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 August.
Baduzzi | $89 for a three course modern Italian lunch or dinner + wine matches
The Sicilian word for 'meatballs,' Baduzzi is one of the best Italian restaurants Auckland has to offer. Not only will the indulgent Italian food bring instant comfort on a cold winter's night but its chic interior makes it a great place for impressing a date while treating yourself at the same time! Their value-for-money menu this August includes Bostock squash ravioli with burnt butter and sage to start, followed by Bostock organic chicken alla cacciatora with roasted potatoes and seasonal greens. It ends with a Bostock organic apple strudel dessert and matches wines for each course. See full menu and ts&cs here.
Botswana Butchery | $55 for a three course lunch or dinner
Located in the iconic ferry terminal building, Botswana Butchery brings a taste of the south to the heart of Auckland city with sumptuous dishes set in an opulent setting, making it a great place to head for a dinner date this August. Taste and enjoy their three course menu which epitomises delicious winter comfort food - includes options mini duck shepherd’s pie, braised wagyu beef short rib, and sticky date pudding. See full menu and ts&cs here.
DeBretts Kitchen | $40 for a two course lunch or dinner
DeBretts Kitchen is a relaxed setting bathed in natural light provided by a soaring glass-roofed atrium. As the sun sets, spend a cosy night beneath the stars, complemented by fresh food, superb wines and warm attentive service. DeBrett's is an excellent choice for a date night this August - choose either an entree + main or main + dessert for just $40, with options including crispy pork belly; goats cheese gnocchi; pan fried market fish; one pan chicken kiev; rhubarb and ginger creme brulee or French lemon pie. See full menu and ts&cs here.
Saint Alice | $55 for a two course seafood lunch or dinner
Saint Alice blurs the lines between a laid back eatery, brasserie and bar and is situated overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, making it one of the best places in the city for taking in stunning views over a drink and a delicious bite to eat. Their $55 two-course seafood menu this Restaurant Month is well worth checking out - including a snapper sashimi entrée and a snapper filo parcel main. See full menu and ts&cs here.
La Zeppa | $40 for a three course Mediterranean lunch or dinner
Situated directly behind Victoria Park Market with views out towards the Sky Tower, La Zeppa has created a unique atmosphere set in an industrial warehouse with a large open fireplace and an open kitchen on display making it a great date night option this winter. Its menu is inspired by Mediterranean street food and for $40 this Restaurant Month you can enjoy three courses, with options including sesame crusted beef koftas; paella with mussels, prawns and chorizo; pork belly, and milk chocolate crémeux or apple empanadas for dessert. See full menu and ts&cs here.
XuXu Dumpling Bar | $40 Social Hour - XuXu Negronis and two baskets of dumplings with a seasonal salad
Xuxu is one of the city’s gems, a cosy table-service bar just across Commerce Street from its older sibling Cafe Hanoi. It's a great place to go for a casual, intimate date and the new Social Hour offering for Restaurant Month this year allows just that. For $40 (or $20 per person for two) get two XuXu Negroni cocktails plus two baskets of dumplings and a seasonal salad. Check out all the Social Hour offers like this one here now too.
The Poni Room | $55 for a three course Asian-inspired lunch or dinner
The Poni Room is an all-day Asian-inspired, rosé-centric eat-and-drinkery with a convivial atmosphere that encourages fun, playfulness, high energy and put simply, good times - so great for a first date! Check out their Restaurant Month menu which includes courses like coconut crab arancini and a ½ Duck platter which features twice cooked duck, wrappers, lettuce, pickles, chilli dressing and hoisin sauce. See full menu and ts&cs here.