A seven-course delight is being served up for both lunch and dinner at the stylish Cooke’s Restaurant - the foodie annexe to the lavish heritage setting of the Fable Hotel. Wagyu scotch fillet with dauphinoise potatoes and lobster thermidor are on the menu this year, all kicked off with Moet on arrival and a range of summer Kiwi wines.

Hosting Christmas lunch always requires extra pairs of hands, even if that means calling on the neighbours. That’s what two adjoining Auckland institutions are doing this year, teaming up for a Christmas collab to unite the opulence, space and light of the Glasshouse with the top-end pub-grub offering of the highly popular Morningside Tavern. A match in gourmet heaven befitting the spirit of Christmas.

Well-known Kiwi chef Sean Connolly is bidding to be on Santa’s - and every Kiwi’s - nice list this year, as he’s opening the doors of his flagship eatery for Christmas lunch and dinner. Alaskan crab risotto, Harmony Farms roast porchetta and baked saganaki are waiting under his culinary tree this year, offering a light and hearty mix to accompany a warm afternoon in the Viaduct.

Festive whānau feels and a taste of Pacific paradise await you at Metitia. Acclaimed chef MIchael Meridith is giving Christmas diners the island treatment this year, with a sumptuous four-course sharing menu. After a refreshing Tattinger on arrival, you can look forward to slow-braised lamb shank, fried pork belly and lashings of tropical fruit-based accompaniments for a fresh festive feed.

Overlooking the shimmering Waitematā Harbour, enjoy more ‘traditional’ gourmet Christmas goodness at this popular Viaduct eatery, with Yorkshire puddings and duck fat roasted potatoes playing both sideshow and showstopper to an exquisite festive menu including braised lamb sandos, roast pork belly, cheeseboard and a flamy brandy-laced pudding.