Carmen Jones is a contemporary Mediterranean spot, serving a range of tapas dishes spanning across regions like Turkey and Spain. This spot is the perfect venue for casual and formal occasions alike. Planning a team dinner? They’re well set up for large seated groups. Want to keep it casual with drinks and bites? Book the Havana Room — a semi-private lounge that lets your team mix, mingle, and roam with canapés in hand. 

Just a short walk from Oriental Bay, Lulu Bar offers a range of ‘Oceanic’ sharing dishes perfect for any palate. With island-inspired decor and convivial atmosphere, this is the perfect spot for some lighthearted drinks and a nibble. For those who want to make more of an event, Lulu has a private room, or patrons can book out their courtyard area.

Mexican food is a go-to favourite for group events for good reason. Margo’s in Queenstown is a fun and flavourful option to bet on if you’re in Queenstown. They offer three versatile spaces to suit your group size, and a flexible menu that caters to all tastes and appetites. From shared tacos to seated dinners, Margo’s has just the right amount of flavour and fun. 

Azabu in Mission Bay is yet another Auckland favourite. Dishing up Japanese-Peruvian inspired creations for almost a decade, the Mission Bay location is a prime venue for those with finer palates. With a sprawling patio, their outdoor area is the perfect setup for a night of mingling, and their indoor area has some comfy booths for good conversations. Depending on the capacity, group bookings can occupy either space.

Smoke n Barrel is a restaurant and catering company accustomed to serving an assorted number of people. With a friendly interior and rearrangeable floor, this place has some valuable assets for small and medium groups looking to dine in. For large-scale work functions, their catering and delivery is highly praised in Christchurch– after all, nothing brings people closer together than good kai!