AUCKLAND

On Coates Ave, Ōrākei, Maple & Marble is a new butchery outlet for the brand’s Speckle Park cattle, a breed renowned for its exceptional marbling, tenderness and flavour (and while you’re there pop next door to our fave Good Day, grab a coffee and a bite and say hi to Jacqui and Dan). Ever-popular Williams now has a little cousin in Bowler, a salad bowl, smoothies and wellness food spot tucked in Les Mills on Victoria St. A new opening by Nic Watt is something to get excited about, so get over to Commercial Bay to see Cāntīng, a modern Chinese restaurant and bar offering up Nic’s take on Chinese cuisine, blending flavours from across Asia and serving yum cha every day. Head to Milford and check out Olle, a new fusion spot with modern Asian-Kiwi dishes in chic surrounds. There’s a brand new Little ‘Lato parlour scooping the award-winning goods on Ponsonby Rd – what’s your favourite summer scoop? Korean-inspired baking and very good coffee is the offer at Bricks, newly opened in Takapuna. Bringing the buzz of live sport into the heart of Britomart, Tyler St Sport is a new sport-focussed bar, but with a menu developed by Soul Bar’s Gavin Doyle you can guarantee food that’s a cut above the usual match-day offering. There’s nothing better than fish and chips on the beach and Takapuna Beach Café’s pop-up Fish & Chip Shop has all the classics, served all summer long. Alfie Ingham (ex Hugo’s Bistro) is filling big shoes as he takes over as head chef at Ada, stepping in as Kia Kanuta takes a break from the stresses of cheffing. Still under wraps, but watch out for Meditaste, a purveyor of fine foods from the Med, cosying up in West Lynn shops in the space vacated by Harvest Wholefoods. As if we needed any more reasons to head to Clevedon, Farm House Café is the latest venture from the team behind Hill House Café at Pah Homestead and there’s all the goodness we’ve come to love (including the signature cinnabuns) in a lush country setting. The Vegan Treatory now has an IRL cookie shop in Ponsonby Central with all your favourites. The Hibiscus Coast gets the treatment with Juno, a new venture from the team behind Slowlane and The Breakfast Club with Insta-ready breakfasts and lunches. In the K Rd space that was formerly The Thirsty Dog, St Marg’s does everything from lunch to late and is just perfect for a cocktail and dinner from chef Patrick Markus (ex Ada).

WHITIANGA

Head to the recently renovated Salt in Whitianga where father and son team Guto Souza and Gabriel Souza (of The Church Bistro in Hahei) have a new venture, so settle onto the deck overlooking the marina and enjoy.

MOUNT MAUNGANUI

What was The Fat Cow is now Rare, a summer pop up promising premium steak, seafood, cocktails and fine wine.

WELLINGTON

At Half Baked in Te Aro, the cabinet is loaded with want-it-now cakes, cookies and desserts all vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free that look so good because they are so good. Head to Cuba St to get your fill of Cheeky Bunns – soft baos, chewy dumplings or fluffy puffs, your choice. Also on Cuba, The Regent is a cocktail pub and boasts the best balcony in the city – check it out for yourself while you watch the bustle of Cuba St below. In a city that knows its burgers, dash over to Mad Dog, the latest slinger on Boulcott St. The name says it all at Wellington Sourdough, where cool-fermented sourdough is the biz (but stay for a coffee, too). The team at The Bond Street Deli proves there’s so much more to a kosher deli than just bagels, with brisket knish a winner.

CHRISTCHURCH

In the heart of The Welder on Welles Street, watch out for Ciao, a modern European dining bar with an Italian-inspired vibe, European and local wine, all-day espresso and classic cocktails.

DUNEDIN

At the foot of Hereweka/Harbour Cone, Augustines of Portobello Farmstore and Kitchen offers the chance to enjoy Augustine’s luxury preserves fresh from the kitchen, plus a seasonal menu for brunch or lunch. Top to toe small bites, from tacos and croquettes to lamb skewers and gnocchi, are on offer at Graze & Glow on Lower Stuart St where everything on the menu costs $9. After the closure of bakery Side On, Alan and Renée have just opened Big Lizard Ōtepoti in Vogel St – a deli-style takeaway with coffee, sandwiches and their famous Side On-style pastries. Building on the success of The Swan Cafe and Bar, owner Dane Wall has opened Commons (next to the Dunedin Public Art Gallery) a restaurant, bar and café with a European sharing-style menu and a mid-century aesthetic.