With the weather only set to get better (we hope) and Christmas just around the corner, ’tis the season for conviviality and indulgence. Luckily for us, there’s a plethora of delicious goings-on to keep us busy across the month of November, from yum cha feasts to new menus to long lunches and more, consult our dining guide for the best foodie happenings to know about (and book into) over the month ahead.
Somm Social Sundays
Unwind in style at Somm’s Sunday Socials. End the week on a high note with waterfront views as DJ Spence curates a mellow afternoon soundtrack from 2 — 7 pm. Savour handcrafted cocktails, curated drink specials, and a relaxed, sophisticated ambiance, perfect for connecting with friends and seeing off the week in relaxed style.
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Ahi Express Lunch Menu
Short on time? Indulge in an elevated express lunch at Ben Bayly’s Ahi, where New Zealand’s finest flavours meet. For $105 per person, enjoy two exquisite courses and two tempting snacks — perfect for a business lunch or quick catch-up. With stunning views of Rangitoto and the Waitematā Harbour, this experience is both a culinary delight and a visual feast.
Long lunches at Osteria Uno
At Birkenhead’s Osteria Uno, the focus falls on elevated but approachable Italian, with simple, seasonal fare and fresh, handcrafted pasta served alongside wines from one of the best lists in town. And now, the perennially popular eatery is celebrating summer with the launch of convivial Long Lunches. Here, every Saturday, you’ll find a $59 sharing menu (which includes a glass of prosecco), featuring the likes of scallop crudo, wagyu ribeye with salsa verde, and tuna carpaccio with buffalo curd and kasundi, with the option to add on freshly shucked oysters, crispy halloumi and tapioca fritti, and more.
Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Month
Rich, smooth, and undeniably complex — the Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned embodies timeless elegance. For those with a taste for whisky and bourbon, this classic American cocktail is a sophisticated choice, whether closing the day or sparking the evening. Embrace the refined flavours this month, where a number of venues are marking Old Fashioned Month in fitting fashion.
Perrier-Jouët Garden Bar at Huami
SkyCity’s epic food festival, SERVED, is extending into November with a number of inviting offers and events that aren’t to be missed. Plus, the famed Perrier-Jouet Garden Bar is opening at Huami for another summer from November 6th, with a special launch event on the Art of Yum Cha taking place on November 2nd. Here, guests can order any dish from Huami’s garden dim sum menu and unlock exclusive PJ flute and price, or indulge in the Bird Cage Platter for $45, including four dishes from the dim sum menu.
Oyster & Champagne Experience at Trivet
Indulge in the Oyster & Ruinart Experience at newly-opened Trivet Dining this month, where a refined pairing of half a dozen boutique Pahi oysters from Kaipara and a glass of Ruinart, from a selection of exquisite cuvées, is on offer. Available until November 30th, this series of perfect pairings celebrate Trivet’s commitment to exceptional dining — with three bespoke options up for grabs. Choose from tempura battered oysters with garlic chive mayo paired with a glass fof R de Ruinart for $59, natural oysters with watermelon mignonette paired with a glass of Ruinart Blac de Blancs for $69 (our pick), or oysters Kilpatrick paired with a glass of Ruinart Rosé for $79. All equally sublime.
‘Tis the Season at Sìso
Step into the festive magic of ‘Tis The Season at Síso, where Remuera’s cherished eatery transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. From November 11th, indulge in a new seasonal menu alongside signature cocktails, all paired with enchanting décor and vibrant ambiance. In partnership with Malfy Gin, Síso promises an immersive holiday experience filled with flavour and cheer.
Ki Maha’s Raw Bar
Ki Māha’s much-anticipated Raw Bar opens this November 13th and 14th, debuting a refined, seafood-focused menu alongside the main fare. Celebrated chef Makoto from Cocoro will lead the two-night launch with a five-course degustation, including champagne —with tickets available for $240 per person. Set against sweeping Onetangi views, this exclusive event marries impeccable cuisine with Ki Māha’s sophisticated, scenic charm — truly a feast for the senses.
Beachfront Dining at Bucks Bistro
With sweeping views across the Tamaki Estuary out to the Waitemata Harbour and Rangitoto Island, Bucks Bistro — the charming beachside eatery in East Auckland’s Bucklands Beach, has become a go-to for leisurely lunches and intimate dinners since opening its doors in 2021. Now under new ownership, with Head Chef Mandeep Singh (formerly of The Grove, Baduzzi, and Botswana Butchery), the menu highlights fresh, seasonal fare and delectable share plates — perfectly befitting its beachside locale. Notable dishes include burrata with mushroom and truffle,
fresh market fish crudo with Nam Jim and puffed rice, and a spiced lamb roti, served with tomato kasundi, Asian herbs, and coconut chips in a nod to both the chef’s and owner’s heritage, alongside delightful platters including a show-stopping seafood board. Elevating the cocktail offering with the likes of a Miso Whiskey Sour and Tropical Milk Punch, lauded mixologist Sahil Patel’s standout creations make any visit memorable. Open Tuesday through Sunday, with daily happy hours and events in the mix for the summer season, Bucks Bistro offers an idyllic setting for brunch, sundowners, and remarkable dinners alike.
Park Hyatt’s Spring High Tea
Indulge in a luxurious springtime afternoon at Park Hyatt Auckland with its renowned Spring High Tea — back for another season, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Callum Liddicoat. Running until November 24th, this seasonal delight offers meticulously crafted sweet and savoury treats alongside a glass of H Lanvin & Fils Champagne. Available Thursday through Sunday, this elegant high tea is the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or savour a leisurely afternoon of culinary bliss. Seats are $80 per person.
DJ Sessions at Kingi
Live DJ sessions at Kingi continue on Wednesday 6th November from 5pm, with DJ Nick Takashima playing a set of soul, funk, house and jazzy beats to enjoy alongside a curated drinks list, and the Kingi plates you know and love.
