Auckland’s Restaurant Month is back from the 1st until 31st of August, 2023. This year’s programme includes a stellar lineup of events and menu offers that showcase the breadth of talent and diversity of offerings that can only be found in the heart of the city.
Global culinary experiences are back on the menu with the return of The Chef Collab Series, after a three-year hiatus. Over a series of four dining events, international chefs are paired with the chefs of iconic Auckland city centre restaurants for one-off dining events. Celebrated Kiwi chefs Analiese Gregory and Justin North will return home for the series. Gregory will join Ben Bayly at Ahi to create a six-course menu blending her foraging ethos with Bayly’s love of indigenous ingredients and Māori cooking techniques. While North will partner with Des Harris at FISH Restaurant to present a three-course seafood menu showcasing career highlights from his time at three beloved French establishments: Banc, Becasse and Le Manoir. Memories will be the inspiration for Nelly Robinson from Sydney’s famed ‘Nel’, who will team up with Sid Sahrawat of the recently reopened Cassia Restaurant to create six courses of modern Indian dining.
The Flavours of the City series will celebrate eateries unique to the city centre over ten events. An amuse-bouche of what’s planned includes a Dumpling and Noodle Crawl of local favourites on Lorne Street, and a four-course dinner at Homeland by Peter Gordon celebrating local producers, including The Kai Ika Project, who rescue and distribute excess kai moana through Papatūānuku Kōkiri Marae in Mangere.
While those who are keen to learn about the rich history and tradition of some of the city centre’s eateries can book a Lincoln’s Table walking tour, they’ll check out everything from traditional Chinese hotpot in Guangzhou to Jungle 8, the newest addition to Elliott Stables.
Diners will also have the opportunity to connect with chefs from some of our city’s top restaurants through an exclusive evening of food and conversation through the Chef’s Table Series. A taste of what’s on offer for this annual favourite includes the opportunity to celebrate 20 years of MoVida with popular dishes prepared by Frank Camorra – or seven years of Culprit with Kyle Street. Along with seven of his chef friends – including Al Brown – they’re creating the quintessentially quirky dishes of this local institution. While plant-based diners can savour a modern-Asian menu courtesy of East Restaurant chefs Stuart Marsden and Vincent Yan.
Viv Beck, Heart of the City Chief Executive, said that Restaurant Month is well-established as a city centre “must do” on people’s calendars.
“This year, there’s a fabulous mix of events, deals, local and international celebrity chefs that when combined, highlight how our dining scene continues to thrive. At the heart of the programme is a celebration of the diversity of cuisine and calibre of talent throughout the heart of the city. We can’t wait for foodies to experience what’s on offer this August,” said Beck.
Every day in August, more than 100 specially created menus at three price points - $30, $45 and $55+ per person will be served across the city centre. The return of Social Hour sees over 15 of the top bars and restaurants in the city centre pouring delicious cocktails paired with beautiful bites.
