ICYMI: New and Neat Openings Across Aotearoa

Nothing beats a fresh sandwich for lunch – and nobody can change our mind about that. In Auckland's CBD, Fitzroy Deli is crafting wholesome made-to-order sammies in a petite and cosy eatery. Just like the space, the menu is small, well designed and perfectly executed. The egg and cheese brekkie buns attract a crowd in the morning, joined by classic sandwich flavours like ham and mustard, mortadella, chicken schnitzel, and a very convincing veggie meatball number – all stacked between two slices of bread baked fresh onsite.

Over in the North Shore, Takapuna Surf Club opened at the beginning of March with a laid-back rooftop garden setting reminiscent of iconic surf clubs like Sydney's Coogee Pavilion. On the menu? Elevated versions of beachside staples: prawns on ice, golden schnitzels, chicken parigiana, and wood-fired pizzas flying out of the oven. There's a dedicated kids' area to keep the wee ones entertained, as well as a rotating lineup of DJs for chilled Sunday sessions and upbeat Saturday nights.

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.

Romantic and completely charming, Bistro Saine is a French-inspired restaurant that opened in April – and quickly became adored by all. The restaurant blends the comfort of a neighbourhood eatery with an elevated dining experience, where execute chef Yutak Son (who's worked at venues such as Orphans Kitchen, Te Motu, and Black Estate) adds contemporary flourishes to traditional bistro dishes. The breakfast is sophisticated and fun, with a curated buffet selection as well as a la carte choices like Crêpes Suzette, Anchovy Toast, and Potato Gratin. For lunch and dinner, there are an abundance of elegant things to share, from oysters to kingfish crudo and chicken liver parfait, and classic hearty mains.

Kinfolk joined the Long Bay Village in March, providing a laid-back spot for the community to come together and enjoy good coffee and a memorable brunch experience. Fresh pastries are baked in-house, with handcrafted salads and gourmet sandwiches supplementing an all-day seasonal brunch menu. The atmosphere is light, bright and welcoming, with a sunny courtyard setting.

Welcome to heaven. This all-new Auckland Central bakery is dedicated to serving up organic ceylon cinnamon goods, with a cabinet full of delicious scrolls to go with a warming selection of hot novelty drinks. Go for a classic cinnamon scroll or up the ante with flavours like apple cinnamon, salted caramel and pistachio.

Perch has already earned a reputation in Auckland for its great dumplings – but they've officially entered a new era centred around a wholefood BBQ concept. Lunchtime is all about Mediterranean and South Asia-inspired bowls of goodness, where you can customise the base, toppings and carb (rice or flatbread). Sharing platters take to the floor in the evening, including a slow-roasted lamb shoulder banquet designed to be enjoyed between four.

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.

After being closed for 6 months, Two Grey Café, Bar & Eatery has reopened on the bustling corner of Grey and Featherston Street. It remains a go-to for early morning coffee, business breakfasts, and their iconic triple-layered High Brunch feast. Most notably, there's a revamped lunch and dinner menu in the mix, featuring Asian-inspired small plates designed to be shared.

Tessa Peach of Frances Nation has gone and done it again, opening an idyllic neighbourhood cafe 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.

Located in a minimal diner setting upstairs at The Crossing, Lo-Fi is all about serving fresh, fuss-free and flavour-packed smash burgers. If you're a bit fed up with overcomplicated burgers (that are also just physically impossible to pop in your gob) you'll love this casual lunchtime spot created by Mark Sanders. There are three Oklahoma-style burger variations served as a single or double with the option to add fries. It's perfect for nearby workers looking for a quick and satisfying bite on their lunch break.

For the month of May, the 5th Street team are teaming up with their friends at The Last Word on their brand-new project, Edith. They're giving the New Regent Street space a full 5th Street makeover, with an Italian twist. Open 7 days a week with brunch and great coffee served 9am-1pm, transitioning into a small, seasonal menu full of shareable plates and a tight wine list served 4.30pm till late. You’ll spot some familiar faces behind the bar and in the kitchen, so while the location might be a little different, it’ll still feel like home with that signature 5th street hospitality. Oh, and don't worry – they'll be back in their original digs in June. 

Good news for the craft beer enthusiasts of Redcliffs! Two Thumb has opened a new brew bar in the seaside neighbourhood, perfect for an after-work drink or a relaxed weekend pint. You'll find a wide selection of Two Thumb's craft beer range alongside guest taps, as well as tacos, grilled cheese toasties and fried chicken courtesy of The Food Dude truck.

The team behind Grater Goods has moved into High Street, with a Euro-inspired plant-focused restaurant and deli offering. Expect a line-up of delicious wines, perfect for accompanying a plant-based feast or mini charctueries.

Merivale locals have a new spot to grab a loaf of sourdough bread for their at-home pantry – and a few pastries too of course. Bohemian Bakery have opened their fifth location in a sleek and sophisticated space on Papanui Road. Expect all the croissants, danishes and flaky delights you know and love from Bohemian, as well as fresh sammies to grab on the go.