The Table is Set: The Fork and Fame Awards return to Commercial Bay this Restaurant Month
After a successful launch in 2025, the month-long celebration of Commercial Bay’s vibrant dining scene is back and this year, it’s bigger than ever. For the first time, the Fork & Fame Awards will be part of Restaurant Month, giving Aucklanders the chance to vote for their favourite eateries, dishes and dining experiences from 1 to 31 August 2026.
Expanding beyond last year’s Harbour Eats focus, the 2026 awards will shine a spotlight on the entire Commercial Bay dining precinct. With more than 35 eateries taking part, the awards celebrate everything from grab-and-go favourites and cult classics to signature dishes, seasonal specials and unforgettable menu highlights.
The Fork & Fame Awards will feature a range of public-voted categories recognising the precinct’s standout food and dining experiences. Best Foods Mayonnaise also returns as the proud partner of the Mayo’Mazing Award, which celebrates the ultimate mayo-inspired dish. Fatima’s took home the title in 2025 with a fan-favourite creation that won over mayo lovers across Auckland.
Voting is open throughout August and can be done at the Fork & Fame voting booth at the Commercial Bay Concierge Desk, by scanning QR codes around the precinct, or online at www.commercialbay.com/forkandfame.
And there’s an extra incentive to get involved - everyone who votes will automatically go in the draw to win “Lunch for a Year”, a $5,000 Commercial Bay dining voucher that can be enjoyed across the precinct’s dining destinations throughout the year!
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Awards categories:
• Bang for Buck – the best value dish that doesn’t skimp on flavour
• Best Date Eats – a dish made for sharing, impressing, or flirting over
• Don’t Need Meat – a standout plant-based or vegetarian option
• Don’t Wear White – gloriously indulgent, messy and worth it
• Save Room for Dessert – the sweet treat that ends your meal on a high
• Zero Forks Given – the best dish to eat with your hands (no shame, no cutlery, no regrets)
• People’s Choice Award – your ultimate choice, your unbeatable bite, the one you go back for time and time again
• The Mayo ‘Mazing Award presented by Best Foods Mayonnaise-recognising the most creative and delicious use of mayo
The Fork and Fame Awards will run from 1 to 31 August, with winners be announced shortly after.
Enjoy exclusive offers from:
Advieh | Ahi | Ben & Jerry's | Best Ugly Bagels | Burger Burger | Chul's | Daruma Ramen | Devonport Chocolates | DOE Donuts | Dos Donkey | Eden Noodles | Fatimas | Foodu Dumplings | Gloria's | Good Dog Bad Dog | HNT Kitchen | Honest Chocolat | J'aime Les Macarons | Kai Eatery | Katsubi | Kemuri Hi-Fi | King Pow | Kome Sake Bar | Lieutenant Cafe | Loco Bros | Mazi Greek | Mokki | Nam Nam | Needo | Oji Sushi | Origine | Poké House | Public Bar | Queens Rooftop | Reign & Pour | Roti Bros | Shake Out | South American Oven | Tank | The Lodge | Wise Boys
Park at the Downtown Car Park for $2 per hour to a maximum of $10 during evenings and weekends.