Overview
As Auckland Restaurant Month approaches, it's time to start noting down the most delicious-sounding speciality menus, masterclasses and dining experiences on offer throughout August.
Now in its 12th year, the month-long food gala is returning for 2022 with a stacked lineup and is sure to draw punters back into the city centre after a tough couple of years for the hospitality scene.
The biggest drawcard for many of us? The specially priced menus on at various eateries. Whether you're saving for a European vacation or just skrimping after a spendy couple of months, you can still enjoy big flavours on a budget, thanks to the special $25 menus at eateries around the city throughout Restaurant Month.
Check out some of our picks below and see the full list of $25 offers here.
Ghost Donkey, Commercial Bay: $25 for a two-course dinner
You may have frequented Commercial Bay eatery Ghost Donkey for margaritas, but if you haven't yet tried their delicious Mexican menu, this is your chance. For the month of August, just $25 scores you a two-course dinner. You'll kick things off, of course, with an entrée of tortilla chips and guacamole. Once that's sufficiently whetted your appetite, you'll get two tacos of your choice. Choose from crumbed market fish, al pastor (pork), chipotle jackfruit, slow-cooked beef brisket, Mexican fried chicken or braised lamb birria.
Bao Baby Bao, Elliot Street: $25 for a two-course dinner
A fried chicken fan? You won't want to miss this dinner deal from this Elliott Stables staple, where succulent free-range chicken is the hero. $25 will score you an entrée of crispy Korean fried chicken wings and a main of bang bang chicken salad or the angry bird bao. This is richly flavoured Asian fusion food that won't break the bank.
Smash Bros, Elliot Street: $25 for a two-course dinner and a soft drink
While there's a place for outrageous burger combinations, it's hard to beat a classic combo done well - and Smash Bros, well, smashes it with this deal. A mere $25 will get you an entrée of poutine, followed by their original cheeseburger, topped with dill pickle and smash sauce – and you can grab a soft drink of your choice to wash it down as well.
Ceviche Bar by Besos Latinos, Halsey Street: $25 for a Latin American sharing platter and a glass of beer
Did you know Besos Latinos chef Luis Cabera once cooked for Barack Obama? We're unsure if he opted for a $25 meal deal, but if he did, it would probably be this celebration of Latin American cuisine. The inner-city eatery is running a Restaurant Month menu that allows you (and a friend) to share a platter stacked with Mexican-style steak, chicken tenders, grilled cheese, spicy chorizo, red salsa, refried beans and corn tortillas. Get handsy as you make your own tacos — and wash it down with a beer on the side. That's date night sorted.
Japanese Bistro Zen, Customs Street: $25 for a two-course lunch
Inner-city works take note — this Japanese spot on Auckland's waterfront is upgrading your lunchtime eats with their Restaurant Month meal deal, which includes a weekly special 'zen' lunch followed by a crème brûlée dessert.
The Pantry, Park Hyatt: $25 for a burger lunch, includes a glass of beer
Suffering through a slightly dusty workday or just looking to treat yourself as the weekend approaches? Head down to The Pantry to get your laughing gear around their Restaurant Month burger — a brioche bun filled with grass-fed beef, cheese, onion marmalade, a fried egg and tomato chutney mayo. That comes with fries and a glass of beer on the side, all for $25. Just make sure you don't have anything too pressing to do that afternoon — a food coma awaits.
Gusto at the Grand, Federal Street: $25 for a two-course Italian dinner
Looking for something slightly fancy on a budget? Gusto at the Grand is known for its simple, classic fare and fresh seasonal ingredients — and this month its come to the party with a two-course Italian meal deal this Restaurant Month, enjoy calamari entrée to begin, followed by Bucatini all'Amatriciana - a traditional Italian pasta sauce based on guanciale, pecorino romano cheese and tomato.
Top image: Ghost Donkey