Take advantage of these amazing Restaurant Month menus that will make your next date night extra special. Whether it's a first date, a special anniversary or simply a mid-week meal, these are our top picks for what's on offer this September.
Le Chef | $40 for a 3 course dinner
Le Chef brings the charm of a traditional French cafe, bar and bistro to the city centre with a delectable offering of fine French fare created around fresh seasonal produce. Tucked away on Vulcan Lane, Le Chef is a touch of France to the city centre and makes for the perfect date night spot.
Le Chef's Restaurant Month offering features the best of traditional French cuisine with les famous French escargots (snails) in garlic butter, bavette sauce au bleu & frites (a beautiful medium rare beef flank with blue cheese sauce & fries), and a delicious creme brulee to finish.
Pilkingtons | $55 for a two course meal and a glass of wine
Within a Mediterranean style courtyard you will find a unique garden oasis in Pilkingtons – a utopia of calm, elegance and sophistication in the midst of Auckland’s urban jungle. The botanical theme gives off that summer holiday feeling and the large golden lamps illuminate the interior of the restaurant adding a whimsical flair.
This September, treat yourself to their special Restaurant Month offering. Included in your two course meal is a cauliflower caesar salad with mandarin crisps, brazil nut cream and a sesame tofu dressing for your entree, and market fish with coconut, parsnip, shiitake mushrooms, green pea, mint & smoked maple butter as your main, matched with a glass of Huia Gewurztraminer 2017.
O'Connell St Bistro | $60 for a 4 course meal
Sit back in the “modern European bistro” that is O'Connell St Bistro with your special someone for an unforgettable date night. At O'Connell St Bistro, a high level of importance is placed on the provenance of the quality produce sourced by the Bistro, so you can be sure you'll be treated to some of the finest dishes in the city centre.
Their outstanding menu offering features O'Connell's sourdough with Lewis Road Creamery salted butter, roasted Hapuka with potato gnocchi, pancetta, mushrooms & celeriac puree and a dark chocolate fondant with mandarin, praline & hazelnut ice cream... and that's only half of the menu!
Giraffe | $55 for a 2 course lunch; $65 for a 3 course dinner
Giraffe is a celebration of everything that makes New Zealand great. The spirit of innovation is captured in the preparation and presentation of deliciousness, and their desire to surprise and delight every time is uncompromising.
Grab a seat that looks out to Viaduct Harbour and treat yourselves to Giraffe's exquisite Restaurant Month menu. Their menu offers dishes where home grown ingredients are front and centre with options including Trevally Crudo with citrus dressing and pickled radish, confit duck leg with pork belly, savoy cabbage, sarladaise potatoes and bordelaise sauce, finished off with tiramisu for dessert.
Ceviche Bar by Besos Latinos | $40 for a three course meal
The waterside seating at Ceviche Bar is just perfect for a date night with your special someone. Chef Luis Cabrera and his team create amazing gourmet Latin American delights and delicious seafood & ceviche which matches perfectly with some Tequila Patrón. Inside Ceviche Bar, everything is handmade, and custom made by talented artisans in rural communities of Mexico. From the plates, glasses, and cutlery to furniture and lighting, you can expect an explosion of colour and unique design.
Ceviche Bar's special Restaurant Month menu includes three courses of culinary genius. Menu options include ceviche classico to start, a prickly pear quesadilla for your main, and a delicious Mexican crème caramel for dessert.
Vivace | $65 for a five course dinner with wine matches
Vivace's elegance and soft ambience makes for a beautiful spot for a night of romance. The menu is unmistakably Mediterranean, and always of high quality. Taking inspiration from Italian and Spanish cuisine, Vivace's dishes are every bit as flavoursome as you'd expect.
This Restaurant Month, enjoy a five course dinner complete with wine tasting pours to match each dish. Seared scallops with saffron yoghurt & chives, spiced Moroccan lamb & goat’s cheese empanadas with saffron yoghurt, and mushroom, rocket & truffle risotto are just three of the delectable courses you'll be treated to with this special menu.