New to the lineup, not the spotlight

Restaurant Month is coming to a close - but there’s still time to savour something extraordinary! This year, a fresh wave of culinary talent joins the celebration, as several new restaurants make their debut with bold menus, exciting flavours, and distinctive vibes.

From inventive dishes to immersive dining experiences, these newcomers bring something truly special to the table. Don’t miss your chance to taste what’s fresh before it’s gone.

Discover our standout picks from this year’s newcomers below

$55 for a Two Course Sharing Style Lunch or Dinner | Trivet

Trivet makes a striking debut this Restaurant Month with a menu that’s elegant and full of bold flavours. Start with house-made flatbread slathered in coconut butter, delicate Kaipara trevally sashimi, or succulent, green-lipped mussels. For mains, choose between the market fish or the rich lamb belly. A crisp rocket, pear, and parmesan salad dressed in Cabernet Sauvignon vinaigrette rounds out the experience beautifully. Also, don't miss Front Row Experience at Trivet, where Executive Chef Wallace Mulese whips up bespoke mini versions of Trivet's iconic dishes — reimagined, reworked, and served with flair, right before your eyes.

$65 for a Three Course Lunch or Dinner | Bistro Saine

This French-inspired bistro offers the perfect setting for a romantic and unforgettable date night. Start with house-baked sourdough and brandy butter, alongside refined bites like chicken liver parfait and a pork rillettes baguette. For mains, indulge in classic Steak Frites with Béarnaise, succulent roast Bostock chicken, or a hearty butterbean cassoulet with celeriac. End on a sweet note with a stunning choux au craquelin, generously filled with hazelnut cream. 

$30 for a Two Course Sharing Style Dinner | Sunset 

What’s better than soaking in the sunset with mouthwatering bites and a crisp cocktail in hand? For just $30, start with battered cauliflower with mint yoghurt and curry leaves. Then dive into a main of crispy fried chicken, paired with curried mustard and pickled onion. Add a handcrafted cocktail for just $17 a glass. 

$30 for a Two Course dinner + Soft Drink | Kajiken

Ramen lovers, this one’s for you! Kajiken is serving up a $30 two-course dinner with a fizzy soft drink for Restaurant Month — and it’s not to be missed. Kick off your meal with your choice of takoyaki, gyoza, or aged tofu. Then dive into a steaming bowl of ramen, with flavour-packed options like roast beef noodles, deep-fried prawn noodles, spicy keema curry noodles, or sukiyaki beef noodles.

$55 for a Three Course Dinner | Trocadero 

Trocadero celebrates the finest local artisan ingredients, crafting fresh, contemporary dishes that highlight the true essence of New Zealand flavours. Indulge in delights like pan-seared scallops atop velvety parsnip purée, a hearty 300g beef scotch served with crispy fries, and a luscious crème brûlée to round off your meal.

$60 for a Two Course Dinner | The Alcott

Making a dazzling debut this Restaurant Month, The Alcott impresses with a refined $60 two-course dinner. Expect flavour-forward dishes like pan-seared scallops with sweet corn and saffron cream, harissa-fried butternut, slow-roasted lamb tortellini, and delicate ricotta and spinach gnudi.

$45 for a Three Course Sharing Style Dinner + Cocktail | Hazy Tiger

Hazy Tiger, Auckland’s Korean dining gem, brings a playful twist to tradition with its tapas-style menu. Snack on prawn and pork skewers, crispy chicken skin, and hand-cut fries before diving into bulgogi tacos, crispy rice salmon, oil tteokbokki, and steak frites. Top it off with a housemade Stil Vodka cocktail.

$55 for a Three Course Lunch or Dinner | First Mates Last Laugh

First Mates Last Laugh blends laid-back charm with a passion for delicious food and great company. Kick things off with two taquitos — salmon, tuna, or prawn — or go for the Szechuan pepper squid with wasabi tartare. For mains, choose between grilled snapper with capers or tender cabernet-braised beef cheek. Wrap it up with a scoop of refreshing gelato or sorbet.

$45 for a Two Course Lunch or Dinner | Loco Bro's Taqueria

This Restaurant Month, treat your taste buds to a vibrant Central American adventure at Loco Bro's Taqueria — all for just $45. Dive into a taco tasting plate with Beef Birria, Chicken Tinga, Pork Carnitas, Crispy Fish, and a veggie taco. Then finish on a high note with Chilaquiles, layered with fresh corn tortilla chips, a fried egg, cotija cheese, crema, tangy tomatillo, and pickled onions.

$75 for a Three Course Lunch or Dinner | Paskatsu

Tucked away on Lorne Street, Paskatsu is a fusion bistro where Korean and Japanese flavours meet in perfect harmony. Designed for sharing, the menu begins with beef tataki edamame, followed by katsu pasta with your choice of pomodoro, ragu, bacon cream, or spicy prawn cream sauce. Finish with a decadent chocolate brownie topped with seasonal fruit.

$45 for a One Course Two Dishes Lunch or Dinner | Addis Ethiopian Cafe and Restaurant

Looking to spice up your dining experience this Restaurant Month? Head to the new Ethiopian restaurant and café in the city centre, where authentic flavours meet affordable prices. Their Ye Bege Tibs—sautéed beef, lamb, or goat with spices, onions, garlic, and peppers—is a must-try. For a plant-based option, the Beyanetu offers a vibrant veggie platter with lentils, spiced vegetables, collard greens, and chickpeas.