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.
