There’s been a lot going on in Takapuna to kick off the new year. Let’s get straight into Auckland’s hottest new joints.
New spots to eat and drink
Looking for a new evening hangout on the North Shore? Y.FY Lounge is a cool little cocktail bar and restaurant serving hot plates at Seven Hills Café in The Strand. It’s only open at night, and is giving very chill vibes.
Adding to the already incredibly impressive lineup of dessert specialists in Takapuna, the latest entry is Joylato. We’re talking handcrafted, artisan Italian-style gelato in traditional and experimental flavours. Our top picks are the Sicialian Pistachio and the Black Sesame. The Dubai Chocolate gelato also goes great on a waffle!
A good burger joint makes or breaks a beach town, and we’re spoiled for choice in Takapuna. Downlow Burgers has just opened up in Lake Road, and these are some serious burgers.
Proper American style, hand smashed beef patties, loads of cheese and sauce, quality fresh ingredients and excellent sides (Cheeseburger Loaded Fries anyone?).
And we’ve seen a changing of the times, with the closing of classic Takapuna restaurant Big Tikka, comes the opening of something completely new: Ju Zu.
Ju Zu is a modern South East Asian fusion restaurant specialising in exquisite dishes and massive flavours. Expect mood lighting and good times.
And finally a hot tip on Takapuna’s newest incoming dining experience: Goldie’s Bar & Yard will be opening very soon.
Keep an eye on our What’s Hot page for more info on this honky tonk treat.
Looking good with tats & hair
Takapuna has not one, but two new tattoo studios!
You’ll find Starry Tattoo & Piercing in Hurstmere Road. It’s the new branch of the popular Auckland CBD tattoo and piercing studio, specialising in quality body art and professional standards.
Pintados Tattoo opened in Huron Street in late 2025, dealing in exquisite line work and black ink detail. Headed up by artist Kenneth Kristian Johnson Toring, this studio has a particular style and excels at it.
And for a men’s hairdo that stands out from the crowd, check out the brand new Fine Line Barber Shop in Hurstmere Road. Contemporary and traditional barber work for haircuts and beard trims with precision and style.
New stores to shop your heart out
In late 2025 we saw the opening of Wally, adding to Takapuna’s very strong reputation as a streetwear hub of New Zealand. Wally is the absolute epitome of casual style, featuring an unbeatable collection brands and items you won’t find anywhere else.
Great news for pet owners: there’s a new store in town.
Lazy Paws in Lake Rd is super cute and deals in pet supplies and specialist cat litter (yes that’s a thing – your litterbox can smell like green tea!).
And last but not least, the Pharmacy on Hurstmere has new ownership, a new name and a whole new look. Check out Takapuna Beach Pharmacy for prescriptions, healthcare & wellbeing, and even a doggy toy library!
