AUCKLAND

Michael Meredith has now opened Mr Morris in Britomart at the old Café Hanoi site. As well as the 70-seat dining space with big round booths and sofas, the building’s former loading dock has been transformed into a conservatory and the bank vault is now Mrs Morris, a 20-person private dining room. In a boost to the over-the-bridge scene, new wine bar & bistro Stanley Avenue Wine Bar & Bistro has opened in the north shore suburb of Milford, with a team that boasts enviable experience. Lobster & Wagyu – the name says it all, so head to the rooftop of the Seafarer’s in Britomart and enjoy lobster rolls, classic wagyu burgers and a stunning view to boot. Mt Albert has been getting a rush of new blood of late and the latest, Young George, offers Japanese-style sandos in an environment that celebrates community. The historic Mission House in Mission Bay welcomes Azabu striking out from its Ponsonby base to bring Japanese-Peruvian fare and a toes-in-sand gin garden to the eastern bays. Fresh corn tortillas made from scratch onsite is the boast at Grey Lynn’s La Mexicana, fashioned into mini tacos that will see this cute place packed out in no time.

 

Continuing to showcase Auckland’s regional artisan producers, urban farmers’ market Scarecrow now has a second location on Mt Eden Road, following on from the success of its flagship store in the heart of the city. On Ponsonby Road, get right along to Dedwood Deli for when you just have to have a sandwich and gelato, right now. Chefs Hayden Phiskie and Johnny Price (formerly of Cotto) have opened Ada, offering Italian-style dishes in the newly opened splendour of boutique residence The Convent Hotel, on Great North Road. Vegan ice-cream makers Good Habit has put down permanent roots in Parnell to scoop its dairy-free ice cream. Refurbished as part of The Hotel Britomart project, the atmospheric laneway of the heritage Masonic House is home to Kingi, an all-day restaurant focussing on sustainable seafood, led by Tom Hishon and Josh Helm of Orphans Kitchen. Head to Churly’s Brew Pub & Eatery, the Behemoth Brewing Company’s new-ish home in Mount Eden, serving all its fab craft beer and pretty good food, too. Coco’s Cantina welcomes new head chef Dan Edwards, a new menu and, wait for it, a new pizza oven, to create got-to-have pizzas such as mushroom, pinenut, taleggio and rocket.

HAWKE’S BAY

Hawke’s Bay restaurant St Georges has launched its summer kitchen for 2020 – set among the vines and nestled a stone’s throw from the restaurant’s organic gardens, it’s perfect for whiling away a lazy afternoon or evening.

WELLINGTON

You can’t miss Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina & Taco Joint on Queen’s Wharf – all your Tex-Mex favourites and burgers, too.

PORIRUA

Welcome T Bay Café to Titahi Bay – grab a coffee and something to munch before heading for a surf. Or if bubble tea is your thing, head to Bubble Tree on Harlem Place.

MARLBOROUGH

The Marlborough Lodge has a new name, The Marlborough, and a swanky fresh look for its restaurant Harvest, with a refurbished interior and a lunchtime dining deck. In the kitchen the new chef, Toby Stuart, promises great results from the region’s first Mibrasa charcoal oven.

LYTTELTON

Near the harbour in Lyttelton, Arbour Woodfired Pizza is a new restaurant reminiscent of a giant glass house – look out for the repurposed 120-year-old Lyttelton fishing boat doing duty as the bar. The owners raise their own pigs for speciality cured meats but offer an extensive vegan menu, too.

WANAKA

Delighted to hear that after a doozy of a time, Ode is set to relaunch in mid-December with new partners.