DINE IN PARNELL AND BE IN TO WIN $500!
As the chilly weather takes over, there’s only one way to warm yourself up, and that’s with some cosy winter comfort food!
In Parnell, you’ll find cuisine from all over the world—hidden in villas in cobblestoned alleys and in plain sight on the main roads. But what makes this suburb even more interesting is that there are several culinary options you’d be hard-pressed to find in other parts of Auckland. From Fijian to Italian, Persian to Indonesian, Indian to Samoan, Japanese to Spanish, you can take your pick from a truly international lineup, all in one place.
If you’re looking for a dish or bowl of something warm and comforting this winter, take a trip around the world with some of these amazing options (only a handful of what’s available in the diverse eating precinct that is Parnell). Some have a signature dish for you to try, others have special offers that will be available for a limited time only, and all are worth a visit over these colder months.
WIN $500 TO SPEND ON WINTER WARMERS
If there’s an eatery on our list that you’d like to enjoy, we are doing weekly giveaways on our Instagram account from 22 June–19 July. Just visit @parnellauckland on Instagram, check out our pinned post, and comment where you’d like to receive a $500 voucher to be in to win! There will be a new giveaway each week—make sure you’re following us so you don’t miss out!
GOAT CURRY
Proper Fiji-style goat curry isn’t always easy to find, which makes this version from WAR even more special. Rich, warming and full of flavour, it’s the kind of Pacific soul food that is perfect for an after-work bite on a cold evening. Served with dhal and freshly made soft roti, it’s all your comfort food dreams come true!
OTTO PILOT WITH PORK VOL-AU-VENT
What could be better after work than a seasonal release Twofold beer with a cheeky little snack on the side? The ‘Otto Pilot’ is a Vienna Lager with sweet spice, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a cola nut twang in its smooth, toasty malt body – and the clever chefs have paired it with a delicious puffed pastry teeming with pork, leek, carrots, onions and everything that’s good about winter food.
FĀGOGO & CHEF’S JOURNEY WINE MATCH
Tala’s Fāgogo Journey and Chef’s Journey menus are not just food, they are an exquisite dining experience which will transport you straight to the heart of Samoan hospitality. For the Parnell Winter Warmer period, guests can get 25% off the three glass wine match with either of these menus by entering “Parnell Winter Warmer” in the booking notes.
BIRRIA TACOS
If you’re dreaming of Mexico, Taco Amaiz’s Birria Tacos will transport you directly there. Long slow cooking the traditional way makes the beef tender and full of flavour – there’s a reason it’s their most popular dish.
BAGHALI POLO WITH LAMB SHANK
This slow-cooked lamb shank with light, fluffy dill and broad bean rice is the kind of comforting traditional dish that makes you feel like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s Middle Eastern living room. Cooked with love, it warms both body and soul. If you order it during Parnell’s Winter Warmer promotion period you can add glass of wine to your order for just $10 extra.
IL GRECO PIZZA
Rugantini’s Il Greco pizza is one of their regulars’ favourites. With all the best punchy flavours from the Med, their freshly-made base is topped with mozzarella, pulled lamb shoulder, feta, onion, garlic and olive oil. And for Parnell’s Winter Warmer promotion you can get a small one and a glass of house wine for $30.
GRILLED CHEESE WITH MUSHROOM & BACON DIP
There are cheese toasties, and then there are cheese toasties – and Rhu’s grilled cheese with mushroom pâté and bacon dip might just be one of the best in Auckland right now. Just try to find a problem it can’t solve this winter!
SHARING PLATTER
While it might not be the weather for cocktails in the sun, it’s most definitely the weather for a pint and a sharing platter with your crew. The Paddington’s version has a bit of everything – chicken, beef, ribs, chips, squid, fresh toasted bread and sauces. Book in your cosy after work catch up with your mates now.
BEEF SUKUYAKI
Gion is known for dishes that transport diners straight to the streets of Kyoto with a single bite. Their traditional cooking methods make this beef sukiyaki (hot pot) one the most comforting things you’ll eat this winter. Served at the table with tender beef, vegetables, tofu, perfectly springy udon and egg for dipping, it’s the best excuse for a cosy early dinner on a cold evening.
LAMB SKEWERS
Cooked over charcoal, these Greek lamb skewers are somehow perfectly charred and beautifully tender at the same time. Paired with a fresh salad and vibrant beetroot hummus, they’ll make even the coldest winter day feel like summer in the Med. Even better, if you order two or more large dishes you’ll receive a complimentary Rolled Baklava – featured in the Top 100 Iconic Auckland Eats 2025 (one per table). Just enter ‘LoveParnell’ in the Special Requests field when booking.
CHOCOLATE ECLAIR
Paris might be off the cards this year, but a perfectly crafted chocolate éclair paired with a warming hot chocolate from Eclair Studio could be the next best thing. Guaranteed happiness for a special Winter Warmer price of $13.
WILD VENISON
Venison is perfect for winter nights – even better with a gusty red to wash it down. Cibo’s version is Denver leg venison with glazed baby beets, spiced beetroot puree and an aged cheddar gratin. Pop in after work for an early bite.
GNOCCHI WITH WOOD ROAST CAULIFLOWER
Wood roast cauliflower is gorgeous in winter – add hazelnuts, pillowy gnocchi, gorgonzola cream and you have the perfect after work indulgence. Head to Barulho for this bowl of comfort.
CHILLI PRAWNS IN COCONUT CREAM
Step into the courtyard at the back of Bandung and you’ll swear you’re in Indonesia. Order the prawns cooked in coconut cream, lime and chilli and the picture is complete. Try it from their $15 menu after work this week.
MIXED PLATTER
If you’ve ever eaten at Aula’s Kitchen at 269, you’ll know choosing a favourite is close to impossible. The only solution is to grab your workmates or friends and share a Mixed Platter with dips, falafel, pita bread, Lam and Beef Kafta, Chicken Schnitzel and salad. You won’t regret it!
WINTER WARMER SET MENU
Chef Vinayak’s signature snacks have their own fan club, and you can have three of them with a choice of main (lamb and too many chutneys, buffalo milk paneer, or Meen Gassi) for $79 as an amazing winter warmer. Perfect for an early bite.