Remix shares the new and noteworthy destinations for all your summer dinings needs

Where and what Remix editors are eating and imbibing this summer, one perfect dish, fresh canapé and chilled beverage at a time.

Savor Deliver Double the Fun

Just in time for summer, Savor Group has brought a new vibe to Auckland nightlife with a pair of neighbouring establishments designed expressly with fun top of mind: Bar Ziti and Flush Golf Club. Start the night at Bar Ziti with its refreshing tap beers, cocktails and delicious Italian bites, before you head next door to Flush Golf Club for a mix of world-class hospitality and game-leading golf tech via their state-of-the-art golf simulator bays. The end goal is play, competition, and connection, with great food guaranteed.

Perfectly Served, Every Time

Some things in life are perfectly served, like a long weekend when the weather’s just right, or a chilled East Imperial Gin & Tonic at golden hour. Crafted in New Zealand and served to the world, East Imperial’s G&T range delivers a bar-quality pour without the bartender, each can pairing premium small-batch New Zealand gin with East Imperial’s world-class tonic water for a crisp, refined balance of botanicals and fizz. Simply chill, pour over ice, and add a citrus wheel or slice of rhubarb. Available in Classic Tonic, Grapefruit Tonic, and Rhubarb Tonic, for effortless meets elevated in a can.

Yes, Queens

Summer has officially landed at Auckland’s favourite rooftop venue, Queens, and with it comes a menu made for long, sun-soaked evenings overlooking the skyline. Executive Chef, Maia Atvars is crafting dishes that celebrate the best of the season’s seafood and vibrant produce, like grilled scampi served with shellfish aioli and prawn crackers and a summer favourite: the Whitebait ‘toasty’, layered with cheddar and yum-yum sauce on a toasted muffin split. And for a refreshing take on a classic, the Plum Margarita is the perfect way to seal the deal.

We love J'AIME

Founded in 2008 and beginning as a farmers market stall, J’AIME was Aotearoa’s first specialist macaron maker. Now with stores in Christchurch and Auckland helmed by a proudly all-female team, they have a selection of premium gift boxes arriving just in time for the holiday season for the ultimate indulgence. Pair specialty macaron flavours like Florentine, Scorched Almond and Rhubarb Rose Trifle with panforte and champagne for a decidedly chic affair.

See You At Estelle’s

Estelle's, a vibrant lounge bar nestled in the heart of Grand Millennium Auckland, is fast becoming the name on everyone’s lips when it comes to expertly crafted cocktails, authentically Spanish raciones and a curated selection of fine wines. We recommend Estelle’s Dirty Negroni with Manuka-smoked olives, while the Espresso Martini on tap is smooth, chilled, and consistently perfect.

Defining Coastal Cool at Water Boy

St Heliers has a fresh new spot to eat, drink, and gather: Water Boy, a coastal pub just steps from the shoreline. Created by Patrick Kean and Victoria Blake (the duo behind Remuera favourite, The Corner), Water Boy brings a taste of Sydney and Melbourne’s laidback surf club culture to Auckland’s eastern suburbs, with casual music, and sun-soaked Sundays built around long tables and shared plates.

Love Your Mother

From the team behind Lilian and Hotel Ponsonby, Mother is the new Grey Lynn destination already earning a reputation for its great coffee and laidback neighbourhood vibe.  Standing proud on Grey Lynn’s Richmond Road, this new bakery offers very good pastries from Butter Butter’s Petra Galler, focaccia sandwiches, and coffee in a beautifully European-inspired space. Eagerly awaited by foodies across Tāmaki Makaurau, the mothership of a cafe is almost always bustling with customers—a telltale sign that it most definitely lives up to the hype.

The Loft Arrives at Craggy Range

For a memorable dinner party setting like no other, award-winning winery restaurant Craggy Range has opened the doors to its newest dining concept, The Loft at Craggy Range, offering an evolving series of themed menus celebrating the region’s finest seasonal produce. Upcoming banquet-style feasts include Pōhutakawa & Pav—A Very Kiwi Christmas until December 23, and Reel Good—The Best of Summer Seafood from mid-January, paired with Craggy Range’s award-winning wines.

Welcome back, Andiamo

Refreshed, refined and ready for summer, Herne Bay, Auckland’s beloved neighbourhood eatery Andiamo is back - a little fresher, a little looser and a lot more fun. The Jervois Road institution has reopened as Andiamo Bar & Dining Room, with more places to perch and more pasta to peruse - but don’t worry, the famous macaroni and cacio e pepe remain. We’re sipping on the signature Coconut Chilli Margaritas and all-new Caprese Martini - a reimagined take on its namesake salad.

We All Scream for Ice Cream

From Duck Island’s expert team of ice-cream specialists comes the newest soon-to-be summer staple—the Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream Pop. A delicious blend of their famous Peanut Butter ice-cream, caramel, milk chocolate, and roasted peanut rubble; the new treat, set on a stick, is making it even easier to indulge in Duck Island on the go.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Bellini Bar, Hilton Auckland

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Bellini Bar, located at Hilton Auckland, where Pastry Chef Hiranya Ratnayake has crafted a Festive Afternoon Tea that captures the flavours and spirit of the season. Indulge in Tofu Fritters with Turkey, Brie and Cranberry, Wagyu Beef Sausage Roll, and the showstopping Christmas Pudding Panna Cotta with Mixed Spiced Chantilly, all perfectly paired with artisan teas and sweeping harbour views.

Available Thursday to Sunday, 11.00 AM - 4.00 PM, $70 per person on Thursdays and Fridays, $75 per person on weekends and $85 per person with a glass of Pommery Champagne.

Bookings can be made via the Bellini Website (bellini.co.nz/festive-afternoon-tea/) or by calling the team directly 09 978 2025.