With April’s arrival and the packed calendar of holidays that come with it, there seems to be no end to the delicious, enticing happenings taking place on our local dining scene. And while you may be making the most of the holidays and heading out of town (we’ve got you covered there, too), our April dining guide showcases just how tasty Auckland is looking for anyone sticking around. From exceptional new menus to transportive pop-ups, indulgent high teas, and where to find the best of the season’s Bluff Oysters, we’ve got the intel on exactly what to book for the month ahead.
Sample Ahi’s Delicious New Probiotic Wild Sodas
This month, Ahi has introduced an incredible selection of probiotic wild sodas, naturally fermented with ingredients from the Ahi Garden. Bar manager and founder of Bayside Rum Co., Egor Petrov, is behind the libations, carefully selecting herbs, fruit, and flowers from the Ahi Garden, and pairing these incredible ingredients with raw honey and water to brew gut-loving, healthy tonics perfect for the inclement seasons ahead.
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Get Your Cultural Fix at Kingi’s DJ Sessions
Live DJ sessions at Kingi continue on Wednesday 17 April from 5pm, with DJ Nick Takashima playing a set of soul, funk, house and jazzy beats to enjoy alongside a special drinks list featuring Unico Zelo, and the Kingi plates you know and love.
Balmoral Street Food Market
Mount Eden locals are no strangers to these now-famous food markets. And with a host of impressive vendors in the mix, this month’s promises to be one of the best yet. Think delicious woodfired pizzas, biscoff-loaded doughnuts, low and slow BBQ, and everything in between from some of the city’s most-loved vendors — this a foodie affair not to be missed. On Friday, April 26th from 5:30pm — 9pm.
Indulge in Jervois Steak House’s New Autumn Menu
Everyone’s favourite stalwart steak house, Jervois Steak House, knows a thing or two about comforting, cosy fare, and their new menu is a shining example of their specialty. Here, you’ll find delicious new cuts alongside a host of inventive additions such as the must-try Roasted Bone Marrow with pickled onion gremolata and sourdough. Book a table for the weekend ahead to sample some of JSH’s best dishes yet.
Be Transported to the Amalfi Coast at Sìso’s Convivial Pop-Up
Síso is harnessing the essence of the Amalfi Coast with its ‘Sapore di Malfy’ series. Running for a second year (after being met with such fervour the first time around), from now until the 14th of April, Sìso’s Sapore di Malfy menu will offer a raft of exquisite bites and thirst-quenching cocktails not to be missed.
Spend Sunday Feasting on Delectable Pacifica Fare at Michael Meredith’s Metita
Fresh and seasonal ingredients are cooked to perfection at Metita’s To’ona’i Sunday Long Lunch — an homage to the Pacific tradition celebrated all over the world. Some of Michael Meredith’s most cherished memories are centred on Sunday to’ona’i and seeing his aiga connect, reflect and come together, and here, he invites city-siders to join in on the tradition.
Feast on Flavourful Indian Fare at Cassia’s Prix Fixe Lunch
Chef Sid Sahrawat’s award-winning SkyCity venue, Cassia, has a lunch special on offer this month featuring some of the stalwart chef’s most-loved dishes. The Prix Fixe (multi-course) lunch features a starter and main for a modest $39 per person, with the option to add on sides, desserts and, of course, drinks — all at great prices. Start with a Tandoori Chicken Taco, before moving on to the utterly delicious Lamb Seekh or Market Fish, or opt for the Pani Puri followed by the Mixed Mushroom with green chilli cream or the Tandoori Chicken with madras sauce. Here, there’s something for everyone. Parking at SkyCity is free when dining, too.
Early Birds, Make for Swings to Try Their New Breakfast Menu
Swings, the modern Korean eatery in the city, has added to its quirky, delicious menu, opening its doors bright and early throughout the week to serve breakfast. Swing by in the a.m. and you’ll find all manner of delicious toppings on toast, from exceptional eggs to smoked salmon, radish, cream cheese and dill labneh spread, and avo with garlic, tomato, sesame and pumpkin seeds, plus perfectly brewed coffee.
Get Your Bluffie Fix at One of These Lively Locations
It is at this time of the year that ocean delicacies that are Bluff oysters, in all their delicious, refreshing, slurpable glory, are finally in abundance, and we plan on making the most of it. For those who are partial to a Bluffie or two, we suggest you take a look at our extensive list to discover where in Auckland is doing the season justice.
