What’s On Aug 23 - 30: How to Finish Auckland Restaurant Month in Style

For one night only, renowned chef Gareth Stewart is inviting Cazador’s Dariush Lolaiy into his kitchen at Advieh. Blending Advieh’s bold flavours of the Middle East with Cazador’s distinct take on wild, sustainably-sourced meats, the event is sure to be a true celebration of provenance. Diners will be taken on a five-course journey in this chef-led culinary collaboration, with tailored wine matches to enjoy along the way. As two of the city’s favourite chefs, the event is sure to be a popular one, so book in quick.

Gather your friends and adorn your favourite sequined attire for Saint Alice’s boujee bottomless brunch on 29 August. A celebration of all things glamour, the $79pp event features a special brunch menu paired alongside bottomless cocktails. The vibes will be high with resident DJs setting the golden-hour mood, all with the sparkling backdrop of the Auckland waterfront. They’ll even have a jewellery-maker on site, crafting personalised gold bracelets for those that want to bring a little glamour home with them.

El Origen comes alive with a Latin American feast and festivities for Somos Latina, Journey Through South America. Featuring dishes inspired by the vibrant cuisines of Chile, Peru, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico, the event promises a lively night of fantastic Latin American fare, dance and music. The event is part of Auckland Restaurant Month’s How We Eat series, a series of one-off events that showcase the city’s many rich food cultures.

Commercial Bay’s beloved Ahi is serving up a three-course lunch or dinner. Expect their famous scampi corn dog, Akaroa salmon with kina crème fraîche, and a choice of Hawke’s Bay Matangi lamb or locally-caught steamed fish. 

Ima Cuisine invites guests for a family-style feast as part of their Auckland Restaurant Month menu. The set dinner starts off with a classic mezze platter, then the choice of slow-braised lamb, roast chicken or vegan kofta, and a dessert choice of Black Doris plum crumble, Arabic sweets, or chef Yael’s famous hot cross bun pudding.

Cosy Izakaya bar Tanuki Japanese Restaurant has crafted a two-course dinner featuring a selection of beef, seafood and chicken donburi, finishing with a tasty Japanese kinako sundae with matcha mochi and roasted soya bean ice cream.  

Head to Shortland Street’s gorgeous European eatery Hugo’s Bistro for their three course dinner featuring French socca or venison and pork corndog snacks, market fish or braised venison and dark chocolate mousse or olive oil and sea salt semifreddo. A $45pp wine match is also available.  

Indulge in a late-night tipple alongside tasty bites at Curio, Culprit’s cocktail and wine lounge. Guests can enjoy a ToMacco Martini made with olive oil vodka, tomato water and fino sherry, paired with one of Culprit’s seasonal tostadas.  

Al Brown’s Fed Deli has put up a fantastic $30 three course lunch or dinner deal this Auckland Restaurant Month. Starting off with their moreish mac and cheese bites, then a choice of their famous hoagie sandwiches before finishing up with a mini cheesecake with a malt biscuit crumb.