AUCKLAND

It’s a sad farewell to Orphan’s Kitchen which will be waving goodbye after 11 years feeding a legion of loyal fans in Ponsonby – but watch that space as the word is the business has been sold to a pair of hospo locals who have big plans. Warm up winter with Latino tastes from Peru and Brazil, among others, at 269 Parnell, a brand new food-and-fun destination in the heart of the village where there’ll be a Mediterranean and Latin American theme, communal tables, music and a bustling weekend market, too. Esther has introduced a high tea Saturday which promises to be retro (think devilled eggs and lemon delicious cakes), with a Sean Connolly twist. Still hungry? Go Mexican at City Works Depot every Sunday morning with Tacoteca’s brunch menu featuring favourites inspired by what owners Jean Brito and Edmundo Farrera love to eat. We were saddened to hear that, in the wake of Homeland shutting up shop, two other neighbourhood eateries have closed, too: Mt Eden’s Omni and Luntian in Eden Terrace – but there are new things planned for the former Omni crew, so pencil in some space in your dining diary. Anna Haines, restaurant manager at Ahi, has also taken up the reins as general manager at sister restaurant Origine. The Pantry Park Hyatt has a midwinter Christmas feast to pep up a dreary July. If you’re over Helensville way, the kitchen at The Butcher Baker is now open later on a Sunday, so you can linger longer over a lazy roast. Get out and support local.

HAWKE’S BAY

Pop in for a cheeky wine or two at Smith & Sheth’s and raise a glass to new manager Sean Burns. For something more casual, head to Dylan Jeanne’s, a New York-style diner run by two young brothers who wanted to bring the taste of the Big Apple to the Napier high street – double-smashed burgers with fat chips look set to become a hit.

NELSON/TASMAN

Shop paddock to plate in the central city at Connings Food Market pop-up fruit and vegetable store, a welcome addition to this part of town by the family-owned business that is well known for their flagship store in Appleby.

WELLINGTON

We love to hear of a new wine bar and when the wine minds behind Plonk and Astoria launch a new wine bar 11 Woodward, we think it’s definitely worth a look. Oooh, a champagneria and beer hall combined? – head to Featherston St to find Otto, the new venture from The Champagneria. Egmont St Eatery is transforming into Egmont St Deli and Diner, focussing on sandwiches and salads, but not forgetting its much-lauded Rogue Burger. Find sweet treats and baked goods with a twist at Le Ciel in Tory St the new venture from Shuchi Bhardwaj.

QUEENSTOWN

Paul Froggatt has moved to Roki Collection, an ultra-luxe dining experience in the heart of the adventure capital. Paul won the Luxury Lodge Chef of the Year in the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2023 during his stint at Kauri Cliffs so we can’t wait to see what his fine French techniques and uber understanding of ingredients brings to his new role.