July is serving up a range of tasty new menus, delicious pop-ups, uproarious parties, new openings and more. So whether you’re an enthusiastic foodie, or are simply wanting to switch up your routine, look no further than our comprehensive July Dining Guide below.
Soul Punch at Soul
Dust off your cowboy hats and pull on your dancin’ boots, because Soul Punch is back on Sunday July 28th with an unmissable, uproarious Soul-style hoedown. Wet your whistle with a glass of Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival, followed by some of the best food this side of Alabama. Revellers will be treated to Southern-inspired cocktails as they dance the day away — with DJs playing boot scootin’ tunes from 12pm-6pm. For $125 per person, you’ll be treated to a three-course menu and glass of Mumm Grand Cordon, plus, the first 24 bottles of Mumm purchased on the day will be upgraded to a magnum. Tickets are on sale now, and we suggest you get in quick, as these events sell out fast.
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Secure your spot by calling Soul on 09 356 7249.
Advieh’s On The Fly Menu
This July at Advieh, you can enjoy a delicious three-course feast on the fly, with the eatery introducing a menu designed to get guests in and out within an hour. For a modest $55 per person, diners in a rush can enjoy freshly baked bread with hummus, a light starter, and a tasty main, topped off with a chocolate dessert, all within the hour.
Book a table here.
SkyCity’s Winter Warmers
Running from 8pm onwards at select venues within the vibrant SkyCity dining precinct, you’ll find a number of ‘Winter Warmer’ menus, curated to inspire Aucklanders to bundle up and venture out this winter. From Cassia’s famous Tandoori Chicken Taco to a flavourful bowl of scampi miso soup at MASU by Nic Watt, here, you’ll find something to lure even the most winter-adverse diners out of the comfort of home.
Book a table here.
The Sugar Club’s New Menu
SkyCity’s The Sugar Club has unveiled a new menu, inspiring city-siders to make for the Sky Tower’s 53rd floor and while away and evening in culinary bliss overlooking the stunning Hauraki Gulf. Start with fresh bread and smoked butter, followed by Quail Wellington with cumin and sesame or Market Fish with paua, leek, and sea grapes, before moving on to one of the eatery’s delectable desserts. If you’re looking for a recommendation, the Yuzu Pain D’Epices with passionfruit, honey, and cardamon is a delight.
Book a table here.
Roses’ Latest Chef in Residence
For the intimate dining room’s latest chef-in-residence, Roses’ has called on the expertise of Quentin Ville-Renon, who you’ll usually find on the tools at Margot in Wellington. The clever chef will be taking charge of the kitchen for the month of July, with a focus on low-waste and seasonal dishes — and from what we’ve seen, you don’t want to miss this one.
Book a table here.
A Fresh New Menu at Bonita
Kyle Street from Culprit is taking over the kitchen at Ellerslie eatery Bonita this July, bringing a fresh perspective to the vibrant spot with his uniquely Kiwi take on Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired share plates. Kyle is crafting a tantalising new menu filled with inventive, tasty fare, and, as always, exceptional drinks will be flowing.
Book a table here.
A Taste of NY at Soul
Fresh from an illuminating trip to the Big Apple, Soul’s Executive Chef Gavin Doyle has delved into the melting pot of cuisines that New York is known for and has come up with some exciting new menus that capture the flavour combinations of the city that never sleeps. From timeless classics to innovative twists, each dish is a love letter to the spirit of New York. Discover something new each week as Doyle spotlights a different culinary heritage, bringing you the best of New York’s diverse tastes and encapsulating the essence of this fabulous city’s vibrant food scene. Starting with fresh French flavours, followed by with Asian influences, Italian inspiration, and finally, a celebration of sensational seafood.
Book a table here.
Siso’s Slow Sundays
There truly is no better way to end the week well than gathering your loved ones for a comforting, hearty feast and a rich glass of red, and one of our favourite neighbourhood eateries happens to be running the ultimate Sunday series — Sìso Slow Sundays. This weekly event offers a curated take on the traditional roast, with a mouthwatering menu of dishes on offer for lunch and dinner that are reminiscent of a meal made at home (although with a decidedly elevated spin).
Book a table here.
Celebrate K Rd Restaurant Month at Bar Magda
Bar Magda is getting amongst ‘Eat It’ — K’ Road’s restaurant month, running across July. For $65 per person, discerning diners can indulge in a two-course bespoke set menu and a cocktail or glass of Magda’s fantasy wine (the eatery’s latest release). The first course offers Grilled Chicken and Duck Liver Parfait with Barrys bat parmesan custard and house bread, while the second course sees squid stuffed with crab and prawn, served with plum sweet chilli sauce, baked celeriac, garlic tofu, chilli almonds, and Magda’s signature parsnip crisp. The bespoke menu is available every day but Tuesdays, until the end of July. For every booking made, go into the draw to win another dinner with Bar Magda valued at $300.
Book a table here.
Platter & Pinot at Mt Difficulty
If you’re heading to Central Otago for a spot of skiing this winter, then a stop at the iconic Mt Difficulty is a must. This winter, they’re offering a Platter & Pinot special at their spectacular Restaurant & Cellar Door. Enjoy a lavish shared platter for two, featuring a selection of charcuterie, pickled vegetables, olives, dukkah, hummus, sourdough & flatbread, alongside a bottle of Mt Difficulty Bannockburn Pinot Gris for just $110, or swap to their Bannockburn Pinot Noir for $130. The perfect excuse to relax and savour exquisite wine with great company while enjoying the picturesque views across the beautiful Mt Difficulty winery and landscape.
Book a table here.
Paname Social’s Bastille Day Celebrations
Parisian-inspired restaurant and wine bar Paname Social is celebrating Bastille Day on July 14th in fitting style with their La Table de la Bastille event with Aix Rosé. The lively inner-city spot is bringing an exquisite day of French cuisine to the city, with a mouthwatering 5-course set menu including a glass of Aix Rosé and tasty canapés on arrival, lively entertainment that will keep the vibes high all day long, and the camaraderie of new friends at a grand communal table seating 100. This exclusive event is part of the eatery’s French weekend, which also features a Masquerade party on the evening of July 13th.
Book a spot here.
Alla Prossima Opens in the City
Ex-Pasta & Cuore head chef Gabriele Marangoni has been appointed Executive Chef at an exciting new opening in the city — Alla Prossima, a new restaurant in Nigel McKenna’s Abstract Hotel on Upper Queen Street. Alla Prossima, meaning ‘until next time’, will feature Emiliano-Romangnola Cuisine, bringing something exciting and novel to Auckland’s vibrant dining scene.
Book a table here.
Truffle Dinner at Ortolana
Ortolana is hosting a delectable Truffles & Alpha Domus Night this month, featuring special guest winemaker Barry Riwai. Indulge in an evening of exquisite Alpha Domus wines, perfectly paired with decadent Perigord truffles showcased in a menu created by our Head Chef Nathan Chester. There is limited availability for this event, tickets are $160 per person and include a glass of bubbles on arrival, followed by four Truffle-inspired courses with matched wines.
Secure your tickets here.
QT Queenstown’s Champagne Parlour Returns
QT Queenstown has brought back The Champagne Parlour just in time for the snow season. Set for sparkling dreams and rosé themes, The Champagne Parlour has been designed in collaboration with New Zealand creative, Evie Kemp, and in partnership with G.H. Mumm. For two months only, guests can check into their own chic Champagne chalet room at the design-led hotel, set amidst the picturesque snowy landscape of New Zealand’s majestic Southern Alps.
Book a stay here.
Winetopia
Taking place on July 26th and 27th at the Viaduct Events Centre, Winetopia offers an in-depth exploration of the world of New Zealand wine. Celebrating the richness and diversity of our country’s vineyards, here, you’ll find a selection of Aotearoa’s best wineries and pop-up eateries, with a diverse mix sure to satisfy every taste and proclivity.
Book tickets here.
Esther’s Steak Night
Flame-grilled, sensationally seasoned, and perfectly paired with a winter-warming red — Esther’s Steak Night is carnivorous dining at its finest. Masters of the grill, Chef Sean Connolly and Executive Chef James Laird know a thing or two about a good steak. Fired by Sean’s passion for sourcing the best beef in the world, Esther has crafted a menu of epic proportions, 4-courses, available only on Tuesdays. Begin with two of Sean’s iconic dishes, Yorkshire pudding and steak tartare, followed by Lake Ohau wagyu rib eye drizzled in red wine jus with duck fat roast potatoes and grandma’s carrots. Finish with a flaming crêpes suzette crafted tableside. This delectable offering is $130 per person, and available on Tuesdays from 5.30pm across July.
Book a table here.
Jump on the Strawberry Matcha trend
Local matcha purveyors, Matcha Made, are tapping into the tasty trend sweeping the globe — Strawberry Matcha, launching a strawberry-infused iteration of its organic Japanese ceremonial grade matcha this month — sourced sustainably from Uji, Kyoto. Pop into Daily Bread or Williams to get your matcha fix, or grab a tin for home from Superette in Commercial Bay.
