Directory

BOSSI is an exquisite new Italian restaurant nestled into the ground floor of The Pacifica, the country's tallest residential skyscraper located on Commerce Street in Auckland's CBD. Some may already be familiar with the BOSSI name—they opened an authentic Italian deli named DELI di BOSSI, right next door in April.

Welcome to Cassia—the home of Indian food, but almost certainly not as you know it. Under the direction of renowned chef Sid Sahrawat (who also owns Sid at The French Café and Ponsonby's restaurant and cocktail bar, KOL), this glam hotspot is dishing up some of the most groundbreaking Indian cuisine around.

What if we told you the city's first urban cellar door and wine bar has just opened in an epic location on Auckland's waterfront? Named Somm (after the French term sommelier, meaning 'wine steward'), this chic new wine bar and bistro can be found in the former Crab Shack site on Princes Wharf and trust us when we say, it's even more of a good time than it sounds.

No one does food quite like the French. Don't believe us? Treat yourself to a meal and a drink or two at Auckland's hot new Parisian-inspired cafe/bistro and wine bar, Paname Social, and see if you don't agree.

Tucked away on O’Connell Street lies Panacea—the latest addition to Auckland’s hidden bar scene and a new, true contender for date night. 

Nothing beats escaping to the countryside for a day, especially when there's wining and dining involved—can we get an amen? Enter Plume, the gorgeous vineyard restaurant located about an hour's drive north of Auckland amongst the glorious rolling hills of rural Matakana.

There's something incredibly intoxicating about Indian food—all that wonderful spice, smoke, and intense flavour. And the latest spot to get us fired up over this mouthwatering cuisine is Times of India, a hot new restaurant from the owners of 1947 (aka one of Auckland's most beloved Indian eateries).

A definite must-try on any foodie's list, Britomart's Amano consistently serves up a mean breakfast, lunch and dinner, whatever you're craving. If you're up for freshly-baked melt-in-the-mouth pastries, breads and other delights, join the queue for a taste of what Aucklanders have known ever since Amano first opened in 2016—this is the only way to start your day.  

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Pancakes, step aside, because The Wafflers are finally in town, bringing you deliriously delicious Korean-style Croffles and Waffles.

Searching for a space to host your next event? Or simply need to wind down to some groovy tunes towards the end of a long work week? Well boy do we have news for you...

Imagine everything you want in an elevated fast food joint, and you’ll find that—plus some—at the newly-opened Brew’d Hawt in South Auckland. 

A grand favourite of the brunch scene has swung open its recently remodelled ivy-draped doors, extending its hours and offerings in the chicest return possible.

Coveted Italian brand Golden Goose continues its worldwide expansion and has now finally landed in New Zealand, opening its first store in Auckland on the ground floor of Westfield Newmarket. 

Picture this: succulent pieces of slow-cooked duck, drenched in a peppery sauce and apricot salsa, all poured into a soft duck-fat flour tortilla. Or perhaps a mountain of fluffy chocolate mousse, dripping in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Or how about some crunchy beef 'nuggets', stuffed with juicy meat and dressed in a punchy green chilli sauce?

Tucked away on Brecon Street in the heart of town, Bella Cucina is a must-visit Italian restaurant on any Queenstown escape. 

Take everything you know about budget accommodation, and throw it out the window. Because there's a new cheap and cheerful way to stay in Auckland City, and it's nothing like you've ever experienced before—think sleeping pods, shared spaces for working and chilling, and a vibrant in-house eatery slinging $10 cocktails and some of the tastiest burgers in the CBD.

If there’s one thing that the French do magnificently, it’s food. Case in point: Mt Albert’s Little French Cafe. Taking over the spot where Pyrénées once stood and described as classic French with a twist, this charming little café, bakery and patisserie has had a complete revamp and is where you can find all of the gallic foodie goodness you know and love—and discover some new obsessions. 

Whether you're teetotal, sober curious or just open to new experiences, you'll want to check out The Curious AF Bottle Shop. New Zealand's first alcohol-free store has put down permanent roots nestled behind Ponsonby Road and it's definitely one worth seeking out. 

We’ve found the perfect brunch spot for you to sink your teeth into—say hello to Chur Bae, a hip eatery that’s dishing out the goods.

The *most chic* cinema experience has set up shop in Ponsonby Central: Silky Otter along with its incredible SO Lounge. Not just any flicks and snacks situation, you’ll start with a concierge greeting (skipping any pesky lines) and be led straight to your own spot at the sleek SO Lounge restaurant and bar area to while, if you so please, pre-film.

Paying homage to Japanese izakaya bars, Bar Yoku offers sanctuary at the end of a busy work day. Named after the term shinrin-yoku, meaning "taking in the forest atmosphere", this urban bar invites you to retreat into its dim settings or internal garden and soak in its exotic environment while still being inside The Welder, at the heart of Christchurch.

Mr. Brightside invites you to come out of your cage and look on the bright side of life at their rooftop bar. Located at the heart of the city in Oxford Terrace, this penthouse-style bar is perched on top of the iconic Public Trust Building. With panoramic 360 views of the city, your troubles melt away as you gaze out at Port Hills, the Avon River, Cathedral Square and at the snowcapped mountains in the distance. The bar is covered with a retractable roof, making it the perfect spot to catch some rays while enjoying some tipple in the warmer months.

With "Oceanic eats. Drink. Party." as its slogan, you can bet that Lulu Bar is the place to go in Te Aro for a fun time. With nods to the flavours and traditional techniques from Hawaii to Aotearoa, your tastebuds will be swept across the pacific with a menu that draws inspiration from the islands.

Experience fine dining in a laidback, relaxed environment at Lillius. Located at the Eden Terrace end of Khyber Pass Road, the space exudes understated luxury with its sapphire and gold hues and plush velvet upholstery. From the dining area, you can peer under the arched feature wall to watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen at the restaurant's rear. 

Where do we even start? If you haven’t heard of this absolute gem, then your world is about to get a whole lot better. As you walk up the cobblestone path to the gorgeous white weatherboard cottage that is Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen (formerly Akarua), you’ll feel instantly at home. This well-loved and well-known Central Otago winery not only has a boutique cellar door on-site where you can sample their latest and greatest award-winning wines, but it serves up absolutely delicious food from 9 am - 5 pm daily. Whether you’re after a destination breakfast venue (one of the best around in our opinion) or a long-lunch location, this is the spot.

If you love to wine and dine with a view then listen up, we’ve found a stunning spot for you to hit up this summer that will transport you to the heart of the Amalfi Coast. 

Summer is looking up thanks to the revelation that one of our fave spots for a feed and a couple of brewskies has landed on the glorious, black-sand shores of Piha. We're talking about Brothers Beer & Juke Joint BBQ Piha, whose latest site (their seventh!) opened at the end of October, smack bang in the middle of South Beach.

If sensually-lit bars with plush sofas, an effortlessly cool vibe, good tunes and absolutely epic libations are your jam (and they are) then you’ll need to add this new hidden spot to your Ponsonby Road hit list immediately.  

The North Shore food scene is on fire right now, with Duo Eatery the latest spot to set our appetites alight. Located on Birkenhead's iconic Hinemoa Street, this is the newest venture from Jordan Macdonald of Culprit and Lowbrow fame (and the first with his talented wife, Sarah) and as to be expected—it's an absolute treat.

Danny Doolans has a sleek new younger brother bar joining the Viaduct Harbour hotspot: The Cellar Bar. He’s dark, he’s cosy, he’s a little bit cheeky, and he’s officially open. Come Friday and Saturday nights, nip out from the usually crowded line we’ve all been privy to at Danny Doolans, and down into this hidden cellar for some good times—and a selfie at one of their many note-worthy mirror walls—instead.

Indian cocktail bar and tandoor eatery, KOL, has been holding its own as one of the leading restaurants in Auckland since it was ushered into existence by hospitality power couple Sid and Chand Sahrawat back in 2022. So when the pair announced KOL's closure in early 2025, I was gobsmacked. 

Is there anything better than sinking your teeth into some freshly baked goods? We think not. Oh wait, what about vegan baked goods? 

Tucked away behind the main Remuera strip, along a charming cobblestone-style alley, you’ll find The Little Bookshop. A welcome addition to the wonderfully redeveloped 1050 Remuera Precinct, The Little Bookshop has been thoughtfully curated by bibliophiles with a passion for the written word. Whether you’re looking for a new page-turner, summer blockbuster or that classic book that’s been on your list for years, the knowledgeable staff will be able to recommend the perfect tome for you.

Who said plant-based eating had to be boring? We think not. Gone are the days of salads and mushroom burgers being the only plant-based options on the menu thanks to eateries like East—Auckland’s Asian-Vegetarian restaurant.  

Locals often say Karangahape Road's Sri Pinang is the best Malaysian food in Auckland. The fact that it’s BYO, and the food and corkage is cheap as chips are just the cherry on top. And they're not the only ones who think so—their beef rendang has been named an Auckland Iconic Eat and they've even been named one of the best restaurants in the world (and the only one in NZ) according to Condé Nast Traveler's interactive food map of the world. Ka pai Auntie Angie!

As soon as you step through the classy, sliding doors at voco Auckland City Centre hotel you know you’re in for a treat. Found midway up Wyndham Street this towering behemoth in the heart of downtown Auckland sits proudly as an oasis from the bustling streets.

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Few things in life bring us more joy than cosying up with a glass of wine, and one of our fave spots to indulge in this simple pleasure is Est. 1901—a cool but not-so-new kid on the Ponsonby block.

The only thing better than straight-up seafood is seafood with sea views—can we get an amen? Even better if those views are of the sparkling Waitemata Harbour, seen through floor-to-ceiling windows 15 storeys up.

There are very few places in Auckland that provide you with the perfect spot to hide away from the world—all while looking down on it, drink in hand and dinner popped before you. 

Tears were definitely shed when Saxon + Parole closed its doors late last year, but every cloud has a silver lining and in this case, it comes in the form of Origine—Ben Bayly's latest venture with business partner, Chris Martin and their respective wives, Cara and Lucile, which has just opened its doors at Commercial Bay.

It's time to level up your bar game Auckland, and we have just the place. Bar Albert's the name, and aside from being the city's newest rooftop bar, it's also the country's highest—sitting a staggering 38 floors above street level, atop the gorgeous voco Auckland City Centre hotel. Yes, if sipping tipples while taking in sky-high views is up your alley (hell yeah it is!), then Bar Albert is about to become your new fave drinking destination.

Sitting pretty on a corner site in Greenlane is Pikuniku, a cute new neighbourhood eatery dishing up brunch with a delicious Japanese twist. 

The hottest ticket in town right now is Ooh-Fa—a brand-new pizza and wine bar from the masterminds behind Karangahape Road's phenomenally popular pasta joint, Pici. That's right fam, in what could be the most genius move of 2022, the team that acquainted us with cacio e pepe and olive oil cheesecake have opened a dedicated pizzeria on Dominion Road.

Bringing a slice of the best hotel bars in the world to Tāmaki Makaurau, Sunset is now open atop Sudima Hotel on Nelson Street.

Ooh la la, a gorgeous new French patisserie has finally opened downtown and it's definitely been worth the wait. After sitting out the worst of the pandemic in a lush site on the corner of Customs and Gore Street, it's just opened its sleek doors this week. We're talking about Javalab, which is serving up incredible baked goods and a range of experimental, Fairtrade coffee brews and blends from its spot on the ground floor of the recently re-opened SO/ Auckland hotel. Authentic French treats are the name of the game here—think macarons, eclairs and croissants, along with toasted burritos and hot-pressed paninis for the savoury fans. Oui, oui, oui.

Very few things rival the wholesome feeling that comes with stumbling upon a wine bar. The intrigue of wall-to-floor bottles, hiding from the world in a cosy nook, discovering drops by the glass. The possibilities are endless—and that’s before you so much as glance over the bites menu or later prance out the door, with a new favourite bottle under your arm. 

Auckland’s BYO scene has a bold new addition. It’s bright, it’s beautifully decorated, and it’s bursting with flavourful dishes. Simply put, it’s time to grab a bottle and pop by Java (formerly It's Java). 

If you’re a pilates addict or a cardio junkie, you’ll know that while both kinds of workouts are body sculpting in their own way, both are missing something. Pilates gets you that beast-level core and perky glutes, but it doesn’t really get the heart racing, while a good HIIT or cardio session will burn calories and have you out of breath—but won’t help you achieve long lean muscles and serious core stability. 

Striking a balance between chic, casual, and a touch quirky is a tricky one to master. Mt Eden Village’s newcomer, De Nada, however, is ticking the fresh, fun and fabulous boxes as their taqueria and tequila bar doors swing right open to offer a contemporary spin on a much-loved cuisine.

There's something rather special about The Kosher Deli, and the name is a major clue. This delightful find on Greys Avenue is actually the country's only kosher deli and we reckon that's reason alone to wanna visit.

Here at Urban List, brunching is one of our favourite past-times. That said, sniffing out new spots in which to indulge this delicious hobby is forever on our minds, which is where Sparrow comes in. We've only just discovered this cute lil' cafe, nestled in an unlikely spot amongst Epsom's car dealerships, but we're already firm fans.

Taking pride of place on an elevated corner site in Royal Oak, Five Elements Café Bistro is a great spot to watch the world go by while enjoying an elevated menu boasting original fare that punches well above its weight. Now open for evening service offering tapas and hearty main dishes—the slow-braised lamb shoulder is particularly good—bring some mates and order a few dishes to share.

Just when you thought there was no way you could love Karangahape Road's lush Spanish/Latin American inspired eatery and wine bar Candela more than you do already, they go and open macking new bar and balcony Barcita. Follow the bar to the back of the restaurant and you'll find this cute-as-a-button space awaiting you with open arms. With a separate bar and tapas menu, nab yourself a pozzie in the open air with views of the Sky Tower. If you fancy the space all to yourself—we don't blame you—you can also hire it for your exclusive use and private events seven days a week. Schmick.

First, it was Auckland CBD, then it was Royal Oak, now it's Pakuranga's turn to welcome Mighty Hotdog to the neighbourhood. You'll find them at 131 Pepler Street, Pakuranga Plaza, slinging their highly addictive brand of Korean-style hotdogs on a stick (that means fried to perfection, rolled in sugar-yes, sugar-then loaded with your fave sauces and other toppings). Hot damn.

What do you get when you breathe new life into an old classic? A fancy AF bar and bistro with which we're completely and utterly obsessed, that's what. We're talking about the space previously held by The Dominion (an Auckland icon and particular fave with sporting crowds thanks to its proximity to Eden Park), which has recently received a luxurious facelift, and a new name to boot—The Bridgman.

As far as sports bars go, Schapiro's is knocking it outta the park—and then some. Yup, this exciting new venture at 224 Symonds Street (previously home to Save Ferris) is scoring big points with team Urban List and here's why. Number one, it's the latest baby from Otis Schapiro, aka one-third of the trio behind hugely popular Grey Lynn osteria and wine bar, Lilian (and from whom, of course, Schapiro's takes its name).

A hot new speakeasy from the legends behind Mr Hao has just opened on Ponsonby Road and it has legit blown our minds. Come up the sleek black staircase framed by cute black cats and be ushered into Lucky 8—a seriously cool spot pairing exposed brick and funky neon signs (a Mr Hao signature) with deep-red leather seats, wooden tables and Asian touches reminiscent of a Shanghai Loft in the French concession. 

Hold onto your tastebuds, Auckland restaurateur chef Nic Watt's much-loved Peruvian-style restaurant INCA has opened a sister restaurant in Ponsonby Central’s new laneway development. The restaurant boasts an open-plan feel with plenty of pink marble and details inspired by Peru's famously colourful textiles, courtesy of CTRL Space. INCA Newmarket is known for serving up quality Latin American fare with a unique Asian twist and Nic Watt’s new establishment is certainly no different. Shaking up the Ponsonby food scene, INCA is serving up some much-loved signature items like their freshly cured ceviche but also brings some new and exciting dishes to the table. The menu is packed full of colourful cuisine which will transport you to Peru with just one bite. Think big, bold, and boisterous flavours that will awaken your palate.