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.
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.
Ryan Moore
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
For the very first time, our go-to for a flawless steak, Jervois Steak House, is unveiling an experience that promises to surprise even the most devoted of meat-eaters. This December, on three exclusive Wednesdays, JSH invites you to indulge in an Endless Wagyu Lunch. Picture plate after plate of exquisite wagyu beef, paired with bottomless helpings of their legendary sides: golden fries, crisp seasonal salad, and a parade of sauces. To really elevate the experience, add specially priced wines to complement every bite.
For discerning meat lovers, Jervois Steak House is nothing short of a culinary pilgrimage. An Auckland institution in its own right and part of the Foley hospitality family, JSH is a well-vetted master of its craft: think prime cuts, expertly dry-aged, grilled just the way you like, and served with decadent side dishes. The menu is a dream come true for carnivores, featuring wagyu rump cap, tomahawk ribeye, and slow-cooked short rib, all accompanied by nostalgic favourites like truffle mac and cheese and velvety creamed spinach. The dining room, with its warm leather booths and low-lit ambience, exudes old-school charm while maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere. The staff are passionate guides, ready to help you discover your perfect steak. This is Auckland’s ultimate celebration of beef.
Each Endless Wagyu Lunch at Jervois Steak House is a two-hour affair at $89 per person, and only tickets for the December 10th event still remain. Reservations are a must. Claim your spot now before this exclusive event sells out. Book here.
Few icons resonate as instantly or as deeply as Van Cleef & Arpels’ Alhambra. Over time, the Alhambra collection has become a beacon of the Maison’s signature style and a timeless emblem of good fortune. From the very beginning, this distinctive motif has inspired graceful reinventions across materials and purposes. The new Alhambra Delicate Metamorphoses collection unveils a new chapter of transformable jewellery, a collection of glittering quatrefoils to covet. Still, it is the legendary timepiece that truly shines, once again setting the gold standard for luxury and unmistakable style.
Officially debuting on November 1st, the Sweet Alhambra Jewellery Watch elegantly connects the Maison’s storied past with its dazzling future. The iconic motif is reimagined with secret mechanisms and guilloché gold, now adorned with radiant stones.
First revealed in 1968, this timeless design quickly captured the free spirit of the liberated 1960s, resonating with a new wave of women who were choosing jewellery for themselves. Its motif drew inspiration from the graceful quatrefoil arches of Spain’s Alhambra Palace and the lucky four-leaf clovers that Jacques Arpels, the founder’s nephew, lovingly gathered in his garden.
Once the choice of royalty and gracing the wrist of Princess Grace of Monaco, the Alhambra still enchants the world with its brilliance and iconography. Every Alhambra creation is crafted following 15 meticulous steps, each guided by the skilled hands of Van Cleef & Arpels’ master artisans. Stones are handpicked for their blend of colour and refraction, then carefully sculpted, polished, and nestled into golden frames using the revered lost-wax method.
The Sweet Alhambra Watch glows with contemporary charm while carrying a legacy that spans more than 60 years. Its allure is found in the seamless blend of ageless elegance and modern vibrancy, echoing the spirit of the Maison with curvature and craftsmanship. Rendered in guilloché white gold and adorned with chalcedony and diamonds, this timepiece is poised to become a lasting icon.
For many, the festive season sparkles with cherished traditions and spirited family gatherings, yet all that merriment can come at its own cost. But what if, instead of juggling the kitchen chaos and the smorgasbord of personalties, you could sink into a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day feast where the table dazzles with holiday delights, glasses stay full, and you can savour the season — without a dirty dish in sight?
Thankfully, some of Auckland’s finest restaurants are ready to take the reins with their innovative festive menus. If you do decide to leave the magic to the professionals, or dare to do things a little differently this year, our definitive dining guide has you covered. Embrace a European-style celebration and reserve a spot at a Christmas Eve 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.
Step into the festive spirit at Onemata, where every detail is crafted to make your Christmas unforgettable. Gather your loved ones for a cosy Christmas Eve dinner or a leisurely Christmas Day lunch, and let three bespoke menus set the scene for celebration. Sip on Louis Roederer as you arrive, crack open festive treats at your pace, with seasonal creations from head Chef Rob Hope-Ede. Little gourmands will delight in the special surprises just for them. On Christmas Eve, enjoy a tailored three-course champagne pairing, and on Christmas Day, choose from three separate seating times to indulge in a vibrant five-course feast, brimming with holiday classics, plus a few surprises. Onemata’s festive feast is $175 per person, $87 per child.
Experience Christmas Day the New Zealand way, with a vibrant seafood celebration at Hotel Britomart’s Kingi. Gather your loved ones and enjoy a leisurely four-course summer lunch, basking in sunlight at Kingi’s breezy, open-air space. Begin with a welcome aperitif, then indulge in a full seasonal menu that captures the essence of Aotearoa’s bountiful cuisine. Savour the Kingi platter, brimming with sustainably caught seafood, delicate steamed clams, asparagus, and tender pork porchetta. Sit back, unwind, and indulge in a Christmas feast where every detail is taken care of. Available across two separate seatings for $199 per person.
While Soul will enjoy a well-earned rest on December 25th, reserve your spot for lunch or dinner on Christmas Eve to soak up the Viaduct Harbour gem’s renowned hospitality and mouthwatering new menu. Alongside some firm favourites and hero dishes with a devout following, lean into seasonal updates like the tuna crudo with watermelon gazpacho, rockmelon, and mint. Try the succulent crumbed pork and kumquat mostarda doused with chilli sambal — a fast favourite among Soul staffers, we’re told. Step into the signature Soul energy, the perfect way to glide into a laid-back Christmas Day.
Celebrate the season and step into the vibrant world of the Pacific at Chef Michael Meredith’s Metita, where every dish is a fresh adventure in flavour. This Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy a four-course, sharing-style menu, with bubbles included. Work your way through 10 Pacific-inspired dishes, each influenced by Meredith’s Samoan roots, reimagining classic Pacific flavours with innovation and creativity. Indulge in a Pacific Island festive feast and reserve Metita’s set menu, or gather your group for the ultimate tasting journey through Metita’s hero dishes. Available for $235 per person with champagne included.
What better way to kick off the Christmas Eve festivities than with a jaunt over to Waiheke Island to indulge in Ki Māha’s delectable fare (and a glass or two of bubbles or one of their quenching signature cocktails). Perch at one of the outdoor tables overlooking the sparkling water and spend the afternoon enjoying a selection of share plates. Mouthwatering mains set the table for family-style feasts: saffron tagliatelle with tomatoes, parsley, chilli oil, and prawns; market fish with burnt-leek butter; harissa-roasted chicken; marinated lamb loin; and dry-aged duck breast with earthy oyster mushrooms, dates, marmite, and cashew cream — a sweet-and-salty symphony.
Celebrate Christmas Eve in true Italian style at Parnell’s Non Solo Pizza, where a leisurely lunch transforms into a lingering, festive feast. Start your day early, claim your spot in the sun, and indulge in generous platters of family-style favourites in NSP’s convivial courtyard, all paired with a glass or two to toast the season.
Choose Advieh for your Christmas Day celebration and enjoy a festive, contemporary feast complete with classic trimmings. Kick-start the festivities with a crisp glass of Ruinart on arrival, followed by an indulgent menu celebrating the season, with dishes like the nostalgic Wagyu Beef Wellington, pancetta-stuffed turkey, and a fluffy Kiwi pavlova to finish. Advieh’s festive feast is $249 per adult, $125 per child.
Steal a final golden hour with friends at the freshly revamped Andiamo before the real celebrations take hold. From four to five pm on Christmas Eve, imbibe your way through the stellar bubbles and beer menu, each drink just $10. Tempted to linger a little longer? Herne Bay’s cherished spot will serve its signature Italian fare all day, so settle into a sun-drenched seat, explore the new menu, and let the afternoon drift on by — pure bliss.
For early risers who choose to start their Christmas Day with a morning stroll along the beach, rest assured that your go-to for barista coffee and quality cafe fare — Takapuna Beach Cafe — will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, from 6:30 am until 12 pm. Enjoy the full menu on Christmas Eve, and on December 25th, takeaway options include coffee and freshly baked pastries (with no added surcharge).
Think outside of the bento box and linger over an elevated Japanese Festive Experience with Nic Watt’s contemporary five-course menu. Designed to be enjoyed by family members of all ages, Masu’s seasonal set menu makes for a delicious, unconventional Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feast. On Christmas Day, the five-course, family-style menu is sure to delight with its fresh ingredients, unique flavours, and artful plating. Available from $195 per person or $65 for a kid-friendly bento box.
Channel the Mediterranean vibe this Christmas with Esther’s rolling festive feast menu. Available for both lunch and dinner seatings, the set menu is $249 per adult and $99 per child (aged 12 and under). Share Esther’s famous puff bread around the table, and indulge in the baked saganaki, Cloudy Bay Diamond Clam Risotto, and Speckle Park Rib Eye off the bone. We have no notes.
For an entirely satisfying Christmas yum cha experience, Huami delivers on all fronts and is the perfect spot to take the family for an immersive festive feast. Offering a selection of elevated Chinese cuisine, indulge in fruit wood-roasted Peking duck, deep-fried soft shell crab, crispy tabasco prawns and more, washed down with a Huami gin, a whiskey from the restaurant’s impressive selection, or a glass of something bubbly. End the day on a high note with a delectable dessert — like the tart lemon confit and mascarpone cheesecake — and head off on your merry way, well-satiated. The Yum Cha Lunch and Nectar Set Menu is available from $98.
While the beloved Sunday Christmas Feast officially wraps on December 21st, the much-lauded waterfront address will be open and operating until closing time on December 24th. Guests can enjoy the full Bivacco menu — including a whole host of Italian shared plates and apertivos —right up until the big day.
For the most carnivorous among us, paradise is always found at Jervois Steakhouse, and this Christmas Eve, the beloved Herne Bay institution is open for business with plenty to inspire indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a casual pre-festive feast or a more convivial group get-together, JSH has it all. Just make sure to book early — we’re sure this beloved eatery will be packed to the rafters come Christmas Eve.
If you are lucky enough to be on Waiheke Island for the festive season, or simply need a reason to escape the mainland, Mudbrick’s beloved dining rooms await you on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. From midday, indulge in a creative take on classic Christmas fare. At The Mudbrick Restaurant, linger over the seven-course degustation as you gaze out over rolling vineyards and enjoy exceptional wines. For a more laidback celebration, The Archive Bistro offers a set menu of chef-selected bites, followed by your choice of entrée, main, and dessert.
Poliform’s Ernest sofa continues Jean-Marie Massaud’s prolific collaboration with the brand. Defined by its low-lying, modular form and deconstructed volumes, Ernest offers limitless configurations and a striking floating effect. Upholstered in richly textured fabrics, the design redefines comfort through soft contours and an expressive, contemporary presence.
With Ernest, Massaud reimagines comfort with bold creativity. This vision comes to life in a sofa defined by plush, deconstructed forms that echo the inviting softness of a down cushion. Each element marries effortlessly, allowing for intimate or expansive, straight or L-shaped arrangements, all while preserving the design’s striking character.
This summer, florals whisper rather than shout, embracing muted patterns and soft, sorbet hues. Forget prairie girl nostalgia; we’re drawn to the quiet confidence of pared-back floral prints. Florals for spring? Groundbreaking. Florals for summer? Effortlessly calm and refreshingly relaxed— it’s giving polished yet ultimately off-duty.
Prada floral quilted satin mini dress from Farfetch
There are few rituals more joyful than a long Italian lunch, and this season Parnell favourite Non Solo Pizza is inviting Aucklanders to embrace La Dolce Vita in true celebratory style. Its Weekend Long Lunch brings together generous dishes, fresh produce and the convivial spirit of Italy, all enjoyed in a sun-soaked courtyard that feels like an escape to the Med. These long, vibrant lunches begin at midday every Saturday and Sunday and are made to last as long as the stories and laughter do. It is the perfect weekly ritual to relax, reconnect and indulge.
Lunch begins with classics for the table. Warm house-made pane with Italian butter arrives alongside creamy burrata with spinach and green olive pesto, delicate shaved asparagus and peas, and silky beef carpaccio layered with truffle aioli, crispy capers, pecorino and rocket.
The main event continues the abundance. A whole roasted market fish is served with pea and spinach purée, smoked mussels and bright gremolata, while slow-roasted beef tenderloin arrives with rosemary, garlic and a decadent vincotto drizzle. A crisp Caesar salad with crispy prosciutto and a soft-boiled egg adds freshness, while golden duck-fat potatoes offer irresistible crunch.
To finish, a luscious meringue with vanilla mascarpone custard, berries, citrus and orange sauce delivers the dolci finale every Italian feast deserves.
Every Sunday, live music from 12.30pm to 2.30pm adds to the atmosphere, with a curated lineup of different artists each week creating the perfect soundtrack to a long, lingering afternoon.
A selection of spritzes is available for $16, including a classic Aperol Spritz, a bright Limone Spritz with limoncello and San Pellegrino, and a refreshing Fragola Spritz with strawberry and lemon. Guests can also enjoy a chilled glass of Ruffino Prosecco or an ice-cold Peroni on tap for $12, while wine lovers can savour Idle Hands red, white or rosé at $12 a glass or $60 a bottle. It all makes for an idyllic summer afternoon enjoyed with friends, family, pre-Christmas celebrations or even hens weekends.
The Weekend Long Lunch is priced at $55 per person, with the private To Kalon dining room available for groups of up to 10 at no additional cost.
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