website

And finally, in case you hadn't already heard, August is also Restaurant Month here in Auckland. In foodie speak, that means a whole lot of exclusive events to sink your teeth into along with menus at three price points ($30, $45, or $55+), each designed to deliver serious bang for your buck. As usual, eateries around the city are pulling out all the stops, with some of my fave offerings including a noodle crawl (why hasn't anyone thought of this sooner?), a 1920's speakeasy-style takeover of La Zeppa, and a collab between SOUL and Aussie Restaurant Bar of the Year 2024, Icebergs. —Kathryn Steane

An Epic Spring Food Festival Has Entered The Chat With 70 Events Across Two Months

A spread of lush looking dishes at Bivacco. Image credit: Savour Group  | Website

The team at Savour Group have cooked up some of Auckland's best eateries (Bivacco, Azabu, Ortolana, Ebsiu and Non Solo Pizza amongst them). And now they're cooking up more than 70 unmissable food and drink experiences across 18 venues as part of their Spring Food Festival, running from August through September. Incredibly, some events have already sold out but if you're interested in an Aperol-fuelled ladies lunch at Bivacco (18th August-12th October), a garden-to-glass wine dinner at Ortolana (10th August) or my personal fave, a night of fire, flavour and fine whisky with THE Colin Fassnidge, presented in partnership with Glenfiddich and also at Bivacco (24th September), jump on over to their website and secure tix while you still can. —Kathryn Steane​

What else is new? Here are the best new openings in Auckland you need to check out.

Main image credit: Someplace Somewhere | Supplied (Steff Mitchell)

Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.

Never miss an event, new opening or hyped bite again—get us in your inbox by joining Urban List Insiders. BECOME AN INSIDER

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

Subscribe

Follow Us

Get our top stories direct to your inbox.

Subscribe

More On …

Food Organic Branded Content Couples News Sponsored Content Australia Shop Nightlife Best Of Auckland Wellness Sustainability Trending Fashion
Connect With Us

Urban List acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, live and play. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and future, and acknowledge the Māori of Aotearoa as traditional Tangata Whenua.

About
About Us Our Cities Our Team Editorial Policy Support Us
Contact
Contact Us Careers Subscribe Advertising & Partnerships
Urban List
© LABORE Pty Ltd 2025 Terms Privacy Advertising Terms