A foodie's guide to Auckland Restaurant Month

Make a beeline for Auckland and devour an entire month dedicated to the city's very best restaurant offerings.

Few would argue that we're not spoiled for choice when it comes to food offerings here in Auckland.

The city of the flat-white drinking, smashed avocado eating Aucklander is a city decorated with fine dining establishments, cheap eats and verified culinary institutions.

From The Viaduct to the bustling CBD, in keeping with previous years, Auckland Restaurant Month promises to be every bit as delicious as we imagined. If you have a penchant for the unusual or a taste for international cuisine, we've collated this month's unmissable line-up. With 25 foodie events scheduled to kick off this August, there's something to appease to even the pickiest palette.

1. Dinner by Bike
If you're after: something out-of-the-box.
Think progressive dinner but throw in a bicycle. This unique and delicious concept invites diners to enjoy a taste of the city's favourite eateries by bike. Starting at City Works Depot with an appetizer at Food Truck Garage, you'll later settle in for a stunning main course at IMA Cuisine. The evening is scheduled to wind down with dessert at Giapo ice creamery, followed by a well-earned nightcap at Brothers Beer.

Guests will be led by a series of friendly hosts who will help navigate the tastiest 10km you'll ever ride.

2. Food to Die For
If you're after: dinner with a theme
Who doesn't love a good mystery murder? Particularly when you throw in a menu curated by chef Des Harris. This year, Pilkington's will play host to Food to Die For, a dining experience with a uniquely different twist. Grab a group of friends and settle in for an indulgent evening of mystery, intrigue and pure suspense. This delicious event is scheduled to run across two consecutive evenings, with tickets to the Monday August 14th evening session still available.

3. A Taste of Maori Fine Dining
If you're after: a unique taste of home
We're long-time fans of Monique Fiso's innovative Maori fare at Dish (read our interview with Monique here) so an event of this calibre is an easy sell. Join chef Monique Fiso and Morgan McGlone alongside Neil Brazier at The Sugar Club, for an evening of discovery and degustation, at the top of Sky Tower, and sample the delights and fusion flavours of traditional cuisine done differently. 

4. Shepherd Trolley Takeover
If you're after: a taste of the capital
Anyone from Wellington who loves food will tell you that Shep Elliot's latest endeavour is well-worth the hype. Shepherd Restaurant – tucked comfortably down Te Aro's Eva Street – boasts inspired and innovative flavours, fresh local produce and a unique, relaxed dining atmosphere. In the same vein, Culprit is fast-becoming one of Auckland's favourite eateries, so when these two teamed up, we knew we were in for something special. Shep and the team will create six seasonal bites to circulate throughout the restaurant on Culprit’s bespoke trolleys, while the team from Culprit will supply the larger plates. The two restaurants will then collaborate on desserts for the room.

5. Famous Movie Foods Night
If you're after: something for the film buff
Here at Dish, we love a good foodie film, so when we heard about this event, we could hardly sit still. Devour an evening dedicated to the culinary cuisine that came to life in some of cinema's classics – think Ratatouille, Forest Gump, Eat Pray Love, Bridget Jones Diary, Eat Drink Man Woman, the Godfather and Harry Potter. This delightfully eclectic menu will stir up a nostalgic sense of pure joy, even if just for the night.

6. Kumeu River Winemaker's Dinner
If you're after: a match made in heaven
Enjoy the best of South Pacific cuisine at The Lula Inn with masterfully matched Kumeu River Wines, thanks to winemaker Michael Brajkovich. Guests will be treated to the ultimate winemaker's dinner, boasting five intimate courses alongside stellar wine pairings. The Lula Inn's head chef Sam Clark will curate a regional menu to showcase the best of Kumeu River's gorgeous wine offerings.

To learn more about Auckland Restaurant Month or to secure your tickets to events, simply visit their website right here.