The latest addition to the Westmere dining scene, Seabreeze is now open at the corner of Garnet and West End Rds. The fully licensed cafe, in the former site of Meola Kitchen and the former hair salon next door which has taken 13 months to open, is the new baby of Brodie McDonald (Johnny Feedback) who hopes to offer a new aesthetic, service style and cuisine to the industry. "It's the biggest cafe I have done so far, and in the community where I grew up and live now, so was keen on designing a space that was special, that would offer something to Westmere," Brodie told Viva. He says he got his love of design from his dad Bob, a furniture designer, and says there's not a white wall or piece of plywood in sight.184 Garnet Rd, Westmere
Billy's Cafe in Northcote Pt has had a roaring opening two weeks and we're not surprised. While we're yet to sample the food from the menu, the cabinet treats — particularly the bacon and egg pie and ginger slice — are delicious.14 Queen St, Northcote Pt
The people of Pt Chevalier have been eagerly awaiting the opening of Mars Salt and Sweet for the past few months, down near the beach end of Pt Chevalier Rd. The owners started leaving little poems for the locals on the door, which locals responded to in kind, eventually covering the window in community poetry. Run by film caterers Marvel Kitchen, the grocery store opened its doors last weekend, offering a range of gelato and sorbetti from Charlies Gelato Garden in Matakana, freshly squeezed fruit juices, smoothies and coffee, deli food and flowers. We especially love the high tide information on the blackboard outside. Pick up a few goodies and take them down to the beach for a picnic. 330 Pt Chevalier Rd, Pt Chevalier
Mt Eden theatre Crystal Palace has been enjoying a revival of late, with a few amazing indie gigs taking place on its historic stage. Now there's another reason to visit with the opening this week of Olly, a doughnut cafe and art gallery at the theatre, owned by recent mayoral candidate Chloe Swarbrick, her partner Alex Bartley Catt and their friend Bryan Anderson. The striking mural on the wall behind the coffee machine was created by Toni Gill, Bryson Naik and Jed Richardson. We vote yes!537 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden
Herne Bay has welcomed a new Italian eatery, Osteria Del Pane, serving hand-crafted wood-fired pizzas, pasta and other Italiano dishes made from scratch such as panzanella, "Nonna's meatballs", beef carpaccio and arancini. Using many ingredients sourced from the Continent, chef Robert Aylwin says Osteria Del Pane has been 15 years in the making. 204 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay
One thing we need more of in this city is rooftop bars, so we're keen to head down to the Viaduct and check out Dr Rudi's Rooftop Breweing Co, located in the space that once housed Kermadec. Coffee shop in the mornings, bar at night which will soon be a working microbrewery, possibly the part we're most excited about are the free 10-pin bowling lanes out the back.Level 3, cnr Quay and Hobson Sts, Viaduct
