Auckland’s cultural calendar has been exceptional this year, with a slew of world-class events captivating audiences across this city, and this September, NZ Opera is putting on a show not to be missed. Verdi’s Rigoletto is showing on the 19th, 21st and 25th of September at Aotea Centre (find tickets here), promising an unforgettable performance.
One of the greatest and most popular operas of all time, Rigoletto, set in 1950s Italy, is a tragic tale of love, power, and revenge — and a cornerstone of the operatic canon. Featuring iconic tunes like ‘La donna è mobile’ and a star-studded Kiwi and international cast, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the NZ Opera chorus, sung in Italian with English surtitles, this production is a bucket-list event.
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If you have plans to head along, we’ve compiled a discerning list of where to eat, drink and celebrate around the event, encouraging you not just to make a night of it, but an entire weekend.
Cassia
Cassia at SkyCity takes modern Indian to new heights, with a delicious selection of contemporary delights perfect for sharing with a group pre-event. In the most central of locations, with a dimly-lit, vibrant dining space, as well as a number of set menus to choose from for those looking to turn lunch or a pre-event bite into a gastronomic delight.
The Grill
Beloved Auckland institution The Grill is back after a short hiatus, and better than ever — now conveniently located in the new five-star hotel within the SkyCity precinct, Horizon. Here, the emphasis is on steak and seafood, with exceptional, local produce taking centre stage. Book a table and indulge in a very satisfying pre-show bite, and maybe head back after the show for a drink if you’re staying in the area, or if you, like us, simply can’t stay away.
Gilt Brasserie
Drawing on refined restaurant culture from around the world, Gilt delivers on all fronts — from the menu, featuring contemporary takes on classic dishes you’d find at a European brasserie, to world-class wines, timeless cocktails and more. There’s no better spot to park up for lunch, dinner, post-show drinks, or anything in between — just make sure to order the baked oysters and a Gilt Gimlet.
Trivet
Helmed by esteemed chef Wallace Mua, Trivet is an elevated new all-day bistro which honours the vibrancy of New Zealand’s multifaceted dining scene. The menu is influenced by Mua’s diverse experience, and showcases the chef’s world-class culinary repertoire — from vibrant trevally oka, to indulgent slow-cooked beef cheek cromesquis. Pre-show, nab a table and settle in for a few hours of culinary bliss.
Paname Social
Paname Social is a chic, Parisian-inspired restaurant and wine bar serving decidedly European fare all day. The menu has a strong French influence, with many dishes grounded in authentic recipes with ingredients sourced from local French suppliers. Food is served from dusk until dawn, the wine list is extensive, the cocktails are inventive and coffee is served around the clock, bringing a true taste of the European mode de vie to Auckland’s dining scene.
Huami
While Auckland has no shortage of exceptional eateries, few venues in the city boast cuisine as delicious and satisfying as contemporary Chinese eatery Huami. We find ourselves turning to this SkyCity favourite time and time again; so consistent is its delivery of excellent dining experiences — from exceptional Yum Cha to a very well-stocked bar, lively vibe, and the most central of locations, plus free parking for diners and a menu that caters to kids, there are very few boxes Huami doesn’t tick.
Goat
Newly opened, Goat is a delicious, modern-Indian eatery in the heart of the city — and a perfect place to settle in for a pre-show bite and cocktail. Here, you’ll find a selection of inventive dishes made for sharing, bringing the rich, authentic, and often unexplored flavours of India to the table. The eatery is relaxed and inviting, set in a heritage building on Wyndham Street with exposed brick walls and lofty high ceilings — a space as perfectly suited to an intimate meal as it is a convivial dinner with friends.
Bar Magda
Pre- or post-show, either way, a trip to Bar Magda is always an enjoyable and satiating affair. The cocktails are certainly some of the best in the city, with both inventive takes and elevated classics on offer, and the new-wave Filipino fare always surprises and delights. There’s also a bespoke ‘Espresso Martini Nights’ menu come Friday and Saturday, which features a number of delightful renditions of everyone’s favourite party starter, for a modest price, that are sure to set the tone for a great night.
Kemuri Hi-Fi
In a subterranean spot beneath Commercial Bay sits Kemuri Hi-Fi, a bespoke basement lounge bringing the essence of Tokyo’s jazz kissas to the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find an intimate, vibrant hub where high-quality drinks and curated music take centre stage (with a few Japanese bites thrown in for good measure) — a perfect spot to head to post-show for a nightcap. The focus is on whisky, with an unmatched selection on offer, but the cocktails are world-class, and the champagne list is one of the best in the city.
Culprit & Little Culprit
While Culprit’s innovative culinary concept is perfect for a pre- or post-show bite, with an ever-changing menu comprising trolleys of snacks to share, the eatery’s ‘mischievous younger brother’, Little Culprit, is a fantastic spot to keep the party going. Quaint and chic, this cocktail bar and wine lounge boats an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere, and is perfect for those seeking a nightcap.
Tappo
Set in an atmospheric spot within St. Kevin’s Arcade on K’Rd (Karangahape Road for out-of-towners), Tappo is a laid-back wine bar with an exceptional menu of snacks and an even better drinks list. Here, the focus is on showcasing wines from small, biodynamic, and organic producers from around New Zealand and Italy, and the always knowledgeable staff are on hand to recommend something perfect for every taste, proclivity, and mood.
Hazy Tiger
A newly-opened Korean tapas bar that reimagines traditional Korean dining with a modern twist, Hazy Tiger is a vibrant spot in the heart of the city serving tasty bites and great drinks. Forgoing the usual, larger format shareable portions that many eateries now favour, Hazy Tiger has leaned into the Spanish style of eating, with a variety of Korean-inspired dishes, served tapas-style (at affordable prices) making up the menu, accompanied by inventive cocktails and a diverse wine list. There are also DJs come the weekend, setting the tone for a convivial night ahead.
