AUCKLAND

One of Wellington’s most revered coffee roasters, Havana Coffee, has opened on St Georges Rd in Parnell with an open-door roastery giving a glimpse of the magic. We told you something was afoot at

Candela on K Rd – its new late-night spot Barcita continues the theme of Spanishinspired bites in a moody, intimate space. Next-level fish and chips come courtesy of Nate’s Plaice in Grey Lynn, which offers a sustainable seafood menu using fish caught fresh locally – it’s headed by Nathan Ward, who recently opened One Fish Two Fish in New Windsor. On game day, head to Schapiro’s in Eden Terrace, Auckland’s American-style sports bar by Otis Schapiro (co-owner and head chef at

Lilian). Robby Hekkers, a former barista from Grey Lynn’s late-lamented Crumb, has opened Lucky Strike in Mt Eden. Nothing goes together like a burger and a beer, and when it’s craft beer and the goods from Birkenhead’s Real Burger, what more is there to say? The folk behind Newmarket’s Leafe and Journal in Ormiston have banded together in Amble + Birch, bringing all-day dining to Plunket Ave in Manukau. Great news, Cassia is back – the Fort Lane favourite finally reopened after spending a month closed due to flood damage and it has a new menu packed with new dishes such as lamb kulcha with chilli and coconut. We’ve loved the Parade pop-up on

Ponsonby Rd, so we’re beyond delighted that it has a permanent spot right next door – a fitting home for some of the best burgers you can wrap your hands around. Already a hit in Christchurch,

Town Tonic comes to Auckland with a smart new venue on Constellation Drive.

What was The Dominion pub in Mt Eden has had a spiffy new facelift, emerging as The Bridgman, with chandeliers and crushed velvet giving a super-luxe vibe to the old building and a definitelybetter-than-just-pub-grub menu. Chur Bae in a former florists at the City Works

Depot is the baby of the Bae brothers, with a cool and casual offering of Kiwi classics with a Korean take. For the most indulgent dirty dogs in town, be sure to see the fourth outpost of Good Dog Bad

Dog in Onehunga Mall, which has all the favourites including mac ‘n’ cheese dogs, chilli cheese dogs and fried Oreos for dessert. Tacos, nachos – no problem at De

Nada Mexican Eatery & Taqueria, newly opened on Mt Eden Rd. The Churchill is back – yes, gin with a view returns at Auckland’s highest rooftop bar at the Four Points by Sheraton on Queen St.