AUCKLAND

For a whole lot of Italian flair in Britomart, welcome Bar Non Solo to the Seafarers Building. Sister to the famous Non Solo Pizza in Parnell, it continues the tradition of aperitivo ‘hour’, all in a super-slick fit-out by Paul Izzard. Oh-so- sophisticated and chic as a minimalist gallery, Atelier Shu in Parnell will wow with French patisserie Asian-style – quite the prettiest pastries we’ve seen in a long time. Paul Wong and Julian Diprose have taken Dominion Road’s famed Mr Hao to Albany with a new vibrant red-and-black look channelling all the vibe of Shanghai late-night eateries. If you love your deliciousness deep-fried and Korean-style, you’ll be happy that K Road eatery Ziggle has a new spot out west in Henderson. Sweet Talk has moved from New North Road to Virginia Ave East – it’s not too far away for those who love their cakes in jars and gorgeous celebration cakes, and now you can add a coffee, too. For the culture of sharing and enjoying food and soju, head to Gaja, set to reinvigorate Ponsonby Central with modern Korean fare from chefs Riley Min and Tako Yang. Easy-as-it-comes Parāoa Brewing Co in Whangaparāoa is not just a brewery, but also has epic cocktails – fab to go with inventive Asian- styled sharing plates and mains. Oh, and they do the odd gig, too. No need to run all round town chasing your favourite street food vendors, as they’re now all together under a single roof – Street Feast in Titirangi brings together Jo Bro’s, Stumpy’s Pizza, SaPa Kitchen, Loco Bro’s, Mar & Tierra, Wen & Yen and Little ‘Lato. Who couldn’t fill their face with that line- up? We are beside ourselves to hear that super-luxe desserts from Miann (and hot chocolate, gelato, pastries and everything chocolatey) will soon be coming to a new store in Ponsonby. For gin and craft beer on K Road, look for Bozo Bar, hidden away in the spot that was Hallertau Tap Haus and, before that, Love Bucket.

HAMILTON

The teasers for Ernest, Craig Loveday’s upcoming late-night cocktail lounge like no other, have us bubbling with excitement. Last Place, put together by the teams behind Mr. Pickles, Wonder Horse, The Bearded Weasel and a few others, is a New York dive bar meets 1980s RSA – lots of beer, good stiff drinks, live music and the sort of food that people really want to eat.

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WELLINGTON

Goodbye to well-known chef Marc Weir, who is bowing out as owner of Loretta. His future plans feature food writing, recipe development and more time at his gorgeous boutique accommodation venue, Briarwood at Greytown. Two of Loretta‘s original co-creators, Julie Clark and James Pedersen, have returned with their business partners from Floriditas, Hayden and Dominique McMillan, and are planning to open 7 days as soon as possible for casual dining with a focus on ingredients grown and produced in New Zealand. Lola Rouge has our interest, as the new restaurant at Naumi Wellington gets set to open in October, promising all the spice, colour and flavour of old Saigon.

UPPER MOUTERE

Rob and Jodi Essenburg are proud proprietors of North Eatery, in the old café at Heaphy Vineyards (formerly Kahurangi). Rob, former head chef at Egmont Street Eatery, will be serving sourdough pizzas from a wood-burning oven, organic vegetable dishes, house- made mozzarella and, of course, great wine.

CHRISTCHURCH

Well-known restaurateurs Francesca Voza and James Sumner have taken guardianship of Eliza’s Manor, Christchurch’s newly restored historical gem. Retagged as Miro at the Manor, it will be under the care of executive chef Liam Summers, well known for his skill at Pegasus Bay Winery, and head chef Cameron Woodhouse, previously at Inati. Popular Dunedin food truck Street Bowls has come to Christchurch, bringing vegan and gluten-free food by Daniel Morbey.

HOKITIKA

Right next door to Gatherer is its new takeaway space, Gatherer Saladaria, with a selection of salads, raw slices, and eventually takeaway coffees, smoothies and bakes. And Alisha McIntosh of Gatherer also has our interest piqued by #whiskey #wine #tapbeer #cocktails #foragedfood #westcoastnz #tinybar – what to expect from new venture Gwendoline Dorothy Winifred?

QUEENSTOWN

Arthur’s Point is shaping up to be a mini-destination with Gin Garden, Queenstown’s first boutique gin-tasting garden, opening not far from Canyon Brewing and Cargo, a fabulous craft beer and wine-tasting venue.