It’s no secret that there’s been a retro redux across the culinary landscape as of late, with familiar favourites making a comeback on menus across the city. Just as fashion and design trends swing in roundabouts, so too, it would seem, does what we choose to eat, and much to our surprise and delight, vintage fare is now a la monde.
From the chefs breathing new life into classics to those sticking closer to the original script, from 70s dinner party classics to throwback staples from the Middle Ages, here, we round up the retro dishes worthy of your attention — and where to find them on menus across the city.
Prawn Cocktail at Queens Rooftop
Few dishes are as evocative of a 70s dinner party as the prawn cocktail — all antique glass, iceberg lettuce and pink-hued sauce, conjuring retro sophistication. At Queens Rooftop, this classic appetiser is elevated with perfectly poached prawns, a tangy Marie Rose sauce sharpened with citrus, and a presentation that swaps nostalgia for glamour.
Spam Terrine at Bar Magda
A cheeky nod to the wartime pantry staple, Bar Magda’s terrine of spiced ham (‘Spam’) transforms the humble ingredient into something truly refined. Set alongside relish, gherkin and atop a toasted brioche, it’s a textural triumph that balances salt, spice, and nostalgia — bridging memory with Manila-inspired modernism.
Crudité at The Wine Room
Once the darling of diet culture and canapé trays, the humble crudité returns with botanical bravado at The Wine Room. Here, seasonal vegetables are treated with reverence — shaved, pickled or served raw — and served with a luscious green goddess dip that celebrates the garden’s bounty in bold, contemporary style.
Beef Wellington at The Grill
A mainstay of 19th-century British banquets, the Beef Wellington has endured as a decadent centrepiece — and SkyCity’s The Grill does it justice. A perfectly cooked fillet, encased in mushroom duxelles and golden puff pastry, is plated with polish, reminding us why this showstopper never goes out of style.
Caviar Service at Jervois Steak House
The caviar course, once reserved for the elite tables of yesteryear, is very much back — and Jervois Steak House is serving it with all the necessary flourish. Think icy bowls, warm brioche, crème fraîche, and crisp gaufrettes. Classic luxury, reimagined for the indulgent modern diner.
Meatloaf at The Fed
What was once a humble household staple is now an elevated deli delight at The Fed. ‘Megan’s Meatloaf’ is everything you want from comfort food — rich, savoury, and generous — but it’s the cranberry relish, sautéed greens and dripping gravy that make it feel every bit a grown-up indulgence.
Ice Cream Sundae at Takapuna Surf Club
The sundae, that enduring emblem of childhood joy, is back in all its glory. At Takapuna Surf Club, you’ll find a pared-back seaside homage to the original — soft serve, sauces, and necessary sprinkles. No gimmicks, just straight up nostalgia.
Neapolitan Baked Alaska at Gilt
A retro dessert that’s hard to beat in theatre or charm, the Baked Alaska gets a tricolour twist at Gilt. Their Neapolitan version layers chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry beneath a perfectly brûléed meringue — a jubilant tribute to flambéed finales of decades past.
Anchovies at Kingi
Once unfairly maligned, anchovies are having a rightful renaissance. At Kingi, Ortiz anchovies are served simply — paired with a whisper of chilli — allowing their umami depth and silken texture to shine. A minimalist masterclass in honouring the tinned-fish trend of yore.
Rice Pudding at Blue
Rice pudding may conjure school lunch trays, but at Blue it’s anything but basic. Creamy, delicately spiced, and paired with seasonal fruit or modern flourishes, this version is all grown up — a warm, soul-soothing dessert reimagined with elegance for the breakfast table.
Pornstar Martini at Soul
Few cocktails scream Y2K quite like the Pornstar Martini — passionfruit, vanilla vodka, and a cheeky Prosecco chaser. At Soul, this millennial icon is shaken with precision and style, offering a hit of glamour that’s just as seductive now as it was in 2005.
Whole Lemon Sole at Depot
A retro classic with a distinctly Kiwi sensibility, Depot’s whole lemon sole channels the simple pleasures of 70s seafood dining. Roasted over wood and finished with brown butter, capers, and lemon, it’s unfussy, deeply flavourful, and designed for indulgence.
Basque Cheesecake at Amano Bakery
While technically younger than many on this list, the Basque cheesecake is already a modern classic with vintage energy. At Amano Bakery, its burnished top and barely-set centre strike the perfect balance of rustic charm and rich indulgence — a cult favourite, and rightly so.
