Auckland’s Newest Restaurants Opening in 2025: The Best of the Best
Remember that quiet hum Auckland's streets had for a while? Forget it. Walk down Ponsonby Road as the evening draws in, or wander through Commercial Bay at lunchtime, and you'll feel it – a real, palpable buzz.
After navigating some turbulent years, Auckland’s hospo scene isn't just recovering; it’s crackling with fresh energy. New spots are popping up, old favourites are being reimagined, and there's a feeling that something exciting is cooking around every corner.
It's more than just new menus; it’s about the stories, the people pouring their hearts into creating spaces where we can connect and celebrate. It feels like Auckland is hungry for it. So, let's dive into some of the most talked-about openings set to make waves as we head into 2025 – the places you'll be telling your friends about.
Jacuzzi Ponsonby
Opened Feb 2025 - 150 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby Road without SPQR felt… incomplete. Ponsonby Road felt incomplete without SPQR. Its closure left a real gap, but the arrival of Jacuzzi in that legendary spot feels less like a replacement and more like a confident, glamorous revival. This is the work of sisters Bronwyn and Jessica Payne, familiar faces on the Auckland scene with backgrounds managing key local venues and even food TV spots. Their mission, stated openly, was "restoring Ponsonby's lost icon."
Working with Oulton & Partners Interior Design, they've cleverly retained heritage elements SPQR regulars loved – the original copper bar, those mosaic tile floors – but woven them into a fresh, European-inspired look with rich burgundy and deep teal velvets, custom lighting, and vintage finds. The undeniable conversation starter? "Derek the Diver," a massive 3.5-ton sculpture by artist Timothy Oulton, presiding over the room. It feels instantly Ponsonby, yet dazzlingly new.
The Vibe: Opulent but inviting. Think intimate corners, maybe live music, the buzz of a place that knows it's the spot. Plans for "European Salon Evenings" hint at their ambition.
Don't Miss: The menu blends bistro comfort with fusion flair. Early buzz (#JacuzziPonsonby is humming) centres on the wagyu katsu sandos (yes, there's a caviar upgrade), beef tartare cannoli, and that decadent 650g bone-in ribeye. And with a dedicated martini menu and skilled mixologists behind the bar (a key focus in their hiring), the drinks are serious business
Esarn Rocket
Opened early 2025 - 170 Garnet Road, Westmere
Remember those vibrant Thai street food pop-ups a while back? The energetic young Thai entrepreneurs behind them have landed. Esarn Rocket is bringing the punchy, soulful flavours of Northeast Thailand (Isan) to Westmere. Forget generic takeaways; this is about the authentic heat and complexity of Isan cuisine – think zesty larb (minced meat salad), proper som tam (papaya salad) pounded to order, fragrant sticky rice, and skewers of grilled meat with addictive spicy tamarind sauce.
They’ve transformed their space (location confirmed after navigating council permits) into a slice of Bangkok market life – an open kitchen buzzes, vibrant murals depict Isan landscapes, neon signs glow in Thai script, and reclaimed wood tables encourage sharing. It feels personal, driven by a desire to bridge traditional family recipes with Auckland's palate, using ingredients sourced directly from trusted local Thai suppliers.
The Vibe: Casual, colourful, energetic. Like stumbling into a bustling Thai street stall, complete with potential outdoor seating.
Authenticity Factor: High. There are whispers of a head chef trained in Bangkok's famed street food markets, and leaked videos show meticulous preparation. They're not just cooking; they're sharing their culture. Modest seed funding from a local incubator supporting cultural cuisine startups underscores their grassroots passion
J’aime Pâtisserie
Opened Valentine's Day 2025 - 7 Queen Street, Commercial Bay
Just when you thought Commercial Bay couldn’t get any chicer, J’aime Pâtisserie arrived like the sweetest Valentine's gift. Christchurch locals already know Bridget O’Sullivan’s jewel-like macarons; now Auckland gets to experience her artistry. Partnering with designer Denise Morreau, they've launched J’aime’s first Auckland boutique (and potentially the start of a franchise model). MA Architecture Studio helped craft a space that’s pure modern elegance: a minimalist facade opens into a striking red-on-red interior, with polished marble and meticulous LED-lit glass cases showcasing pastries like edible art.
The Vibe: High-end treat territory. Feels special, sophisticated, "Instagram-ready" as the design blogs say.
Beyond Macarons: While the classic French macarons (with seasonal twists) are stars, expect exquisite petit fours, bespoke cakes, and thoughtful pairings with local coffee roasters. Bridget's European training shines through. Rumours of weekend baking demos or workshops add to the allure.
Kinfolk Café & Eatery
Opened Jan 2025, Torbay
Over in Torbay, this cafe instantly feels like a beloved local, despite being new. This comes from the experienced team behind Albany's much-loved Fields Cafe, known for community focus and great brunch. Kinfolk channels that same energy into a relaxed, stylish space – think large windows, comfy seating, local art, maybe some retro-industrial touches like exposed brick softened with greenery. It’s designed as a "community hub," a place to linger.
The Vibe: Genuinely warm, chic yet approachable. The kind of spot where staff remember your order.
Food Focus: Hearty, comforting, flavour-packed brunch and lunch using quality local ingredients. The dish generating serious buzz? That chili prawn scramble. They’re nailing the essentials too, with great coffee (likely from a top local roaster like Coffee Supreme, similar to their other ventures) and a commitment to seasonal menus and sustainable practices. Watch for potential "farm-to-table" evenings.
Takapuna Surf Club
Opened Jan 2025 - Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
Takapuna's waterfront has levelled up. Takapuna Surf Club isn't your old-school clubbie haunt; it's a stunning rooftop bar and restaurant perched high on Hurstmere Road, offering those 360-degree views across Takapuna Bay to Rangitoto. This ambitious project pairs a developer known for smart coastal revitalisations with respected Chef Anthony "Tony" Marks, whose reputation for sublime seafood precedes him.
The design blends coastal cool with sophistication – open-air decks, modern lounges, reclaimed timber, ambient sunset lighting, and subtle nods to the site's surf club heritage (vintage photos, memorabilia). Crucially, robust weatherproofing ensures year-round comfort.
The Vibe: Elevated beachside chic. Perfect for sunset cocktails, celebratory dinners, or just soaking in that incredible vista.
On the Menu: Seafood is king. Expect an impressive raw bar (oysters, clams shimmering on ice), creative takes on chowder, perfectly grilled local catches, and Chef Marks' signature commitment to sustainable sourcing. The cocktail list is equally tempting, featuring playful beachy creations (a "Surf & Turf Martini"?) alongside classics, plus great wines and craft beers. Plans for live music and family-friendly events suggest it aims to be a true community asset.
Fankery
If you spend any time on food TikTok or Instagram, you might already be obsessed with Fankery, even if the founders remain enigmatic figures known only as "Fankery_Official." Famous online for their gravity-defying, mochi-stuffed Basque cheesecake and other wildly inventive treats, they're making the leap from viral sensation to their first brick-and-mortar bakery, funded by private investors and fuelled by massive social media buzz.
The exact central Auckland location is still under wraps pending final permits, but leaked sketches and contractor insights point to an industrial-chic warehouse conversion – minimalist white surfaces, bold neon graphics, bespoke ovens, humidity-controlled display cases, and an open kitchen theatre. It's being designed explicitly to be as visually stunning as the desserts.
The Vibe: Playful, vibrant, experimental, and highly 'grammable. Expect queues.
Must-Try: The legendary cheesecake, obviously. But the menu expands into matcha-infused truffles, deconstructed lemon meringue pies, and seasonal fusion pastries blending Japanese (premium matcha), Spanish, and local Kiwi elements (organic dairy/eggs). It’s artistic, boundary-pushing, and sounds ridiculously good. Keep an eye on #Fankery for launch updates.
And the Buzz Doesn't Stop There...
Keep your eyes peeled for:
Britomart Buzz:
The area continues to evolve with openings like Fitzroy Deli (bringing authentic NY-style sandwiches), Portside (a sleek cocktail bar with harbour views), and Tyler St. Sport (an upscale sports bar concept).Global Flavours:
Cāntīng sees renowned Chef Nic Watt offering modern Chinese in Commercial Bay, while 269 Parnell promises a vibrant global street-food market hall.Specialty Spots:
The College Hill Wine Room brings serious sommelier cred to Freemans Bay, The Vegan Treatory lands its popular vegan cookies in Ponsonby Central, and Clevedon welcomes a second branch of the beloved rural Farm House Cafe (yes, cinnamon rolls!). Even the Viaduct gets a new bistro/cocktail spot, Mea, from the Parasol & Swing team.
The Culinary Shift
Looking across these diverse openings – from nostalgic revivals and authentic global kitchens to slick city bars, community cafes, and viral dessert labs – it’s clear Auckland’s dining scene is brimming with confidence and creativity. There's a palpable desire to offer not just food, but experiences – stories told through flavour, design, and genuine hospitality.
It feels like an invitation: to explore, to taste, to connect. Whether you're rediscovering a Ponsonby icon, chasing authentic Isan heat, soaking in rooftop views, or finally getting your hands on that cheesecake, you're tapping into the delicious energy defining Auckland right now.
Go on, pull up a chair.
The future looks incredibly tasty.
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About the Author
Joshua Thomas is the founder of Hospo HR, an experienced hotelier, and an advocate for New Zealand's vibrant hospitality sector. Always immersed in the latest hospitality trends, news, and updates, his passion stems from his lifelong love as a devoted foodie. Connect with Joshua and his community of hospitality professionals.
