AUCKLAND

A big new step for Luntian, which opens its first permanent spot in Minnie St, Eden Terrace – get there quick for Angel Apun’s fab plant-based Filipino and Asian-inspired dishes at Lot23. If you know your smash burgers you’ll know Baby G Burgers from its wildly popular pop-ups around town – now it’s in a full-time space in the Avondale shops. Norma Taps promises a first-of-its-kind experience where, in the quest for sustainability and innovation, everything will be run off tap (cocktails, spirits, wines and beer), reducing the need for single-use bottles. Food media personality Albert Cho has jumped into his very first venue, as co-owner (with David Lee) of Tobi, where European classics with nostalgic Kiwi elements will be the focus, a deviation for David whose stable has starred the Asian-fusion genre. Sad to see the closure of Nic Watt’s restaurant Inca Newmarket, which closed in Westfield in November, though Inca Ponsonby remains open and taking bookings. Hospo powerhouses Jordan and Sarah Macdonald, owners of Duo Eatery, have opened the doors of their new Italian eatery Osteria Uno right next door to its big brother. Whether you feel like eating Spanish or Korean tonight, there’s no need to choose at Bonita in Ellerslie which marries the two and adds drinks to match. Sean Yarbrough, the face behind cult taco pop-up Broke Boy Tacos, is taking the leap and opening a permanent spot on New North Rd in Mount Albert. One of Auckland’s premier patisseries, Mibo, has opened its second shop in Wynyard Quarter – get queuing for all your favourite pastries. Café Ditto is the coolest little coffee shop to join the burgeoning roll call of spots in Uptown and once the coffee machine closes the space will host art classes and creative workshops at night. Vying for that ‘coolest in Uptown’ title is Holiday, minimalist in everything except the superb coffee. And while you’re in that neighbourhood and in the mood for Korean-style doughnuts, Small Mercies has all your sweet-toothed needs covered. Breathing frenetic energy into the revamped Elliott Stables, Jungle 8 is the newest venture from the team behind Ponsonby’s ever-popular Lucky 8 and Mount Eden-based Mr Hao, and most items on the Vietnamese-inspired menu cost $8.88. Sad to say goodbye to Ponsonby Rd’s cocktail spot Clipper, but taking over the space is First Class Cocktails, a bottled cocktail shop by day and a haven of cocktail excellence on weekend nights. We thought Receptionist couldn’t get any better – how do you improve on top-notch coffee and delectable pastries? – but a new location just off Queen St in the CBD proves us wrong. Spinning glitter-ball, velvet-curtains, hidden karaoke room and David Bowie-inspired cocktails all herald Rocketman, the new bar from the team behind Deadshot and Caretaker.

HAMILTON

MADE is a brand-new precinct packed floor to ceiling with food and drink as well as art, ceramics, homewares, fashion, even golf. For the best of Hamilton’s new openings see.

WELLINGTON

Dee’s Place is an underground cavern of style oozing cool and funk on Cuba St. Gemini Café has just opened in a new spot on Brandon St for goodies such as chicken croffle with a honey-mustard glaze or prawn and egg croissants. Gather a crowd and head to Babaili in Johnsonville for Chinese-style hotpot. Touted as a cheerful, irreverent bistrotheque, Plonk serves casual, snacky small plates by head chef Conor McDonald with James Pask and features live music to groove you along on Customhouse Quay. We’re betting that Orange on Cuba St will be your new go-to for a coffee on the go and a little bite to take with it. Mansfield St Roastery Café is the new Newtown home of Peoples Coffee, where they’ll showcase the entire coffee journey from bean to cup.

NELSON

Forsters Restaurant at Moutere Hills is currently up for sale with a probable closure date at the end of November – good luck for the future.

BLENHEIM

Nestled in a lovely garden setting at the Vines Village, the newly opened Gin Shack has world-class Roots gin, G&T on tap, cocktails, DJs – with a menu by Sam Webb we’d be happy to settle in and make a night of it. Marlborough supports a world of artisan produce and now it’s all available at The Cranky Pantry in Riverlands, the latest idea from the cheesemakers at Cranky Goat.

DUNEDIN

The iconic Best Café enters a new stage of life as Jessica Marks hands over to new owners Greg Hay and Andy Brinsley.