AUCKLAND

Trolley-service Champagne – need we say more! – well, go on, The Nightcar on Queen St has all the buzz of a hidden cocktail bar and noodle dishes to slurp on, too. Cotto has become Otto with a team of new owners keen to usher in a fresh start for their loyal staff, suppliers and customers. At the Grand Millennium Auckland on Mayoral Drive, find Ember a casual bistro under the eye of chef James Kenny and The Aviary cocktail bar in the atrium. Kookoo is a new Dominion Rd spot bringing trad Korean flavours to diners – try the Korean-style whole chicken served with sticky rice. Is it a restaurant, is it a bar, wait there’s a DJ and live music – with the biggest outdoor terrace in central Auckland, Darling on Drake can be whatever you want it to be. Hunt down Hustle BBQ in Newmarket to find Chinese-style barbecue that will have you table-top grilling wagyu beef rib, ribeye steak, pork belly and whole prawns, plus chicken wings, squid and plenty of vegetables. Pitt St’s Lebanese Grocer has unveiled a brand new coffee spot next door – why not pick up some homemade labneh or hummus while you are there. Lush and sleek, The Emerald brings a note of glamour and a menu of modern bistro food to Greenwoods Corner. Watch out for That Sando Guy, a food truck earning its stripes with a unique blend of Japanese and Korean-inspired sandwiches – initially at 955 New North Road. The best regional Chinese specialities are on offer at Impression Auckland in Mt Eden, and judging by the popularity of its sister restaurant in Dunedin it’s definitely worth a visit. Neighbourhood favourite Knead on Benson is expanding it’s outlook, taking over the premises next door to create a Euro-style deli, Knead Next Door, and they’ll even offer gelato and sorbet made by co-business Takapuna Beach Café. Tinfeny’s is a delicious new Cambodian restaurant set in the vibrant Ponsonby Central precinct. The team behind Bar Celeste on K Rd has unveiled a new deli in Commercial Bay – Gloria’s will certainly ramp up your lunchtime options.

HAMILTON

Palate, first opened in 2005 by owner- chef Mat Mclean, has a sparkling new venue right at the entrance to SkyCity – a new location but still a strong focus on local and seasonal food, now enhanced by the flavours from a wood-fired asado.

NAPIER

We’re sad to say goodbye to Zeelandt craft brewery and Cone & Flower restaurant after insurmountable challenges following Cyclone Gabrielle.

HASTINGS

Hurry to Matangi Butchery in Heretaunga St where you’ll find a state-of-the-art butchery, bespoke dry ageing facilities, a showroom featuring the Matangi Beef story and a shopping area all dedicated to delivering the best grass-fed Angus beef, farmed just a few kilometres from the shop.

WELLINGTON

Farewell to Wellington beer bar (and one of Wellington’s best venues for jazz and blues) Hashigo Zake which has closed, with its owners citing COVID-19 and Wellington Water roadworks as major contributors. Pick up some gorgeous pastries and tea latte from Glou Glou in Allen St that are almost too pretty to eat… almost (and Supreme Coffee, too).

DUNEDIN

Famous for its enormous ice creams, crowd favourite Rob Roy Dairy is on the market – could it be the scoop you’ve been searching for?