There is a plethora of tasty happenings for foodies to enjoy this May — offering an indulgent salve to the impending winter weather. From culinary celebrations to epic events and unmissable special menus, here is everything happening on Auckland’s dining scene this month.
Make your way through the best fare in town at Eat Drink Love Ponsonby
The well-traversed streets of Ponsonby have once again transformed into a food lover’s paradise as the much-anticipated Eat Drink Love Ponsonby restaurant festival returns for its fifth year. Running until the 28th of May, the month-long event showcases the best of Ponsonby Road’s culinary melting pot of cuisines, spanning from Bangkok to Bali, Mexico to Malaysia, India to Italy — and beyond. This year, a record-breaking number of establishments are set to take part, with bars, cafes, restaurants and casual eateries all coming together to offer patrons an array of seriously tantalising culinary experiences — with options for every budget and palate.
Sign up to our free EDM subscription today.
Savour the day’s final rays at SkyCity’s Golden Hour
Be it to start date night on a high note, squeeze in an early dinner with friends, catch up with colleagues for a bite after work, or settle in for dinner before a show, SkyCity’s Golden Hour offers elevated dining experiences no matter the occasion, with free parking for all bookings at SkyCity to make your meal stress-free. Here, in the bustling central city precinct, you’ll find a curation of bespoke seasonal menus and specials on offer for the night’s first sitting — allowing discerning diners to enjoy the last of the day’s rays while indulging in exceptional fare at one of the many award-winning restaurants within SkyCity’s impressive repertoire.
Make for Gloria’s in Commercial Bay, where a delectable seasonal special awaits
At the newly-opened Gloria’s deli in Commercial Bay, epic pizzas are a given, with every delicious component thoughtfully prepared — from slow-fermented breads to house-made sauces and fresh ingredients sourced from quality producers. So it’s little wonder that the clever team in the kitchen have dreamt up a divine seasonal iteration that has fast become the talk of the town. Introducing: the Pizza el Taglio — a divine combination of fig, honey, thyme, black pepper, and gorgonzola. Trust us when we say, you don’t want to miss this.
Find your favourite treats from The Caker at Mor’s tasty pop-up
This Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12th, for those not clued up), two of our favourite purveyors of baked goods are joining forces, and our mouths are watering just thinking about it. Mor Bakery is bringing The Caker’s beloved minicakes to their cosy Remuera outpost for one day only, offering Aucklanders a chance to once again savour the institution’s most-loved flavours (exactly as you remember them, with ex-Cakers on the tools), filling the void that The Caker’s closure left in our local sweet treat scene. Run, don’t walk as, while Mor is (wisely) limiting cakes to four per person, we can guarantee that they won’t last long.
Indulge in Metita’s new Hibiscus Hour
Escape from work week chaos by transporting yourself to the sun-drenched shores of the Pacific with Metita’s new Hibiscus Hour offering. Make for Michael Meredith’s much-loved SkyCity-based eatery between 3-6pm daily, and you’ll be met with a refreshing and undeniably tasty Hibiscus & Lemon Daiquiri made with Fijian Bati rum, served alongside (and complimented beautifully by) a fresh, natural oyster with hibiscus vinegar and lemon oil — available for a modest $25.
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 at present, 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.
Enjoy a tasty feast in Lebanese Grocer’s new courtyard
Undeniably one of the best spots in the city for a grab-and-go lunch, Lebanese Grocer has fast-solidified itself as a much-loved institution since opening its doors early last year — so consistently delicious is the contemporary Lebanese offering. Now, the Pitt Street eatery has unveiled an extension to its laid-back space, adding a casual courtyard for diners to take repose and enjoy the many, many delights on offer, from mouthwatering shawarma to falafel, salads, Harra fries and all manner of tasty dips.
Stop by The Chamberlain for a satisfying feast
Britomart go-to, The Chamberlain, is a more than perfect spot to park up in the middle of the week for a hearty, delicious bite and a crisp drink, and the gastropub’s new mid-week special makes it all the more appealing to do just that. On Wednesday from 4pm, ravenous city-siders will find a refreshing pint and an irresistible chicken parmigiana for a modest $25.
Celebrate the good life at Soul, where there are 600 reasons to do just that
Kicking off this week and running for the whole month of May, Soul is bringing back its effervescent 600 Reasons celebration with 31 days of excitement and covetable treats. With epic surprises up for grabs (including a luxurious trip for two to New Caledonia) Soul Bar & Bistro is giving us one (or 600, really) reasons to book a coveted table. Trust us when we say that this is a month-long event you don’t want to miss.
Indulge in SPQR’s delectable Pasta & Pasqua special
At SPQR’s ivy adorned outpost this month, you’ll find an exceptional (and delectable) deal, running across both lunch and dinner. Choose from a tasty pasta dish (the spaghetti with Cloudy Bay clam is our pick, but the burnt butter, sage and roast pumpkin gnocci comes in a close second) plus a glass of Pasqua pinot gris or montepulciano for a modest $42 — the perfect match, if you ask us.
Enjoy a luxurious long lunch at Non Solo Pizza
Come Thursday May 23rd, Non Solo Pizza is the place to be as the Parnell favourite hosts a lavish Italian long lunch, commemorating 20 years of Yvonne Bennetti in association with Orsini Fine Jewellery. Promising an afternoon of style, and, of course, exceptional Italian fare, the event sees guests treated to a flute of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve, a three-course lunch, and and opportunity to preview the latest ranges by Yvonne Bennetti, beautifully complemented by exquisite Orsini Fine Jewellery. All guests will also receive a Yvonne Bennetti voucher and have the chance to take home fabulous prizes, plus, a donation to the GRACI Foundation included with each ticket.
Get the kids’ meals on the house at Commercial Bay
It’s no secret that, when dining with kids, us parents have to plan carefully and pick their destination wisely. But luckily, at Commercial Bay’s vibrant dining precinct, kids are not only welcome, their presence is encouraged — so much so, that at both Poni and Gemmi, their meals are on the house. From Poni’s epic bento boxes packed with dumplings, edamame, and fried chicken to Gemmi’s mouthwatering pasta, you’re guaranteed a tasty time for the whole family at Commercial Bay.
Sample Somm’s perfect pairing
Celebrate Somm’s Guest in Residence series with a special set menu created with Church Road’s prestigious TOM wine in mind. Here, amongst a month-long line-up of exclusive happenings, you’ll find a perfect pairing on the menu. A glass of 2019 Church Road TOM Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (from the cellar) is served with a delectable Carrara Wagyu sirloin with Hawke’s Bay jus, chimichurri, shoestring fries, and rosemary salt, which beyond being delicious, presents a unique opportunity to try a wine that is seldom available by the glass. The Guest in Residence set menu is $75pp and is available for the month of May.
End the week well at Ayrburn’s Bubbly Brunch Sundays
Down South? We can attest to the fact that a simple stroll through Ayrburn’s surrounds are reason enough to plan a visit, and the world-class eateries only add to it’s draw. But, perhaps lesser known to non-locals, is the precinct’s vibrant events roster, which is jam-packed with unmissable goings-on this autumn (and beyond). ‘Bubbly Brunch Saturdays’ is an uproarious weekly shindig not to be missed, where the bubbles are flowing, the brunch banquet is exquisite, cocktails are boundless, and donning your best wares is encouraged.
