Auckland Restaurant Month menus

Auckland’s Restaurant Month is in its 12th year, and there’ll be bargains to be had across the city throughout August. There are more than 100 menus and events happening — here is a selection of our favourites from the $25, $40 and $55+ menus.

Ghost Donkey’s $25 two-course dinner

The neon-lit fantasia that 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. ghostdonkey.nz

The Conservatory's $40 for a two-course lunch with a glass of wine

At The Conservatory, you have options for a twocourse 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. theconservatory.co.nz

Poni’s $65 three-course meal

This is surely a dream date meal. Enjoy this feast for lunch or dinner. You get two starters — catch of the day tartare with umeboshi dressing, and a ham hock slider with apple slaw — then a choice of lamb shoulder, satay chicken thighs or clams in a crayfish bisque for your main. Dessert is a white chocolatefondant that will completely finish you off. There are gorgeous views out of the bay windows too, which you can enjoy over lunch or as the sun sets — book accordingly.