Minotti’s 2025 Sofa Collection celebrates the brand’s mastery of modern living with two new silhouettes that perfectly balance artistry and comfort. Each piece captures the Italian atelier’s signature ability to merge form and function, creating interiors that feel both deeply personal and effortlessly refined.
The Bézier system, designed by Studio MK27, redefines modular seating with fluid, organic lines that can be endlessly configured. Inspired by parametric curves and Brazilian modernism, its sculptural rhythm transforms any space into a living landscape.
Meanwhile, the Coupé Sofais a statement in sculptural simplicity. Defined by rounded, overlapping volumes and an elegant nod to 60s and 70s design, it offers an invitingly deep seat enhanced by an ergonomic incline, padded headrest, and tailored lumbar support. Subtle tone-on-tone stitching and couture-inspired details reflect the house’s uncompromising craftsmanship.
The complete 2025 Collection is now available to view at Minotti Studio, ECC Auckland
As we finally start to thaw out and look ahead to long lunches and revived spring menus, preferably with a seat in the sun, there’s no time quite like the present to fill the calendar with November dining events. From annual wine pop-ups to much-anticipated culinary collaborations, we like to think of spring as the perfect precursor to the festive season ahead. In a bid to keep you well-fed from start to finish, consult our dining guide for the best foodie happenings to know about (and book into) throughout November.
Celebrate spring’s most appropriate pairing — flowers and champagne — at a special afternoon of Bubbles and Blush. Huami’s Perrier-Jouët Garden Bar transforms into a floral atelier, part sensory escape, part social indulgence. Guests are invited to create something beautiful, guided by the floral artistry of talented florists from Blush, with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne in hand, set against a lush garden backdrop. Expect a fun afternoon of fragrance, florals, and effervescence, as you sip, snip, and savour delicious dim sum while crafting your own arrangement to take home. Book here.
Saturday 22 November, 11.30 am to 1.30 pm Limited seats available $95 per person
– Guided fresh floral workshop, with an arrangement and a posy bowl to take home – Glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne – Hand-crafted dim sum basket
After a typically wet and weary Auckland winter, warmer climes and lighter spring menu edits usher in a welcome change. In keeping with their expansive local wine list (conveniently available by the glass) and a plethora of gastro offerings to boot, Somm’s October menu edit has arrived at precisely the right time. What’s more, to kick start the summer season in one of our favourite seaside locales, Somm Sundowns has officially returned, offering an extended happy hour menu from 4 pm until 6 pm daily.
‘Tis the season for tasty little morsels from Knead on Benson
‘Tis the season for tasty little morsels, courtesy of Remuera’s favourite local bakery. Available from October 27 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.
SkyCity’s epic food festival, Served, will return this November. Among this year’s seasonal standouts, the Perrier-Jouët Garden Bar at Huami will return on November 5, running right through until February 1. Sip and savour a PJ flute or bring your appetite and indulge in the Bird Cage Platter for $45, including four standout dishes from the dim sum menu.
It’s the season for giving — and dining out has never felt more rewarding. From November 1 to 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.
Treat your resident whiskey connoisseur or brush up on your own knowledge at one of Ayrburn’s Whiskey Flights. Guests will enjoy a range of artisanal drops from time-honoured distilleries in both Ireland and Central Otago. Designed to be enjoyed at your own pace, the full flight allows guests to sample the very best on offer, alongside a curated selection of cheeses and gourmet chocolate. No booking required, settle into Ayrburn’s Vintner’s Bar and let the atmosphere take hold. Available from 11:30 am, 7 days a week.
A firm fixture on our spring calendar, the one-and-only Maison Vauron is back with their hotly anticipated Rosé Market Day — just in case that European holiday was starting to feel very far away. This free event will take place on Saturday, November 8, and features over 20 rosé wines from boutique producers across regions like Provence, Méditerranée, Bandol, Bordeaux, Loire, Beaujolais, and the Languedoc. Guests will be treated to live music, an array of French food trucks, and cheese from La Fromagerie, served alongside fresh cafe fare from L’Atelier du Fromage. We can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday.
Nothing says “summer’s beckoning” quite like a Spritz. Kicking off on Friday, the 7th of November and scheduled to run for seven full weeks, Campari will take over Bar Ziti’s iconic laneway for the Campari Laneway Sessions series. Expect resident DJs from 5 pm until 8 pm every Friday, a curated selection of spritzes and aperitivo hour between 4 pm and 6 pm.
One for the entire family to enjoy, Kohi Beach will resume its Fish & Chips Pop-up from the end of October. Make full use of the extended daylight hours and treat little gourmands to the full line-up of Kiwi classics — think fish burgers, prawn toasts, hot chips and cray rolls.
Officially reopening to a steadfast and true loyal following on Wednesday, October 22, the beloved Auckland eatery has quite literally never looked better — with a fresh new spring menu to boot. Diners can expect to be thoroughly impressed by the additions, including the melt-in-your-mouth bruschetta toasts topped with smoked fish, green tomatoes and capers, or the deliciously shareable Vitello Tonnato with rose veal, tuna mayo and caper berries. Sitting neatly alongside hero dishes with cult followings, the newest gastronomic delights further bolster a menu that, quite frankly, needs no introduction.
Our go-to for a well-balanced Bibimbap or impromptu takeaway night, Gaja has fast become one of Auckland’s best Korean eateries. What’s more, the Ponsonby Central mainstay has just released a new, improved spring menu, featuring no dishes over $20. We suggest you gather your friends and indulge in Seoul’s authentic flavours.
Bar Magda’s fourth vintage — 2024 Magda “heart breaker”
Tucked down a Cross Street staircase, Bar Magda feels like a sultry little secret — a low-lit lair where Aotearoa’s seasonal bounty meets Filipino soul. Chef Carlo Buenaventura’s menu never misses, and with a $65-per-person set menu and no corkage fee, it’s high time to pay a visit (if you haven’t already). What’s more, this hidden gem has recently introduced their very own vintage, the 2024 Magda — a tannin-rich, chilled red blend, produced by Brood fermentation in Nelson, in collaboration with chef Carlo — we strongly suggest keeping Bar Magda in steady rotation.
Enjoy High Tea in the Libraries and devour an array of sweet and savoury delights
Offering a curated combination of art, design, and culinary delights, High Tea in The Libraries at The Hotel Britomart is back, featuring a whole host of contemporary delicacies crafted by executive chef Andrew Lautenbach. Drawing inspiration from his favourite childhood sweet treats, guests will be welcomed to the space with a glass of No1 Family Estate Assemblé, followed by a selection of teas from Zealong. An afternoon in The Hotel Britomart, devouring an array of sweet and savoury delights — sounds heavenly.
Wine-lovers, mark your calendars. Lawson’s Dry Hills’ chief winemaker Marcus Wright and Kingi’s head chef Stefania Palermo will come together to host a casual, free-flowing tasting on November 26 in the Kingi courtyard. For $57 per person, guests can expect tailored food and wine pairings alongside insights into both the vineyards and intricacies of the winemaking process, celebrating the very best of the Marlborough region.
In a bid to keep spirits high until summer, make a beeline to Commercial Bay to enjoy the welcome return of Advieh’s Happy Hour. Available daily from 3 pm until 7 pm, the new and improved menu includes an impressive lineup of cocktails and bar snacks. Hero libations include the Wild Dahlia Roots — a refreshing combination of gin, crème de cassis, pomegranate shrub, lemonade, coconut and lime foam. Chef’s kiss.
Treat yourself to flavours from around the globe in the very heart of Auckland’s CBD, with Silo Park’s beloved Auckland Night Market, now back in full force. Open every Saturday from 4 pm until midnight and Sunday from 4 pm-11 pm, the city comes to life throughout summer withcolourful stalls, live music, and a mouth-watering array of street eats.
Set against one of the city’s most breathtaking backdrops, the much-loved Queens Rooftop is turning up the excitement this November, all to champion a worthy cause. From November 28 at 12 pm to November 29, DJ Tim Richards will spin non-stop for 24 hours. The aim: raise $10,000 for men’s mental health, suicide prevention, and prostate and testicular cancer.
All weekend long, Queens will come alive with music and community happenings, from a ticketed late-night party to a sunrise breakfast featuring Allpress coffee, Morning Made matcha, and a rolling Bloody Mary cart. The festivities will finish strong with the Queens Record Fair, where crate-digging and good vibes take centre stage.
Queens is also joining forces with DineAid this November and December, giving $1 from every Balter sold at Takapuna Surf Club and Queens Rooftop to support food banks this Christmas. There’s never been a better reason to raise a glass as the festive season approaches.
From the arrival of Victoria Beckham beauty on local shelves to Assouline’s iconic Library Collection, here are the new launches worthy of your wishlist, alongside everything that’s captured our attention this week.
Hot off the back of a wildly successful Netflix documentary special, Victoria Beckham is the name on everyone’s lips — and we’re so here for it. For the first time in Australia and New Zealand, the fashion designer’s much-lauded beauty collection will be available to purchase, both in-store and online, at Mecca from October 21. From cult-favourite products like the viral Satin Kajal Eyeliner to signature skin staples like The Foundation Drops with TFC8 (formulated in collaboration with Augustinus Bader), this one deserves to occupy both your beauty bag and your top shelf.
By the time November rolls around, we could all use a little rest and relaxation. Piqued as “the antidote to modern life”, Allume is Queenstown’s premier holistic spa destination, offering a restorative and ritualistic environment to rejuvenate and reset. Visit for a soak or reap the benefits of the thermae floating sauna on offer here — this is one wellness destination not to be overlooked.
Described as “an ode to the fine art of perfumery”, Loewe’s divine new signature scents feel like a welcome change from the headier top notes typically worn throughout winter. With a trio of standalone scents that work beautifully alone or layered together, Loewe’s new fragrances include Roasted Vanilla, Bittersweet Oud, and Iris Root.
A little of this liquid gold goes a long way, literally. Touted as one of Elizabeth Arden’s longest reigning skin saviours, the iconic Hyaluronic Acid Peptides Ceramide Capsules promise to instantly plump skin by up to 39 per cent — while reinstating hydration and increasing elasticity. There’s a legitimate reason cult products stand the test of time, and this is one hero we can well and truly get behind.
Representing an iconic moment in history, the Mini Apollo is a scaled-down version of the Apollo spacecraft, artfully reimagined by the London-based Timothy Oulton Studio. Made in-house by a team of skilled craftsmen, the Mini Apollo stands at 1 metre high and commands your full attention with its high shine, polished stainless steel shell, and bespoke leather interior. Complete with tufted banquette seating, ebony floors and an Odeon pendant — we’re calling it “extraterrestrial chic.”
1. The Row Classic Dune Sandal from MyTheresa. 2. Chloé Tpu Jelly Sandals from Net-A-Porter. 3. Miu Miu Riviere Cord Sandal from Farfetch. 4. A.Emery Jalen Sandals from Net-A-Porter. 5. Christopher Esber Jo Thong Sandals from MyTheresa
These are the most sought-after sandals of Summer
Call them thongs, flip flops, sandals or jandals — whatever your moniker of choice — summer’s sleekest sandal edit feels elevated, carefree and ultimately off-duty. The Row’s iteration of the beachwear classic feels like a daring new direction for the brand, and we can’t get enough of it.
Long-time purveyors of the perfect coffee table book, Assouline’s coveted Library Collection feels like the ideal gift for your favourite bibliophile. A carefully curated selection of objects to decorate your library and living spaces, this heirloom-worthy 45-piece collection serves as “an artistic conversation between coffee table books and decorative elements.”
Timeless and poetic, master craftsman and internationally awarded jeweller Brent Sutcliffe’s bespoke creations are crafted to mark life’s special moments with rare beauty and personal meaning.
For over two decades, Sutcliffe Jewellery has been creating showstopping bespoke pieces with such meticulous attention to detail that every glance reveals something new. Under the eye of master craftsman Brent Sutcliffe, a goldsmith whose career spans New Zealand’s finest workshops to London’s elite Hatton Garden, each commission is a marriage of artistry and engineering.
More than 70 percent of Sutcliffe’s work is private commissions, often beginning with a carefully sourced gemstone and a hand-sketched design. From there, hundreds of hours of exacting craftsmanship transform it into a jewel that feels as personal as the story it represents.
“Bespoke commissions can be delicate and understated, such as a pendant to honour a new chapter. ”
Every piece is a true collaboration between jeweller and client. An exchange of stories, inspiration, and ideas shapes every curve and setting, ensuring that the end result is entirely one-of-a-kind and filled with personal and lasting meaning.
Bespoke commissions can be delicate and understated, such as sweet diamond earrings to mark an 18th birthday, or a pendant subtly set with birthstones to honour a new chapter. Others can be rich with symbolism, like a ruby or sapphire chosen for its personal significance and turned into a statement ring marking a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Whatever the piece, the journey to create it is as unique as the jewel itself, ensuring it becomes more than an adornment — it’s an heirloom in the making, destined to be loved now and treasured for generations.
Getting thirsty waiting for that longed for tipple? Follow these guidelines to ensure you’re served swiftly, time and time again.
Be on your game. Space is at a premium when you are bar side. There is only a fleeting moment before the tiny slice of space left behind some other reveler is swallowed up by a bar goer with better reflexes, so it’s best to be nimble.
Once you’ve established prized bar real estate, it’s time for initial eye contact. Please don’t linger and stare seductively, quick eye contact will suffice. Bartenders have seen every trick in the flirt-to-get-drinks book. Try and wink, snap fingers or worse yet, bang on the bar, and you’ve got yourself a 20 minute wait. Also, no gesturing wildly please, you’re not haggling at a fish market. Bartenders have remarkable peripheral vision, so when you think they haven’t seen you they are probably just ignoring you.
Finally, once you’ve got their attention, remember that simple drink orders communicated clearly and politely always win over awkward winks, brash yelling, absent manners or complex mixology.
Few libations hit the spot like an ice cold beer. Whether you prefer yours in a chalice or straight from the green bottle, what could possibly elevate such a sacred experience, you ask? Try the perfect food pairing. Enter The Stella Artois Serve.
As far as we’re concerned, the best way to elevate the art of beer drinking is with good food, and despite years of affirmation, that doesn’t have to mean a greasy pub meal or hot chips doused in vinegar.
Throughout the month of November, two beloved upscale eateries — and culinary institutions in their own right — will partner with Stella Artois, to each create an individual dish in perfect harmony with the 600-year-old legacy beer brand’s signature flavour profile.
Jervois Steak House’s T-bone Steak
For Aucklanders’ the inimitable Jervois Steak House will be on a mission to reaffirm their position as purveyors of the perfect steak, offering diners a melt-in-your-mouth T-bone cut, served New York style, finished with a lick of bone marrow butter and creamed spinach, to be washed down with a perfectly poured chalice of Stella Artois. As if we needed any further convincing that JSH is indeed a cut above the rest.
Here, steak is more than simply a cut of meat — it’s an ancient art form, an out-of-body experience. Charred edges, succulent centres, rich marbling, paired sauces, sides that transgress from best supporting to main characters — it’s the whole picture.
Harbourside’s Thyme and Lemon crumbed chicken with Lemon Risotto
For those slightly further afield in Tauranga, beloved family-owned-and-operated Harbourside is offering a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired take on the ideal Stella Artois pairing. Their spin on what makes the perfect accompaniment? Try thyme and lemon crumbed chicken served on a bed of preserved lemon risotto, finished with a caper and currant butter sauce and a side of fresh bocconcini. Chef’s kiss.
Harbourside Chef Cameron Ward
Holding pride of place and overlooking the glittering Tauranga Harbour, head chef Cameron Ward serves his dish interpretation by utilising seasonal produce heroes and fresh flavours. Tender chicken is coated in a delicate thyme and lemon crumb, delivering a golden, crisp exterior that gives way to succulent, juicy meat.
Already salivating? You’re not alone. Visit Jervois Steakhouse and Harbourside Eatery to secure your November booking to try either restaurant’s The Stella Artois Serve.
Poliform’s Phoenix kitchen merges architectural precision with Italian elegance, elevating the heart of the home.
The Phoenix kitchen by Poliform embodies a vision of living where refined design meets everyday functionality. Defined by clean lines and subtle proportions, it conveys a sense of timeless modernity, while offering complete flexibility through modular configurations and exquisite material choices. Integrated handles, slim profiles, and seamless surfaces create a light, architectural aesthetic that feels both discreet and sophisticated.
Beyond its beauty, the Phoenix is designed for living — ergonomic layouts, intuitive storage, and customisable finishes adapt perfectly to contemporary lifestyles. As a centrepiece, it exemplifies Poliform’s philosophy: the kitchen as both a functional hub and a statement of style.
With Halloween now upon us, it’s high time to make sure that all family members are costume-ready for October 31 — that includes any four-legged friends.
From food-inspired fits to Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl, there are few things in life that’ll spike your dopamine quite like trawling for dog-friendly Halloween costumes. Here are a handful of this year’s standouts.
Pirate
A pirate pug? Adorable. This one lends itself to the perfect owner-pet coordinated costume moment. Bonus points for the little Captain Hook paws.
Life of a Showgirl
Channel Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album and go full Showdog this spooky season. Nothing turns heads at the local dog park quite like top-to-toe sequins.
Dirty Martini
Serving as both an homage to the classic cocktail and a powerful way to reframe the dreaded cone, this dirty martini costume never gets old and is surprisingly easy to achieve.
Sometimes, a short work week calls for an impromptu takeaway dinner that hits all of the right notes with none of the fuss — think a crowd-pleasing mac & cheese or an even heartier bolognese. Enter, Needo — your trusty local purveyors of freshly-made pasta to-go, now with a brand new outpost in Auckland’s Mt Eden.
From its food truck conception back in 2013, the Mt Eden eatery marks Needo’s fourth locale to date, joining a line-up that includes Auckland’s CBD, Commercial Bay, and Manawa Bay. The formula here is relatively simple: wholesome and hearty portions of freshly-made pasta alongside pizza by the slice and a handful of trusty salads and sides, boasting the kind of quality, convenience and nostalgia previously reserved for a home-cooked meal.
Needo Mt Eden. Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti
The menu here reads like a run-list of tried and true favourites; think creamy carbonara and mushroom spaghetti, heaped with nutty parmesan cheese, or the red sauce-dominant pomodoro macaroni, best mopped up with warm garlic knots or buttery garlic brioche.
POMODORO Macaroni
If the mood for casual Italian strikes, we suggest leaving dinner plans up to the pros and making a beeline for Needo’s new outpost. While diners are welcome to stay and enjoy the relaxed yet contemporary atmosphere at all four Needo restaurants, the grab-and-go convenience here makes it easier than ever to enjoy homemade quality Italian in the comfort of home. No judgement here.
Few Auckland eateries hold the culinary clout of the Michael Meredith helmed Metita. In fact, it’s hard to believe that the SkyCity eatery was only established two years ago.
To celebrate Metita’s second birthday, the award-winning restaurant will partner with Apéro’s chef Leslie Hottiaux, in a milestone event that brings together two highly acclaimed chefs at the very top of their game.
Left: Leslie Hottiaux of Apéro. Right: Wood-Fired Duck Breast
On Wednesday November 12th, from 6pm onwards, Metita’s guests will be treated to an 11-dish French Polynesian feast of epic proportions, featuring a menu that blends the very heart and soul of the Pacific, heralding chef Meredith’s Samoan lineage, with the refinement of French cuisine — reminiscent of what you’d expect from the K-Road mainstay. On arrival, guests will receive a cocktail and a series of reimagined snacks, followed with a menu that delights the senses at every turn. It’s a fitting culmination of culture and craft from two of the country’s finest.
Metita
“When I thought about how to celebrate Metita turning two, I wanted to do something that truly reflects what I love most about food — connection, collaboration, and culture,” says chef Meredith.
“For me, Apéro has always been one of Auckland’s most special restaurants. Leslie and Mo have created a space that feels honest and soulful and Leslie’s cooking has this ability to transport you somewhere else entirely. So, to mark our second birthday, Leslie will join me in the kitchen, blending French cuisine with the warmth and depth of Pacific flavours, to create something unique.”
Left: Tuna, buffalo curd with watermelon. Right: Michael Meredith
A culinary collaboration of this calibre doesn’t come around all too often, so be sure to secure your tickets for what’s destined to be one unforgettable night.
Bookings are now open for Wednesday, 12th November. Secure your spot here.
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