Directory

Dessert might seem like an unusual place to start a review—especially one focusing on Chinese cuisine—but then again, Cāntīng is far from your usual restaurant. 

If fine wine luxury's a bit of you (it is), you'll want to head to The College Hill Wine Room by David Nash, glass-first. 

A sublime getaway just 90 minutes from central Auckland, Ruru PurePod the tonic to a this-close-to-burnout sort of week; it's a jaw-droppingly gorgeous setting for a romantic getaway and a secluded retreat for reflection and self-care. 

The famous cinnabun from Hill House Cafe has returned to South Auckland.

From Charles and Patrick Williams—the good folks who brought us Williams, one of Tāmaki's most frothed cafes (by restaurant royalty and hungry punters alike)—comes Bowler, a bangin' salad and açaí bowl pitstop tucked inside Les Mills on Victoria Street. 

It all started as a gelato dream for Hannah Engelsman, founder and CEO (a.k.a official title as Gelato Fanatic) of Little ‘Lato. 

If Wes Anderson hung up his director's hat and opened a cafe, it'd be the kind of place with pastel margaritas, diabolically cool wallpaper, and eggs benedict topped in fluffy, candyfloss-coloured hollandaise. 

Inspired by To’ona’i traditions (Sunday brunch or feasting in Samoan) and the multicultural culinary fabric of Aotearoa coming together at the dinner table, Chef Wallace (Uelese) Mua is bringing his culinary ode to Auckland in the form of JW Marriott's Trivet. 

Forget everything you thought you knew about outlet stores—Mānawa Bay's serving bargains, but make it luxe.

Tucked away just off Karangahape Road is a boutique hotel known as Abstract. As its name suggests, Abstract brings a fresh perspective to the local hotel scene (and staycays) standing out from the crowd not least due to its tasteful theatre-inspired aesthetic. 

St Marg's has emerged from the ashes of the ol’ Thirsty Dog, complete with lush olive-green banquette seating lining sun-facing windows, pops of indoor greenery, organic cotton and rice paper lamp shades. 

It’s your lucky day every day at the Good Luck Club. 

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Greenlane, surrounded by a sea of office buildings, lies Turtle: Pizza and Pints—a hidden gem that might just be missed if one isn’t in the know. 

Neon-lit workout spaces appear to be on the rise and, as a Personal Trainer who self-identifies as a Disco Moth, I couldn't be happier.

Located in the old Misters Real Food digs on Wyndham Street, GOAT—short for "Greatest of All Taste" with love, from India—is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

There’s now one more reason to head to Auckland’s City Works Depot and that’s the addition of Norma Taps, located just a mere 20-second stroll from the legendary Best Ugly Bagels, this dapper new spot has quickly become a local favorite.

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine has traversed the Pacific to find a new home on Hurstmere Road, where it's been given a contemporary (and potentially Auckland-best) makeover. This elevated take on what is undoubtedly some of the world's most flavoursome food can be found at Hanoi Haven—a chic new eatery that's replaced the now-unrecognisable Bird On A Wire spot, fronting Takapuna's Fortieth & Hurstmere laneway.

Sweet tooth aching harder than a cavity? Energy levels at an all-time low? Perky's Coffee and Dessert Diner is here to save the day (and night!). This family-run, American vintage-inspired joint slings hot coffee, delectable bites, and signature Snow Bowls—a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s as Instagrammable as it is tasty. 

An idyllic tea space has brought all the comfort and ease of the Third Space to a champagne glass. Here, life pauses. Here, it’s all about drinking tea and blissing out. In fact, that’s exactly what the name means ‘cha’ being the Chinese word for tea and ‘bliss’, well, we could all do with more of that on the daily. 

Hankering for something golden and crispy? Look no further than this certified Newmarket favourite.

From the smoky depths of Grey Lynn, there’s a new pitmaster in town—and a hot contender for the best BBQ joint of the year.

It’s impossible to miss the giant neon-lit tiger as you wander up Durham Street West. The glowing cat 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. 

Sarah Macdonald has a grounding energy about her. Astonishing given she’s the co-founder of not one but three eateries—an impressive feat in any climate but especially so in the current economy. 

Venture down one of the smallest, most secret lanes in Auckland CBD and you’ll happen upon a bar and cellar you won’t want to leave. Sitting pretty among a florist and botanical gift shop, a Thai vegan eatery, a Japanese restaurant, and a barista, Isle On Snickel completes a micro-climate that’s a welcome relief from the frenetic energy of the city. 

As if Ponsonby Road wasn’t already our go-to for all things eating, dining and shopping, this foodie precinct / Ponsonby paradise has welcomed a new contemporary Chinese restaurant to the area.

One of Auckland’s top boutique jewellers, Diamonds on Richmond presents a beautiful collection of designs from the classic to the unique. The helpful team of jewellers can also work with you to create the perfect for that special someone (or yourself!).

If you're looking for a buzzing spot for lunch and dinner in Albany, look no further than Sum Made. 

Rising from the proverbial ashes of the old Conch digs, Nami Record Bar might just be your next favourite hangout. It’s certainly one of ours. 

Following their success in Dunedin, the team behind the popular Chinese restaurant Impression Manor has opened a new eatery in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

When *everyone* gets a rooftop spot with stunning harbour views, you know you’re in for a treat. Queens Rooftop, the 360-degree, sky-high wrap-around bar atop the Deloitte building and Commercial Bay is Auckland’s newest grand dame. 

The grande dame of Auckland dining is officially 30, and every bit as flirty and thriving. 

You would be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that ticks as many boxes as Advieh, the latest gem from acclaimed Chef Gareth Stewart. 

Never have we ever had a toasted sandwich quite like Toasty's.

When the Manurewa-based eatery Hill House Cafe got its marching orders from Nathan Homestead for seismic works our collective hearts dropped. But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Hill House has announced that they are moving to a new historic home—Pah Homestead in the stunning Monte Cecilia Park in Hillsborough. Hell yes. 

Tucked away above Parnell Road, you'll find War Pacific Island Fusion. Here, traditional Fijian cuisine is given a thoroughly modern makeover, resulting in incredible fusion-style dishes that you won't find anywhere else in Auckland (and arguably, the country)—served with a generous sprinkling of island flair. The brainchild of chef and owner Krisneel Chand who's spent over 14 years perfecting his craft in five-star resorts in Fiji, WAR (wild and raw) is his gift to the people of Auckland.

As Gloria's closed its Karangahape Road doors late last year, we were left with quite possibly the worst Christmas present on record. However, we’re back in the good books for 2024 as the sandwich shop has emerged in a brand-spanking new iteration in Auckland's Commercial Bay.

Noble Rot ain't your average wine bar (though you probably surmised that from the name). Evidenced in the countless accolades it has received since opening, which include Cuisine Magazine's 'Best Wine Experience in NZ' for three years running, there really is no better spot to enjoy a glass in Welly.

Italian food always makes our blood run hot, especially the kind coming out of the kitchen at beloved Wellington eatery, Fratelli.

Fife Lane is like your local steakhouse, on steroids (and was, in fact, named one the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2023). This Tauranga gem brings together incredible food and wine in a super chic setting, with a bespoke glass meat locker and dedicated wine room all adding to the experience.

It's been a hot minute since we had anything served to us beneath a cloche. At Embra, however, presentation is paramount so that means yes, you may encounter the occasional cloche—or perhaps shellfish bisque topped with an entire crab, albacore tuna tartare buried beneath rye crumbs and enoki mushrooms to mimic a garden, black-and-white-striped squid cannelloni, and pithiviers so beautiful, they wouldn't look out of place on the royal dining tables of old (see picture, above). We believe the proper term for this kind of cuisine is 'fine dining on steroids'.

After serving the people of Waikato for close to two decades, Palate has recently moved into a funky new premises at SkyCity Hamilton. Recognised by its greenery-clad exterior and neon yellow sign, we're already anticipating that this new version of an old favourite will be here for many more years to come.

Any restaurant that sees fit to serve doughnuts for dinner is our kind of spot (savoury doughnuts no less, pumped full of yellow curry beef and 'glazed' with kewpie mayo—see the mouthwatering evidence, above).

We're a sucker for a pretty cocktail, which means we're in big trouble when we visit Londo—because this spot has pretty cocktails coming out of its proverbial ears. Think ruby-hued clover clubs, whiskey sours the colour of sunshine and a strawberry tequila fizz that's dangerously reminiscent of the ice cream floats of our youth.

Christchurch, you're a lucky bunch with a restaurant like 5th Street in your midst. Whatever your foodie inclinations (pasta and natural wine, steak and beer, or perhaps even fried chicken washed down with a cocktail), this stylish venue has you sorted.

Still rocking the Auckland Italian food scene, Otto (formerly Cotto) is one of the top Italian restaurants in the city. This spot showcases that Italian food doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag, with their menu ranging from $8-$28 and every single dish tasting like a million bucks. 

Vibrant cocktails meet contemporary dining at Ember restaurant and The Aviary cocktail bar.

Prepare to experience the flavours of Saigon at Việtflames, where you can get your fix of Vietnamese food without even stepping on a plane. Located in Sylvia Park, this eatery has reopened in a new location in the heart of the popular Mount Wellington shopping mall. 

A brand new Chinese BBQ with a difference has opened in Newmarket.

A brand new, five-star hotel has opened at Auckland Airport and it’s set to turn what you thought you knew about airport hotels on its head. Overlooking the buzzing international terminal with spectacular runway views and out to the Manukau Heads, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland is a fascinating place to spend a few hours, a day or a night.

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—so well in fact, eating them may cause you to think you've bypassed the death part of that picture altogether, and gone straight to heaven.

Back for another season beachside gem Aryeh by Executive Chef and Restauranteur Lucas Parkinson (Wānaka's Ode) is the place to hit this summer. 

A brand new, multi-million dollar, totally immersive experience created by Hollywood set designers has opened in Auckland CBD.

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.  

Otherworldly cocktails and noodle dishes come together at The Nightcar, Auckland’s newest hidden bar and restaurant.

Clear your calendar, a sleek new hotel is opening atop Commercial Bay and you’re going to want to check in, stat. Quietly brewing behind the scenes for quite some time now, InterContinental Auckland has landed and it’s luxe incarnate. 

Following in the footsteps of one of Auckland’s most acclaimed and accolade-laden restaurants was undoubtedly an ambitious endeavour for hospo heavyweights Sid and Chand Sahrawat—let alone to open within the same location.

If you're hunting for the perfect rejuvenating gift for yourself or a loved one this Christmas look no further than Tronque x Tonic Room's gorgeous Summer Glow-up Body Treatment.

The wonderful world of Japanese-Italian cuisine has just landed in Ponsonby. The name ‘Itameshi’ is the Japanese word for Italian food and, in essence, that’s exactly what’s being served. While you could call it ‘fusion’, a word that’s become a catch-all phrase for culinary eclecticism (which there’s nothing wrong with, by the way), we hesitate to do so—as Itameshi’s menu, created by 30-year-old chef Roy Yu, is elevated in a way we’ve never seen before. 

If you're looking for the best breakfast in Te Atatū—or Auckland, even—let us introduce you to Neil Cafe. Nestled in the heart of Te Atatū Peninsula along Neil Avenue (get it?), this groovy little spot is serving up some seriously delish brunch dishes, including a game-changing take on poached eggs.

Community is queen when it comes to places we love to hang out but it’s not a vibe that’s exactly easy to pull off. You will, however, find it by the gallon (or should we say pint) at Side Hustle, the newest addition to Morningside Precinct.