Looking for somewhere to celebrate and recharge over the festive season? Head to Auckland Fish Market this December to enjoy live music every weekend and delicious food, especially with the return of your favourite platters from Restaurant Month, which include their Market Galley platter: Whole grilled snapper, prawn cocktail, baby romaine salad and chips $60, Azabu platter: Tempura prawns, chicken katsu, karaage chicken, tempura, rice, edamame $60, Mar and Tierra platter: Chicken wings, chorizo, banana prawns, beer battered fish fillets and french fries $60, and the Good Karma and Little Lato platter: 5 different affogatos – Death by choc, salted caramello, the classic, peanut butter choc and caffeine addict $55.
It's time to get into the festive spirit with Filipo (the awesome bartender at Hotel DeBrett) and his merry team at Housebar. After trying their delicious Christmas inspired cocktails, everyone will be feeling jolly and festive! Our top picks on their cocktail menu include the White Christmas - Sailor Jerry Rum, Cream, Luxor 43, Cinnamon and Spices, their Candy Cane - White Mint Liquor, Green Mint Liquor, Lighthouse Gin, Apple, Ginger Beer and their Jingle Juice - Melon Liquor, Passion Fruit Liquor, Vodka, Soda.
Seafearers, Britomart
Available for groups of 10 or more, book your Christmas celebration in Britomart's Seafearers building, home to Osto Bar & Brasserie and Tommy's Champagne Parlour among other fantastic restaurants and private function rooms. Choose from the Ostro Deck (pictured), Tommy's, the Green Room or the Matisse Room, with all menus including a beautifully Christmas decorated environment with Christmas tree, Christmas crackers, themed table decorations and printed menus.
Beast and Butterflies always do celebrations right! Get in the Christmas spirit with their selection of sumptuous holiday desserts and drinks. We particularly love the sound of their Defrosting Jack cocktail featuring sweet and sour notes of bourbon with peach & lemon juice.
If you're in search of a delicious Christmas log, don't go anywhere else than Le Petite Fourchette who have mastered their craft with their take on this traditional dessert. Choose from two flavours - the classic 'Buche Chocolat' chocolate and hazelnut log, or their 'Buche Framboise' log which features vanilla mousse, raspberry cremeux, white chocolate, ladyfingers and fresh strawberry.
This brand new brewery and eatery is a great place for small or large group Christmas celebrations and private functions. There's space inside for 30 – 100 people with finger food menu or a seated set menu option, with some special dishes to be announced in the weeks leading up to Christmas - so stay tuned!
If you're celebrating with a large group, Wynyard Pavilion offers great 2-course ($60) and 3-course ($70) set menus for bookings of 20 or more people. Their Christmas party offer also includes a glass of Daniel Le Brun per person on arrival and Christmas crackers for the table, with no hire fee, perfect for groups of 50 - 120 people. Minimum spend requirement applies.
Mexico is getting in the Christmas spirit for the entire month of December! Their festive specials will include a delectable pan fried butterflied prawns dish ($22) complete with olive oil, fresh chilli & garlic and a chipotle & lime butter, then topped with a cucumber pico and served with charred ciabatta. And if that doesn't sound delicious enough already, wash it all down with a carafe of their Mateus Rosé Sangria ($22). Mexico's festive specials are designed for two, perfect for that date night or long-awaited catch up with a friend. Feliz Navidad!