left to right: Kingi, Queens Rooftop, Bivacco

Our complete guide to dining out this December

28 Nov 2025

We’ve arrived at the final calendar month of the year, and with it comes a raft of delicious dining experiences set to help us slip into the festive season and out of the office in spectacular style. From exceptional new openings to anticipated Christmas feasts, new seasonal menus, lunchtime specials, and neighbourhood wine bars, here we present our definitive December dining guide.

The Wine Room’s Sunday Christmas Roast

When & Where: December 14th & 21st, The Wine Room

The grandest festive affair this season is taking place this Sunday at The Wine Room. Chef Ryan Moore is cooking up a very special Christmas feast, starting off with a glass of champagne and canapes — of course — before moving onto a classic prawn cocktail and melon and jamon with white balsamic vinegar to whet the appetite. The main event sees ham and sirloin served with all the trimmings — cauliflower cheese, stuffing balls, honey-glazed carrots, the restaurant’s famed Yorkshire puddings and gravy and cranberry sauce. Pudding, meanwhile, comes by way of a yule log and strawberry and sherry trifle for a truly indulgent finish. More than just a Sunday lunch worthy of The Cotswolds, this will be a convivial feast not to be missed. Select a few key bottles from The Wine Room’s extensive, meticulously curated cellar and cancel your evening plans.

Noche Buena at Bar Magda

When & Where: December 21st, Bar Magda, Auckland

If you crave the thrill of culinary discovery in Auckland, Bar Magda is your hidden gem. Tucked away down a staircase on Cross Street, just off K Road, this cosy, softly lit eatery has earned its stripes for serving up some of the city’s most imaginative dishes. This season, chef Carlo Buenaventura and his team invite you to experience the warmth of a traditional Filipino celebration with Noche Buena on December 21st. The decadent four-course menu is a true taste of the season, featuring generous shared plates like chicken relleno filled with duck embotido and beef morcon, and vibrant desserts such as bibingka bisaya with summer peaches and biko ice cream, offering a deliciously Filipino twist on festive fare. Tickets are $78 per person for the entire feast, with a minimum of two per booking. We suggest you gather a group and make the most of Magda’s generous BYO offering.

The Grill

When & Where: 19th December – 28th December, Horizon by SkyCity

Outsource your cooking this Christmas season and leave it in the capable hands of the talented team at The Grill. Whether it’s a friendsmas celebration, a Boxing Day dinner or your Christmas lunch on the day itself, this chef-prepared feast is a dual-purpose delight, impressing guests and leaving you more time to socialise. Choose between maple-glazed ham, whole roast turkey, or premium Angus beef scotch fillet, with all the classic sides and the option to elevate your spread with additional salads, sides and desserts. Designed for 6-8 people, this extra special menu comes ready to serve, all you need to do is set the table. Pre-orders are open now, for collection between 19th and 28th December.

Takapuna Surf Club’s New Menu

When & Where: Available now, Takapuna Surf Club, Takapuna

Head straight for the sand and dive into Takapuna Surf Club’s vibrant new menu. Savour ocean-fresh prawn lettuce cups with tangy vermicelli noodles and crispy shallots, or gather friends around pillowy puffed bread and creamy burrata. This family-friendly spot lets you skip the evening chaos and enjoy a relaxed meal right by the waves.

New Bivacco Summer Dishes

When & Where: Available now, Bivacco, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland

Housed in a stylish waterfront venue, Bivacco has long reigned as one of our favourite destinations for slow lunches or after-work drinks. This season, it unveils a bold new summer menu that perfectly captures the spirit and excitement we’ve come to love. Among the new menu additions are the seasonal standouts — crudo, prepared three ways. First, the wild-caught king fish crudo: eight succulent slices, served over crème fraiche, doused with shallots, red chilli, oregano, dill, and lemon. The sashimi-grade tuna crudo is dressed in olive oil with shallots and chilli and served on top of fresh avocado, while the Sicilian is a medley of four fish: tuna, kingfish, salmon, and snapper, served simply with a drizzle of lemon chilli oil, capers, and chives. A vibrant heirloom tomato salad, silky duck liver parfait with brioche, delicately crumbed swordfish, and tender lamb shoulder complete a menu that welcomes the season of lingering lunches and al fresco feasts.

Blue on Franklin’s Festive Ice Cream Stand

When & Where: December 8th – 25th, Blue on Franklin, Freeman’s Bay

Savour the magic of the season as you wander the legendary Franklin Road lights, ice cream in hand from Blue’s festive stand. The Freeman’s Bay favourite will be pouring hot coffee Supreme, rich hot chocolate, and spiced chai from early December through Christmas Eve. Tempt your taste buds with inventive flavour combinations like marmalade and hazelnut or honey and fried rosemary, plus classic soft serve for little ones. What better reason to stroll in awe?

Metita’s Afi Afi Hours

When & Where: Tuesday – Saturday 5-7 pm, Metita, SkyCity, Auckland

Celebrate the arrival of summer at Metita, where chef Michael Meredith’s Pacific-inspired menu sets the scene for a tropical escape. From Tuesday to Saturday, Afi Afi Hours invites you to slip into island time as the early evening glows with sun-drenched flavours and lively drinks. Sip on Valima Samoan beer, toast with Mumm Marlborough Brut, or cool off with a zero-per cent Otai, made with mango, pineapple, and coconut. From 5 to 7 pm, enjoy refreshing drinks, snacks, and complimentary popcorn that brings the spirit of the islands to SkyCity’s thriving precinct.

Friday After Dark at Rooftop at QTs

When & Where: Throughout December, Rooftop at QTs

Step up to the Rooftop at QT this December for the return of Friday After Dark and the irresistible ‘Martini Meal.’ Think grown-up happy meal: crispy fried chicken, golden fries, spicy habanero mayo, and your favourite martini, all in one. As the clock strikes 8 pm on Fridays, the energy shifts. Resident DJs spin while Belvedere tiny-tinis circulate alongside free fries. Magnums of Perrier-Jouët are ready to pop for $299. Explore QT’s plentiful ‘Mini Bar’ Menu all week long, brimming with bar snacks and tempting sample-size martinis.

Left: Queen’s Rooftop Bar & Wine Shop. Right Kingi

DineAid Christmas Campaign Returns

It’s the season for giving — and dining out has never felt more rewarding. Until December 31, 61 of the country’s favourite restaurants are joining forces for the 13th annual DineAid Christmas campaign, proving that a little generosity can go a long way. The initiative encourages diners to add a $3 donation to their bill, or $1–$3 to a featured dish or cocktail, with every cent going directly to City Missions across Aotearoa.

Thanks to the generous backing of Precinct Properties, one hundred per cent of donations raised will help fund food banks and community kitchens through City Missions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, reaching more than 135 distribution points nationwide. It’s a deliciously simple way to do good while enjoying a long lunch or festive dinner out.

Founder Mark Gregory says, “We’re so grateful to the restaurants and diners who show up for DineAid each year — their kindness makes a tangible difference to families in need.”

So this festive season, eat, drink and give generously — because every bite counts.

The DineAid Christmas Campaign runs from November 1 to December 31, 2025. For a full list of participating venues, click here.

Ayrburn Christmas Markets

When & Where: 11 am – 4 pm, December 6th and December 7th, Ayrburn

Get ready for a dose of festive magic as the Ayrburn Christmas Markets return on December 6th and 7th. Step into a wonderland of local vendors, delicious treats, and family fun, all wrapped up in holiday spirit. Mark your calendar and watch for upcoming details on how to join the festivities.

Mother’s Evening Service

When & Where: 3:30 pm – late, Wednesday – Sunday, Mother, Grey Lynn

A fast favourite among Grey Lynn locals and passersby, by day, Mother’s menu leans into European café culture with coffee, freshly-baked pastries, the sublime chicken sandwich, and fresh, seasonal salads that can either be enjoyed on the go or lingered over. By night, it will soon draw crowds offering something more intimate, “Simple food made exceptionally well,” as owner Hugo Baird puts it. Expect Mediterranean-inspired small plates — food that is familiar yet somehow surprising, paired with an ever-evolving wine and cocktail list that follows the same ethos. Grab a seat in the sun and watch the world go by. While a definitive date hasn’t been confirmed yet, we’re told evening service is only weeks away.

Masu’s New Lunch Menu

When & Where: Throughout December, Masu, SkyCity

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh menu edit to tempt us back to our favourite dining spots. From Wednesday, November 26th, Masu invites you to experience their reinvented lunch menu, brimming with inventive new dishes and crafted tableside, for a dash of culinary theatre. Savour the Japanese tuna tataki caesar salad, mixed before your eyes, or dive into the Japanese Sumo Bowl, where market fish or silken tofu nestle on furikake-seasoned sushi rice with saikyo miso, avocado, and crisp salad greens. What’s more, from December 1st, the SkyCity favourite will unveil two new matcha creations: the yuzu cloud matcha, served hot or iced, and the Masu Matcha Moment, a hot libation prepared tableside for a truly immersive treat.

Bivacco’s Sunday Christmas Feast

When & Where: Now until December 21st

Perfectly timed to usher in the festive season, Bivacco’s famous Sunday Feast returns as the Sunday Christmas Feast. Expect a parade of nostalgic, seasonal delights at the waterfront mainstay, including the holiday hero — the glistening free-range Christmas ham. Glazed with maple and orange and surrounded by sides and nostalgic appetisers like pigs in blankets, honey-glazed carrots, and colourful antipasti; expect an afternoon of pure indulgence. Bivacco’s Sunday Christmas Feast will be available until Sunday, December 21st. Secure your booking here.

‘Tis the season for tasty little morsels from Knead on Benson

Knead On Benson Christmas Offerings

‘Tis the season for tasty little morsels, courtesy of Remuera’s favourite local bakery. Available right up until Christmas, this year’s seasonal selection includes a nostalgic runlist of tried and true gems — think house-made fruit mince tarts, the biscuit selection, Christmas cake and the almost too-pretty-to-eat gingerbread tree.

Hinemoa Cellars

When & Where: Early December, Birkenhead, Auckland

Venture over the Harbour Bridge, and the names Sarah and Jordan Macdonald have become synonymous with Birkenhead’s bourgeoning dining scene. The husband-and-wife duo behind some of the North Shore’s favourite bars and eateries, including Duo, Bon Pinard, and Osteria Uno, are now set to open a curated little wine shop, created for locals — by locals. Hinemoa Cellars (located directly next door to Osteria Uno) will offer a tight edit of sublime pours sourced from near and far. Set to open during the first week of December, watch this space (or keep an eye on their Instagram account) for more details.

Kid-friendly Dining at SkyCity

When & Where: Throughout December, Cassia, Masu, Depot, Fed Deli, SkyCity, Auckland

As the festive frenzy sweeps with holiday happenings, let SkyCity’s eateries take the stress out of family dinners after you visit with Santa. The beloved restaurants have given their classic menus a playful twist, reimagined for little hands. At Cassia, kids dine free with every paying adult, while Masu’s Bento and juice box combo promises smiles from even the pickiest dinner dates. Head to Depot for fish sliders and crispy potato skins, or treat the family at Fed Deli with the Lil Fed menu, where cheese toasties, fries, and a banana split await.

Dom Pérignon and Bites

When & Where: Available now until December 10th, Advieh, The Wine Room, and ROKI Collection Queenstown

With any glass of Dom Pérignon 2013 purchased before December 10th, guests dining at Advieh, The Wine Room, and ROKI Collection Queenstown will receive a complimentary chef-crafted snack to sit in harmony with the standout vintage — orchestrating a single moment of culinary perfection. To really elevate the dining experience, buy a bottle of Vintage 2013 and receive up to six chef-crafted bites to be savoured among friends.

NSP Long Lunches

When & Where: Available Saturday & Sunday from now and throughout summer, Non Solo Pizza, Parnell

Parnell institution Non Solo Pizza is inviting Aucklanders to embrace La Dolce Vita in true celebratory style. With summer’s arrival comes the return of NSP’s Weekend Long Lunches, bringing together generous dishes, fresh produce, and the convivial spirit of Italy, all enjoyed in a sun-soaked courtyard. These long, vibrant lunches begin at midday every Saturday and Sunday and are made to last as long as the stories and the laughter do. It is the perfect weekly ritual for relaxing, reconnecting, and indulging.

Denizen’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining Guide

When & Where: December 24th and 25th, various eateries, Auckland

If you’re outsourcing the festive fare this Christmas, consult our definitive guide to the city’s best festive menus available. If you do decide to leave the magic to the professionals, or dare to do things a little differently this year, embrace a European-style celebration and reserve a spot at a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day lunch, to let the festivities linger a little longer. Whatever your itinerary, we strongly suggest you skip the stress and ditch the dishes — eat, drink, and be merry instead.

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Zambesi arrives at Commercial Bay, igniting a bold new era for a New Zealand icon

28 Nov 2025

Few names command the same reverence in New Zealand fashion as Zambesi. Founded in 1979 by Elisabeth and Neville Findlay, the brand has long stood as a pillar of the country’s creative identity. Its dark, intellectual aesthetic and architectural tailoring are synonymous with a quiet confidence that transcends trend and time.

Now, Zambesi enters an exciting new chapter with the opening of a new store on the ground floor of Auckland’s Commercial Bay. The carefully conceived space will reflect the label’s bold yet refined sensibility, presenting a full range of womenswear, menswear, accessories, and limited-edition pieces, all designed and made in-house in Auckland. Each Zambesi collection begins with an obsession for fabric and form, expressed through garments built to endure. The brand’s commitment to local craftsmanship and its ability to shape the cultural landscape of fashion over more than four decades have cemented its status as a true creative force. For Commercial Bay, the addition of Zambesi further strengthens its position as the city’s foremost destination for contemporary New Zealand design, alongside Wynn Hamlyn, Juliette Hogan, Sylvester, and Elle & Riley.

“We’re honoured to welcome Zambesi,” says Andrew Trounson, Head of Retail at Commercial Bay. “This is a brand that has helped define New Zealand fashion and continues to embody exceptional design and craftsmanship.”

With the doors now open, Zambesi’s enduring legacy continues through intelligent design, uncompromising style, and garments that tell a story.

commercialbay.co.nz/zambesi

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The handbag that is on everyone’s wish list this year

28 Nov 2025

Some fashion moments linger long after the final model leaves the runway, and Gucci’s Cruise 2026 show was one of them. Staged in the brand’s birthplace, the 15th-century Palazzo Settimanni, the collection unfolded as both a love letter to Florence and a statement of intent for what comes next.

Inside the historic palazzo (now home to Gucci’s archives), Gucci delivered a masterclass in contrast: sensual yet structured silhouettes, jacquards and silks laced with metallic threads, and a palette that swung between muted opulence and modern restraint. It was Florence reborn through Gucci’s lens; a city of craftsmanship and confidence, rendered with effortless sprezzatura.

Among the many highlights, two creations captured the essence of the evening: the Giglio and the Vanity bag. Named after the giglio, Florence’s symbolic lily, the former encapsulated the show’s central narrative by honouring heritage while blooming into something new. Its softly sculpted form, polished G clasp and petal-like edges brought a sense of organic fluidity to the collection’s tailored precision. Crafted in supple leather, the Giglio’s appeal lies in its quiet power — luxurious, tactile, and unmistakably Gucci.

Following Giglio’s blueprint, the Vanity bag emerges as a scaled-down accompaniment to its larger predecessor. Curated with convenience at the fore, the Vanity moves seamlessly from day to night, an enduring style statement from the luxury house. Echoing the timeless allure of the Jackie and the Bamboo before it, the Giglio bag feels destined for icon status. Its balance of form and function channels the ease of everyday luxury while retaining the kind of structural refinement that defines true investment pieces. With both bags available for immediate purchase after the show, the new additions serve as a testament to Gucci’s ability to merge storytelling with commercial instinct.

As the models emerged from the palazzo into the Florentine twilight, the mood was clear: this was more than a return home. It was a reaffirmation of Gucci’s creative core and a reminder that evolution is most powerful when it stems from authenticity.

The Cruise 2026 show wasn’t about reinvention for reinvention’s sake; it was about reconnection. A dialogue between past and present, between craft and culture, between Florence and the world. The Giglio, a blooming emblem of where Gucci has been, and the luminous direction it’s heading next.

gucci.com

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The must-try new dishes making Bivacco the summer go-to

28 Nov 2025

Bivacco has long reigned as one of our favourite destinations for slow lunches or after-work drinks. The menu never fails to champion quality local ingredients with a contemporary Italian twist. The vibe is lively and unpretentious, making Bivacco an ideal spot for unforgettable summer gatherings with friends.

Though Bivacco remains a perennial favourite year-round, this season it unveils new summer dishes that perfectly capture the spirit and excitement we’ve come to love. Among the new menu additions are the seasonal standouts — crudo, prepared three ways. First, the wild-caught king fish crudo: eight succulent slices, served over crème fraiche, doused with shallots, red chilli, oregano, dill, and lemon. The sashimi-grade tuna crudo is dressed in olive oil with shallots and chilli and served on top of fresh avocado, while the Sicilian is a medley of four fish: tuna, kingfish, salmon, and snapper, served simply with a drizzle of lemon chilli oil, capers, and chives.

left: Duck Liver Parfait. Right: Heirloom Tomato Salad

A vibrant heirloom tomato salad, silky duck liver parfait with brioche, delicately crumbed swordfish, and tender lamb shoulder complete a menu that welcomes the season of lingering lunches and al fresco feasts.

savor.co.nz/bivacco

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Elegant and eternally modern — the Cadenas continues its reign as one of Van Cleef & Arpels’ great masterpieces

28 Nov 2025

Long revered for its expertise in creating iconic High Jewellery timepieces, Van Cleef & Arpels is celebrating the ninetieth anniversary of one of its most admired pieces. The Cadenas watch remains one of the Maison’s most emblematic designs, fusing technical mastery with the quiet sophistication of classic Parisian style. First created in 1935, during the height of the Art Deco era, the Cadenas transformed timekeeping into an expression of elegance, embodying the Maison’s talent for blending innovation with refinement. Its name, meaning padlock in French, symbolised unity and protection, a motif that mirrored the artistic experimentation of the period. By re-imagining an everyday object as an object of beauty, Van Cleef & Arpels echoed the readymade philosophy introduced by Marcel Duchamp in the 1910s and later explored by the Surrealists of the 1930s. This union of ingenuity and artistry positioned the Cadenas at the very centre of the modernist spirit.

Worn on the wrist, its angled dial allowed the wearer to read the hour subtly, a graceful nod to the social codes of the 1930s, when women were expected to treat time as insignificant. The clasp of a double snake-chain bracelet slid fluidly around the wrist, following its curve with effortless flexibility, making the piece as comfortable as it was covetable. More than a functional object, the Cadenas became a symbol of independence and discretion, a jewel that suggested its wearer was in quiet control of her own time.

Throughout the decades, the design has evolved while preserving its distinctive character. Early models, crafted in yellow gold and platinum, later appeared adorned with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, each new interpretation reaffirming its place among the Maison’s icons.

Cadenas watch with yellow gold, diamonds and sapphire from Van Cleef & Arpels

The latest creation continues this lineage with luminous precision: a yellow-gold bracelet encircling a snow-set diamond case, its clasp traced with rows of princess-cut sapphires. It radiates the quiet strength of an enduring classic that bridges artistry and engineering.

Ninety years on, the Cadenas remains a paragon of understated Parisian style. Elegant, intelligent and eternally modern, it is a jewel that measures not just the passing of time, but the enduring beauty of it.

vancleefarpels.com

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Zucchetti Pan S: A Study in Seamless Elegance

28 Nov 2025

In a design landscape increasingly defined by quiet luxury and refined detail, Zucchetti’s new Pan S collection arrives as a masterclass in purity and restraint. An evolution of the iconic Pan series created in 2004 by Ludovica Serafini and Roberto Palomba, this reimagined range distils nearly two decades of design thinking into something profoundly simple, yet beautiful.

Where its predecessor celebrated sculptural lines, Pan S presents a cleaner, more organic silhouette. Cuts and welds are eliminated entirely, resulting in fluid forms where bodies, spouts, and levers appear to emerge from one continuous shape. The tapware appears to have been poured rather than assembled, conveying a sense of harmony that feels both architectural and subtle.

Available in single-control or the newly developed two-control configuration, Pan S extends its refined language across basins, showers, and bath fixtures. The effect is a cohesive suite that elevates everyday rituals into moments of design-led calm.

For those seeking a bathroom defined by balance, sophistication, and the kind of minimalism that reads as luxury rather than austerity, Zucchetti Pan S is a compelling reminder that simplicity, when executed masterfully, is the ultimate expression of style.

Zucchetti is available locally from Robertson Bathware.

robertson.co.nz

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Masu’s enticing new menu brings the drama, with dishes prepared table side

28 Nov 2025

Masu by Nic Watt transforms Japanese robata grilling into a captivating performance. Now, this SkyCity favourite raises the bar again, debuting a daring lunch menu where chefs prepare each dish table side, infusing an ordinary lunch break into a culinary spectacle.

Wafu shi-za-sarada, Japanese tuna tataki Caesar salad

Among the seasonal standouts is the Japanese Tuna Tataki Caesar Salad, a fresh, flavoursome spin on the lunchtime classic, artfully prepared on the trolley while you wait. Think super-fresh, lightly seared yellowfin tuna tossed through crisp cos salad leaves, creamy house mayo, Masu’s signature rice crackers, and extra-fine nori.

left: Japanese Sumo Bowl, Yuzu Kumo Matcha (yuzu cloud matcha). Right: MASU Matcha Moment.

If you’re after something even lighter, the summery Buddha Bowl bursts with brightness and flavour, perfect for a midday pick-me-up. What’s more, from December 1st, Masu will debut two new inventive matcha creations: the refreshing yuzu cloud matcha, served hot or iced, and the Masu Matcha Moment, a warming libation prepared table side for a truly immersive experience.

Lunches will also now offer the Shomi menu, a curated selection of signature dishes from Masu’s a la carte dinner offerings. This is ideal for guests seeking the richness and creativity of the dinner menu, but in a lunchtime setting, priced at $99 per person.

From fresh, innovative lunches to lively dinners, Masu offers a dining adventure where time-honoured techniques blend seamlessly with modern cuisine. The sake selection ranks among the city’s best, and the stellar service makes every visit memorable. The next time lunch cravings strike, consider Masu the benchmark for fresh, thoughtful Japanese fare.

Lunch hours:
Wednesday & Thursday 12pm — 2pm

skycityauckland.co.nz/masu

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The Wine Room’s Le Club celebrates its first birthday with an evening of Champagne, caviar and all things nice

26 Nov 2025

To celebrate its first birthday, The Wine Room is set to roll out the red carpet and shed its daytime sophistication in favour of something a little more daring. Partnering with some of the world’s most exclusive beverage houses, the alluring destination will reimagine itself as a late-night playground where music, indulgence, and performance collide.

The event is in partnership with Moet’s Grand Vintage 2015, so you know you’re in for a treat. The evening kicks off with a series of captivating live performances, while The Wine Room’s resident house DJ spins the night away, from golden hour to the small hours.

The oyster and Belvedere experience will be front and centre throughout the evening, with Champagne, caviar, and creative cocktails in steady supply. At the same time, Chef Ryan Moore will keep the crowd well-fed with a menu of refined canapés.

Tickets are $149 per person and include Champagne on arrival, chef-crafted canapés, an oyster and caviar experience, plus exclusive access to The Wine Room’s expansive setting. Doors open at 7.00 pm, and the party continues late into the night — then returns monthly on the final Friday of each month.

If you want in, secure your spot here.

thewineroom.nz

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Kingi’s new seasonal menu is a love letter to Aotearoa from north to south

26 Nov 2025

On a stunning Friday afternoon, the Denizen team headed to dine in Kingi’s laneway, a space that manages to feel both architecturally assured and deeply rooted in the soul of Aotearoa. Kingi (and The Hotel Britomart) has firmly established itself as Auckland’s most quietly confident restaurant; here, stone, timber, flax, and textural accents come together in a way that feels like a contemporary interpretation of the land itself. It is the perfect backdrop for a menu built on provenance, craft and integrity.

Executive chef Andrew Lautenbach and head chef Stefania Palermo have led Kingi into a new era with a seasonal menu divided into North and South Islands. It reads like an edible atlas, charting trusted fishers, small-scale farms, foragers and independent producers from top to bottom. “Our goal is to tell the story of Aotearoa through the food,” Andrew explains. “By dividing the menu by region, we can highlight the people behind each ingredient and open a conversation about where our food truly comes from.” This navigational division turned lunch into an explorative journey through the country’s most exceptional suppliers, people who genuinely care for their land and the sea.

Left: Masonic Mix. Right: WithWild Wapiti nigiri with horseradish and ponzu

We began with cocktails. The ‘Where Did the Man-Go’ quickly found its spiritual match with one team member, while the ‘Masonic Mix’ offered a polished Old Fashioned with a side of Eyes Wide Shut intrigue.

Te Matuku oysters with umeboshi, finger lime and chilli oil

Smoked eel with The Southerly whiskey honey, horopito cauliflower and sea herbs

Starters set the tone. Wild Wapiti from Fiordland, transformed into elegant nigiri with a swipe of horseradish, was tender and quietly astonishing. The crayfish taco with kiwifruit felt like a cheeky tribute to two national icons that, by all logic, should not belong together but absolutely do. Then came the smoked eel, sourced from local specialists who honour the traditions of Māori gathering and preparation. Claire’s recollection of South Island eel-harvesting folklore added a layer of authenticity you simply cannot manufacture.

Market whole fish with tomatoes, capers, olives and chilli

The selection of expertly crafted tastes of our country’s bounty offered a broad introduction, but the mains carried the emotional weight. A whole flounder, pan-fried with burnt butter, sage and capers, arrived as a nostalgic triumph, its delicate flesh falling apart with the gentlest encouragement. The kūmara gnocchi, soft and buoyant, paired with fresh zucchini and stracciatella, surprised everyone. It was universally adored, proof that vegetables, when treated with this level of respect, can command the table’s attention entirely.

Red kumura gnocchi with zucchini, stracciatella and gremolata

Kingi remains one of the city’s most sincere expressions of who we are. A restaurant that represents the best of who we are and what we represent, delivering a gastronomic journey that leaves you feeling proud of Aotearoa.

kingibritomart.com

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The Skincare Duo that 98% of users agree delivers immediate and impressive transformation

26 Nov 2025

With summer finally here and the social calendar heating up, the quest for lit-from-within, party-ready skin has never felt more urgent. And if you’re not incorporating peptides into your skincare routine, we suggest you reconsider. These clever amino acid chains are the building blocks of youthful, resilient skin, and they are having a well-deserved moment right now. Elizabeth Arden, a brand steeped in skincare authority, has channelled its power into its latest innovations: the HA + Peptides Ceramide Capsules Serum and the HA + Peptides Ceramide Water Cream, both designed to visibly firm, smooth, and restore the skin’s natural bounce.

While Hyaluronic Acid has long been the hero of hydration, peptides are quickly becoming the secret weapon for summer luminosity, supporting collagen and improving firmness. Elizabeth Arden’s new HA + Peptides duo combines these forces in one simple, high-performance routine, ideal for anyone looking to elevate their regimen ahead of long lunches, seasonal soirées, and fun times in the sunshine.

The impressive results speak for themselves. After a single use, the skin appears instantly plumper, with a noticeable improvement in smoothness. In consumer studies, 98 per cent of participants reported more supple skin, while 95 per cent saw a boost in hydration that lasted throughout the day. The newly enhanced Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum, paired with the all-new Hydra-Plumping Water Cream, delivers deep hydration with improved volumising and moisture-retention benefits. Expect a smoother texture, revived elasticity, and that coveted fresh-from-holiday glow — even before you sign off for the year.

Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum

Best For: Definition, smoothing, radiance

Think of this as filler in a capsule. This powerhouse serum combines Size-Shifting Hyaluronic Acid with collagen-supporting Peptides to deliver visible plump and firming power. Micro-HA penetrates deep before expanding to smooth and volumise from within, while Peptides support natural collagen for enhanced contours and lasting bounce. Each biodegradable capsule ensures optimal potency, with skin looking instantly plumper and more defined.

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Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Hydra-Plumping Water Cream

Best For: Hydration, firming, plumping

This lightweight cream also has a filler effect, drenching skin in up to 240 hours of hydration. Advanced 5D Hyaluronic Acid penetrates multiple layers for both instant and lasting plumpness, while phytoceramides, peptides, and exosomes reinforce the barrier and support collagen. Skin is left firmer, smoother, and radiantly refreshed.

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Shop the range here.