Looking for a new place to eat? These are the new openings on our radar.
Each year, Auckland welcomes an enticing array of new restaurants, bars, and cafés, bringing new flavours, cool concepts, and all-round divine dining experiences. This latest wave of openings further elevates Auckland’s gastronomic scene, offering a taste of homegrown comforts, curated wine selections and reinvented icons.
An Iconic Address
A new chapter has begun at one of Ponsonby Road’s most iconic haunts. Meet Jacuzzi—an establishment with a storied past, now ready to make new rousing memories. Owned by familiar faces on the Ponsonby circuit, Bronwyn and Jess Payne (the familial force behind Elmo’s and Hoppers Garden Bar), have taken over the iconic SPQR location. They’ve kept the al fresco atmosphere alive while exploring a revamped food and drinks menu. Expect playful cocktails, including viral bubble cocktails and indulgent dirty martinis, alongside plates designed to suit after-work snacks or a late-night dinner. And inside, you’ll find ‘Derek the Diver’, a sculpture encased in water, one of only five worldwide, designed by Timothy Oulton. Perfectly blending the old and the new, this is a tribute to the past and a bold step into the future of Ponsonby’s dining scene.
JACUZZIPONSONBY.CO.NZ
A Subterranean Haven
Owners Aleks and Martin bonded over a love for wine and brought a combined wealth of experience to this latest subterranean spot – Ground Wine Bar. Aleks, who immigrated to New Zealand to study, has an impressive resume with roles at Cafe Hanoi and Sid at the French Café, while Martin has an extensive career in the alcohol industry, including founding Cahn’s Wines & Spirits, which Ground Wine Bar sits beneath. This a comforting retreat from the hustle and bustle of our CBD, and the stylish and warm underground space has more than 50 wines available by the glass—a list influenced by the duo's extensive experience. A simple menu complements the impressive wine repertoire, featuring charcuterie, cheeses, pâté, and baked Camembert, all served with fresh bread and crackers. This sultry underground haven provides a comfortable, quiet ambiance, perfect for a solo escape, a romantic evening, and we, for one, are excited to spend many nights here.
GROUNDWINE.CO.NZ
A Creative Hideaway
In the rafters of where Golden Dawn once stood is where you’ll find Goblin. More than just a bar—it’s a new home for Auckland’s creative set. Goblin embraces that same artistic spirit, and is a place where art, music, and fashion converge in an uber cool and intimate setting. The transitional venue has been redesigned to foster connection, creativity, and uninhibited expression, making it a go-to spot for those who appreciate a space that gives a little bit more. A high-fidelity sound system sets the tone, ensuring that music is not just background noise but an integral part of the experience. With Hallertau beer and tap cocktails available, and a curated wine menu that exclusively pays homage to female winemakers––a thoughtful touch.
GOBLIN.CO.NZ
A Neighbourhood Favourite
Say hello to Olle – a new outpost in the middle of Milford. Co-led by Kevin Choi, whose extensive culinary background spans two decades and multiple contents. At Olle modern Asian flavours are created using the best local produce and, of course, are made to be shared with family and friends. Our favourites? The indulgent chilli beef short rib ragu with rigatoni, daikon, leek and mushroom, and the Hawkes Bay lamb ribs with aged balsamic, coconut and cumin. Beyond the food, Olle’s interior has been carefully curated by the renowned February Design, a studio known for crafting spaces that are both functional and beautiful. And the studio took on an extra challenge too: creating the fit out furniture from scratch.
OLLE.COM
A New Daily
When the team behind Omni announced their departure late last year, tears were shed, and we waited in serious anticipation for what would come next. But with the beginning of the new year, Juno popped up on our radar—a seriously cool cafe on the ground floor of The Greenhouse. Delicious coffee forms the cornerstone of this address, as well as a chic and refined menu that includes a series of delicious toast tartines and a series of sweet treats for afternoon pick-me-ups. We’re excited to see how this daytime venue evolves with time, too.
JUNOAUCKLAND.COM
An Old Classic
Brendan and Dani, the proud new owners of Stone Oven in Devonport, recently took on the task of revitalising this beloved Devonport café, which has been a cornerstone of the community for more than two decades. After taking on the lease and transforming the historic 100-year-old building into a warm and inviting space that balances rustic charm with mid-century modern aesthetics, Stone Oven is once again a bustling spot for weekend brunchers and morning coffee runs. Their vision was deeply personal––Dani grew up in Devonport, and for Brendan, Stone Oven was always a cherished stop when visiting from overseas. Here, you can grab a great cup of Eighthirty coffee too. With backgrounds in fine dining at esteemed establishments like Cazador, Paris Butter, and The River Café, they bring a meticulous attention to detail and a passion for hospitality to this reimagined, iconic establishment.
STONEOVEN.CO.NZ
Via @cinnamonsquared_nz
A Sweet Treat
A fluffy, warm cinnamon roll can make even the coldest of days seem better, so when Cinnamon Squared opened, we couldn’t get our shoes on fast enough. Never one to stray away from a taste-test, these buns have made their way to the top of our recommendation list. Selling out like clockwork in its first week open, Cinnamon Squared specialises in freshly baked cinnamon rolls of all flavours – our favourite? The cream cheese, apple, and salted caramel, and drinks like the cinnamon lattes and applewood tea are the perfect accompaniment to cooler sweater weather. Using quality ingredients and baking in small batches, these viral rolls are the perfect little lunch break delight - if they aren’t all gone by midday! Vegans and gluten-free friends, keep an eye out, options for you are on the way.
Via @fitzroy.deli
A Quick Lunch
Their menu may be short, but Shortland Street’s newest opening – Fitzroy Deli – doesn’t skimp on quality. From the team behind Devonport-based Dulcie comes another hit, crafting made-to-order sandos on freshly baked bread with great coffee to boot. From the egg & cheese roll (perfect for an on-the-go breakfast) to their mortadella that doesn’t hold back on the freshly cut meat, every bit is just as mouth watering as the last. Want it warm? They’ve got hot sandwiches too – try the beef brisket with pickled zucchini and vintage cheddar, or for our veggie friends, the eggplant and porcini with provolone – both blow-torched for the perfect cheese melt. Wash it down with an Atomic coffee, matcha or tea, and consider your new lunch spot sorted.
Via @amodomio.akl
An Italian Getaway
Tucked away on Vulcan Lane, A Modo Mio is the cosy new Italian gem set to satisfy your carb cravings. Homemade pasta and authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas await, with options for the gluten-sensitive folk! The warm, quirky interior makes this a perfect date night spot, and with a vast list of artisanal Italian wines, splitting a bottle is practically mandatory. Looking to soak up the last of the sunny days? Grab a table al fresco on one of midtown Auckland’s most quaint streets, sip on a refreshing cocktail and tuck into some tiramisu as you watch the city buzz by.
Via @edieswinebar
An Old Friend’s Return
After a delicious sandwich pop-up, the team behind Annabel’s brings us Edie’s Wine Bar – a new European-style cafe/bar, ready to ease all your vino and nibble needs. During the day, they’re slinging Supreme coffee with a rotating menu of delights – think sourdough focaccia sandwiches, freshly baked florentines and Basque cheesecakes. Expect classic wine bar fare for the evening service - luscious French butter with warm dinner rolls, charcuterie, patatas bravas, affogatos and an expertly curated wine list. Keep an eye out, and soon enough you’ll be stopping by for New Zealand wine tastings, or live jazz to end your week.
A Midtown à la Mode
Debuting earlier this month, Bistro Saine treats midtown Auckland to Mediterranean flavours, New York energy and French elegance. Headed by chef Yutak Son, formerly of Sidart and Orphan’s Kitchen, the chic new spot brings refined, classic dishes with a modern flair. With bistro classics best for sharing with the table – steak frites, seafood snacks, buttery pastas, and salads – the menu is driven by seasonality, highlighting our city’s local growers. With service from a world-class team set against an intimate and polished ambiance, it’s sure to be a fabulous spot to hit on any day (or night) of the week.. Even better, turn it into a staycation at the accompanying Hotel Indigo, the perfect spot for a weekend of pampering and relaxation.
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