Auckland's Restaurant Month is in its 12th year, and there'll be bargains had across the city throughout August. There are more than 100 menus and events happening – here are a selection of our favourites from the $25, $40 and $55+ menus.
Ghost Donkey's $25 two-course dinner
The neon-lit fantasiathat is Ghost Donkey in downtown's Commercial Bay offers tequila and mezcals alongside tacos, Mexican fried chicken and house-made mole. Their first venue opened in NYC (you can find one in Las Vegas too) but it's easier to get a taste by heading downtown this month. During Restaurant Month, you can enjoy a two-course dinner of tortilla crisps and guacamole, followed by jackfruit, beef brisket, lamb birria and more options. Plus they're offering a $10 margarita to match.
The Conservatory $40 for a two-course lunch with a glass of wine
At The Conservatory, you have options for a two-course lunch or dinner and a glass of wine. Start with breads and dips, then choose from vegan dumplings in broth, fish of the day, or these lush-looking Guinness beef cheeks. Choose a chilly day to make the most of the open fire, and treat yourself to a second glass, served from the "living bar" in the centre of the restaurant.
This is surely a dream date meal. Enjoy Poni for lunch or dinner, and choose your starter (fish tartare or a ham hock slider) and main (lamb shoulder or clams with crayfish bisque), before finishing with a dark chocolate fondant. Poni is the second New York import on our list (since our calendars have been a touch light on travel lately), and the menu is high-end Japanese- and Southeast Asian-inspired. There are gorgeous views out the bay windows too, which you can enjoy over lunch or as the sun sets – book accordingly.
It’s been an Onslow signature menu item since day one. Now, Josh Emett’s famous crayfish eclair has clawed its way into the Iconic Auckland Eats Top 100 list. Video / Alyse Wright
