ICYMI: New and Neat Openings Across Aotearoa

Mensa is a fresh new eatery on Wynyard Quarter, with panoramic harbour views and a warm, welcoming vibe. Named after the Latin word for ‘table’, it’s all about connection over good food. Expect a Mediterranean-inspired menu by Reginaldo Richard, from breakfast to sourdough pizza, plus Allpress coffee and plenty of house-baked treats. Open seven days.

Fankery has opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Newmarket, and the crowds are already rolling in. Known for its cult-favourite mochi burnt basque cheesecake, the bakery now operates out of a renovated ticket booth — the next chapter in founder Cathy Fan’s sweet success story.

Photo credit: Siān Singh

A cosy new spot in Remuera serving up gourmet pies, comforting sides, and well-matched pours of Pinot. The menu goes beyond the classics with rotating pie flavours named after local streets, plus a few dessert pies to finish. Designed like an old-school pub with a Kiwi twist, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to settle into — or grab a takeaway for a night in.

While Roses Dining Room held its final service in March, the good news is that Ophelia and Karl have just opened a beautiful new destination in Ponsonby.  Blue on Franklin is a neighbourhood café and wine bar, open Wednesday to Saturday from morning till late. Swing by for a coffee in their idyllic courtyard and pick something fun from the cabinet – which has already featured Aotearoa feijoa maritozzi and egg, béarnaise and pickle breakfast buns. In the evening, a great selection of wines are poured later alongside an interesting menu of delicious plates.

Sagrado Cantina has landed in St Kevins Arcade, bringing a taste of Mexico City to the heart of Tāmaki. You might recognise the name from the night markets – now they’ve got a spot of their own, complete with vibrant flags and big flavour. Expect a menu of traditional, homestyle Mexican dishes that goes well beyond tacos.

Völco opened its newest bakery in May, taking over the former Egmont Street Deli & Diner in Wellington. This warm, stylish spot serves top-tier pastries and coffee in a relaxed setting, with a rotating menu featuring seasonal, inventive treats like cinnamon scrolls and bacon jam danishes. A perfect place to gather and enjoy quality baked goods any time of day.

Parla, the younger sibling to Kisa, has just opened in Island Bay — bringing bold Turkish and Middle Eastern flavours to Wellington’s southern coast. Open six days a week from morning to night, this intimate 38-seat spot offers a relaxed all-day dining experience with a focus on premium local produce. Expect Anatolian warmth, a playful spirit, and a sunny street-side takeaway window for those on the go.

Opened in May, Good Grief is a laid-back neighbourhood bakery tucked behind a discreet door on Abel Smith Street. With a warm, local feel and the scent of fresh bread in the air, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger. The team specialise in naturally leavened bread and buttery laminated pastries — think cardamom buns, spicy cheese twists, and standout egg sandwiches. Grab a seat, sip a Supreme coffee, and watch the bakers at work.

Opened in late April, Sketchbook Coffee is a warm, design-forward café in Wellington that’s all about great brews and good vibes. Founded by a team of passionate baristas, it’s a space where creativity, community, and coffee come together. Expect everything from expertly made flat whites to inventive signature drinks, plus treats like the legendary cheese scoffin. Relaxed, welcoming, and full of heart – a place to make part of your daily ritual.

Wellington's first ever snack bar has opened its doors, serving something delicious from early espresso hour till cocktail o'clock. As the day kicks off, expect great brews using Coffee Supreme, baked goods on the counter, epic breakfast rolls made with your preferred bread and filling of choice, and fresh focaccia sammies at lunchtime. The aperitivo menu is whipped out from 4pm, which celebrates the simple joy of bread and butter with local, seasonal accompaniments – designed to be enjoyed with the unique selection of house spritzes, NZ and Italian wines, local beer, and more.

Southpaw Brewing has officially opened the doors to its long-awaited brewery and taproom in New Brighton. Launched in June, the laid-back, dog-friendly spot is pouring their award-winning beers alongside local Waipara wines from Lele and Vita. Toasted sandwiches, West Coast pies, and good vibes round out the offering. It’s a flavourful new chapter for the brewery that’s been crafting bold, character-driven beers since 2016.

A cute and unique takeaway coffee spot nestled inside the Stolen Bagel pottery studio in Christchurch. The team offers a focused menu crafted with premium ingredients – the perfect stop for pottery clients, studio visitors, and local coffee (or matcha and hojicha!) lovers alike who need a quick, delicious pick-me-up on the go.

Tessa Peach of Frances Nation has gone and done it again, opening an idyllic neighbourhood café in Linwood Village. The offering is simple and well-considered, heroing local suppliers like BUTTER, Bellbird Bakery and Prima. Pop in for a great coffee, dark choc cookie and fluffy focaccia sammie.

Bangin’ Pizza is slinging seriously good pies from a custom-built container on Stanmore Road in Linwood. This family-run spot blends traditional Italian pizza with a smokehouse twist – think 72-hour fermented dough, bold flavours, and house-smoked meats done right.

Aotearoa's fine jewellery house, Naveya & Sloane, has opened its first Christchurch showroom in the historic Midland Club Building. The space blends heritage architecture with refined modernity with expansive windows overlooking the Avon River, and marble and gold accents. Lush.

Lunana’s by LeBakermen has officially opened on Cashel Street – the playful new sibling to Wigram’s beloved neighbourhood bakery. This modern CBD spot brings a refined twist to the LeBakermen spirit, serving up flaky pastries and intricate desserts crafted with heart. It’s also proudly pet-friendly – fitting, given the logo is inspired by the bakery’s beloved dog mascot.

From the team behind Buster Greens comes noble. – a sophisticated new café bringing fresh energy to one of Dunedin’s early heritage buildings on Stuart Street. Open Tuesday to Sunday, noble. is serving up specialty coffee, fresh-squeezed juices, and daily baked goods. The creative brunch menu elevates café favourites with bold, thoughtful combinations – from Cauliflower Toast with haloumi, mustard cream cheese and apple-miso dressing to Beef Cheek Benny with jalapeño verde. Coffee Supreme is on pour, with inventive specials like the Mont Blanc: cold brew with mascarpone whip and orange rind.

Tucked at the start of the Omanawa Falls Walking Track, just outside of Tauranga, this serene little café opened in late April. Serving locally roasted Excelso Coffee, Webster’s Tea, Sandbank Smoothies, plus delicious treats from Just Bread, Volare and Wildflour, it’s perfect before or after your hikoi to Te Rere o Ōmanawa.

Wānaka’s favourite outdoor lifestyle store, Heatwave, has moved into a permanent new space on Brownston Street. Still stocking the ethically sourced, durable gear you love, they’ve now added a coffee machine with Ozone beans – so you can sip a brew while you browse.