Best sharing menus to try this Restaurant Month

Forget having food envy and try a little bit of everything

Restaurant Month Participant

Feeling indecisive? No worries – these Restaurant Month menus are made for sharing, letting you sample a little bit of everything throughout August.

From bold bites to beautifully crafted mains, it's the perfect way to explore the city's diverse food scene with your family and friends. Sharing is caring, after all! Skip the hassle of cooking and cleaning up a feast, so don't try this at home...try it at Restaurant Month.

Esther | $69 for a four course sharing style lunch or dinner

Escape the winter blues and head to Esther in QT Auckland, where every dish will transport you to the sunny Mediterranean. This four-course menu is inspired by the travels of renowned chef Sean Connolly through Southern France, Sicily, and Morocco. The menu is designed for sharing and features a four-course experience with highlights like garlic rosemary pizzetta, cross-cut veal shanks, saffron risotto, finishing with a hazelnut semifreddo. Click here for more details.

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Gemmi | $45 for a three course sharing lunch or dinner

Located in the heart of Commercial Bay, Gemmi is your go-to for refined Italian-style fare with a view. This Restaurant Month, enjoy a three-course sharing lunch or dinner while soaking in the stunning Auckland harbour vista. Start with house-made focaccia and raw spicy tuna, then choose from decadent mains like scampi with bucatini, spaghetti meatballs with pork ragu, or chicken pesto penne. To finish, indulge in a classic tiramisu made with mascarpone and Camper espresso. Click here for more details.

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Culprit | $69 three course sharing style dinner

Up a narrow staircase on Wyndham Street is Culprit, serving playful dishes that are innovative and big on flavour, often with a nod to Chef Kyle Street's unique Kiwi upbringing. This three course menu captures Culprit's spirit of elevated throwbacks for Restaurant Month, with choices like chips & dip for an entrée, market fish and mussel fritters for a main and Miann chocolate pops with milk chocolate mousse, caramel corn, and peanut butter for dessert – to name a few. Click here for more details.

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Ember | $30 for a two course sharing style lunch or dinner

Evocative of the warm, lingering glow of shared meals, meaningful conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere, Ember takes its culinary cues from around the world. Start with a vibrantly refreshing entrée: market fish crudo paired with green apple, Aleppo pepper, lime, and rooftop honey (GF, DF). Then move on to a hearty main of shoulder of lamb served with labneh, peas, and tamari (GF). Click here for more details.

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Rooftop at QT | $45 for a two course six dish course sharing dinner

Rooftop at QT literally takes dining to new heights. This stylish venue is six floors up and for Restaurant Month is pairing fabulous views with a Mediterranean fusion, two-course, six dish dinner. The mezze plate entrée sets the tone with its blend of Middle Eastern and Spanish flavours. Next, enjoy a curated selection of dishes including line-caught market fish crudo, chorizo & manchego croquetas, Speckle Park sirloin, patatas bravas, and warm, freshly baked pide. Click here for more details. .

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Times of India | $59 for a four course sharing lunch or dinner

From its food to its cocktails, Times of India blends classic flavours with a contemporary twist, creating a dining experience that celebrates Indian culture. Begin your journey with a selection of entrées like charcoal-grilled paneer, tender lamb seekh kebabs, or creamy malai chicken thigh pieces. For mains, choose from classics such as Lamb Korma, TOI Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetarian Kofta, or Paneer Lababdar—all served with rice and your choice of bread. Finish with a comforting dessert: Gajar ka Halwa — a warm, sweet carrot pudding topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Click here for more details.