Here’s what’s new, noteworthy, and well worth a visit this winter
From elegant wine bars to all-day eateries and design-led spaces redefining how we shop, Auckland’s hospitality scene continues to evolve. Here’s what’s new, noteworthy, and well worth a visit this winter.
Ponsonby Delight
Franklin Road has been blessed with a fresh energy; the introduction of the kind of place that we’d like to stay a while, a nice counter to a busy street. This is Blue, a new all-day café and evening wine bar dreamed up by a talented team of industry veterans behind beloved but fleeting spots like Roses Dining Room, Williams Eatery, and Orphans Kitchen (may they all rest in peace). As intimate as it comes, Blue seats 50 across its sun- drenched courtyard, front dining room and shared table back space, which is also bookable for private events. By day, it’s all about thoughtful food—no takeaway cups, ever—seasonal snacking plates, and a cabinet filled with nostalgic favourites. And then at night it evolves into an intimate wine bar with a robust menu of continental-inspired dishes like the house terrine and saucisson, as well as low-intervention wines, and even a signature soft serve. With a design ethos grounded in local craft and a strong sense of community, Blue feels less like a new opening and more like a homecoming.
A Private Affair
After the undeniable success of Gilt, Josh and Helen Emett saw the need for a more intimate affair within the walls of their latest culinary venture. As such, The Vault has emerged as one of Auckland’s stand-out dining rooms. A discreet space designed for groups of 26 seated guests or 45 standing, tucked just off Gilt’s main dining space, this is the kind of place where you can enjoy great food and drinks in a way that’s both personal and made for celebration. The Vault’s curated wine list features rare cuvées, magnums, and larger formats, along with exclusive vintages and is accompanied by a gastronomic experience only someone like Josh Emett could provide. The menu draws from Gilt’s classic brasserie style but dials up the decadence. We’re talking a 1kg T-bone with bone marrow butter, duck and morel en croûte, braised short ribs with escargot, and a towering Neapolitan baked Alaska. With its polished aesthetic and playful touches—including a call button for beverages—it’s safe to say that this is something special.
Midtown À La Mode
Injecting a New York energy and French elegance to Auckland’s cool-again midtown, Bistro Saine—the in-house restaurant at the newly opened Hotel Indigo—is anything but ordinary hotel dining. Headed by chef Yutak Son, formerly of Sidart and Orphan’s Kitchen, this popular new spot serves elegant and refined bistro cuisine. It’s menu is best for sharing, and like all good restaurants, is driven by seasonality. Expect the classics done well: steak frites, fresh seafood, buttery pastas, all paired alongside an extensive wine menu. This spot is made for long and libated evenings with friends. And even better, turn it into a staycation and finish your night upstairs in one of Hotel Indigo’s luxury suites.
Land, Sea And Italian Soul
As if the snow-capped mountain tops and picturesque lakeside views of Queenstown weren’t enough to have us booking our mid-winter getaway, the central city's newest dining destination is yet another irresistible reason to book your trip. Developed by acclaimed restaurateur Sean Connolly, Pavilion Bar & Kitchens is set against the stunning backdrop of the Remarkables, bringing high-altitude après-ski vibes as the coolest new spot for gathering, grazing, and good times––offering something for every appetite under one roof. Offering the best of land, sea, and Italian soul, Steak & Oyster Co. features premium meats and fresh, locally sourced seafood cooked to perfection over an open fire grill. Ciao Brutto, meaning ‘hello ugly’ in Italian, delivers a lively homage to rustic dining, serving wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas, crafted daily in its dedicated dough room. Elsewhere, The Pavilion Bar offers an impressive lineup of local and international wines, beers, and cocktails, best enjoyed indoors or with sweeping alpine views outside.
A New Era Of Wine
Those who firmly believe that good wine comes first will welcome the addition of Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits to Mount Eden. The space has been spearheaded by industry heavyweight Liz Wheadon and the team at Webb’s, and as such, Normanby (as we’re sure it will come to be known) brings together an astounding selection of more 1,300 wines, spirits, sakes, and craft beers with the warmth of a café, the charm of a wine bar, and the polish of a design-forward retail space. The venue has been beautifully reimagined by CTRL Space, and styled with pieces from The Estate at Webb’s. There’s a private tasting room, La Cave, and ultimately, a bottle shop-meets-cafe feel, a rotating wine list, and thoughtful bites to match. Normanby isn’t just a store—it’s a destination of discovery for even the most discerning of tastebuds.
An Artistic Adventure
Rothko, the Matakana-based eatery nestled within the quirky grounds of Sculptureum—home to over 700 sculptures and works of art sprawled across 10 acres—has reopened under the creative direction of award-winning chef Neil Sapitula, with a bold new vision centred around 'Fire and Ferment'. Drawing from his Filipino heritage and extensive culinary experience, Sapitula has crafted a menu that celebrates open-fire cooking and unique fermentation techniques. The menu features innovative combinations like raw fish with smoked coconut, doenjang, and harissa oil, as well as wood-fired wagyu scotch served with egg yolk and bone marrow. Prepared with love from the newly refurbished kitchen designed around open-fire cooking. In the restaurant, guests can expect an intimate experience, seated around the Kitchen Gallery Chef’s Table, offering diners an immersive culinary experience. Rothko's evolution reflects a commitment to playful discovery and a unique culinary experience that pays homage to the restaurant’s artistic surrounds.
Surf 's Up
Takapuna Beach’s dining district has opened its doors to this latest recruit, Takapuna Surf Club—a venue that draws on Australia’s beloved surfie culture. This all-day rooftop bar and eatery offers panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, making it an ideal spot for everything from post-swim refreshments to leisurely long lunches that last well into the evening as local DJs set a vibrant atmosphere. The menu, curated by celebrated chef Maia Atvars of Queens Rooftop, reimagines nostalgic clubroom dining with elevated classics like fish and chips, chicken parms, and authentic wood-fired pizzas. This warm and inviting space, designed by CTRL-Space, is made to feel like spending weekends at your local, where friends and families gather with sandy feet and chilled beers. A dedicated games area will keep the kids entertained for hours, featuring pinball, arcade machines, and dart lanes, while the adults sip the afternoon away as the sun sets.
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