Left to right: Soul Bar & Bistro, Somm Wine Bar & Bistro & Azabu

Denizen’s definitive July Dining Guide

July is serving up a range of tasty new menus, delicious pop-ups, new openings and more. So whether you’re an enthusiastic foodie, or are simply wanting to switch up your routine, look no further than our comprehensive July Dining Guide below.

Truffle Discovery at Kingi

On Thursday 31st July, Kingi is going all in on truffle with a one-night-only four-course dinner ($189pp) celebrating both black and white varieties — including a truffle-infused dessert. Special guest Jax Lee-May from Kings Truffles will be on hand to share insider knowledge and stories from the truffière. A must for truffle lovers; seats are limited.

Masu Legends Bento Box

This July, Masu is going all-in on kid-friendly flair with the limited-edition Legends Bento Box, inspired by Karate Kid Legends (in cinemas now). Each box includes Masu karaage chicken, vegetarian sushi rolls, edamame, robata-grilled teriyaki salmon and pineapple — plus themed chopsticks and a headband to complete the look. Bonus: 50 lucky boxes will contain a hidden double pass to the film.

Cassia Full Circle Feast

On Wednesday 30th July, Cassia hosts a one-night-only Full Circle Feast — a 10-course shared menu ($145pp) created by the celebrated chefs who’ve shaped the restaurant’s story over the past 11 years. Each dish is a personal tribute, culminating in a final course from Chef Sid himself.

Cantine Pop-Up at Bar Céleste

Back by popular demand, Cantine returns for a limited pop-up at Bar Céleste — sending the beloved bistro off in style. From cheeseburgers and filet o’ market fish, burgers to garlic fries and burnt butter cookies, all the favourites are on the menu. Open Thursday to Saturday, 5–8pm (or until sold out), with happy hour from 5–6pm. Don’t miss out — limited house-made buns available!

Roasts Return to The Wine Room

Chef Ryan Moore’s now-legendary Proper Sunday Roast returns from the 20th of July for a limited run of Sundays in The Wine Room’s intimate private space. Kicking off with Champagne and canapés, guests will enjoy a three-course feast with weekly-changing roasts, Yorkshire puds, and house-made desserts. $175pp, with wine matches available. Sundays, 2pm–late — and bookings are essential.

Tempero Turns Two

To celebrate two years on K’ Road, Tempero is teaming up with its neighbours for a three-night collaboration series from 10th–12th July. Each night, Chef Fabio Bernardini will co-create a four-course menu with chefs from Lebanese Grocer, PICI, and Apéro — spotlighting the Lebanese, Italian and French influences that have long shaped Latin American cuisine.

Chef’s Table at The Libraries

For one night only on 24th July, Olly Le Maitre (Black Estate) and Tom Hishon (kingi) unite for an intimate five-course degustation at The Libraries, Hotel Britomart. With just 16 seats, guests will move through The Lounge, Chef’s Library, and Wine Library as they savour dishes like Jerusalem artichoke with Périgord truffle and Tītī with horopito. $329pp, with matched wines.

SkyCity Delish

This winter, SkyCity invites you to indulge in Delish — a celebration of unforgettable dining, immersive events, and nostalgic comforts. From open-flame feasts and exclusive chef collaborations to heartwarming celebrations, it’s a season made for gathering. Enjoy crafted menus across SkyCity’s award-winning restaurants, free parking with every qualifying spend, and special experiences aplenty.

New Winter Dishes at Soul

Soul’s menu gets a fresh winter update with a line-up of elegant new dishes celebrating land and sea. Dive into a rich seafood chowder with smoked fish, clams and mussels, or try the market fish with confit fennel and orange-soaked raisins. There’s also steamed fish with green olive and fried oyster mushroom, and a Greenlea beef fillet with soubise and cavolo nero for hearty indulgence.

Pop-Up at The Pantry

The Pantry’s beloved pop-up hut returns this winter in the form of Spudz — your new lunchtime favourite for loaded baked potatoes. Expect one comforting classic and two rotating chef specials, all generously filled and piping hot. Open Monday to Friday, 11am–2pm, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go solution for cold-weather cravings.

Unmissable New Menu at Azabu

Azabu Ponsonby and Mission Bay have both unveiled vibrant new seasonal menus, showcasing the eateries’ signature Japanese-Peruvian flair. Highlights include spicy salmon tartar, popcorn prawn tempura, chicken and prawn dumplings, and a standout crispy pork belly with ginger apple purée. With inventive new sides and sushi rolls, it’s the perfect time to revisit a classic.

Wax On Wednesdays at Kemuri Hi-Fi

Every Wednesday from 4pm ‘til late, Kemuri Hi-Fi spins full albums curated by Dusty Crates and Stack Records — all available to buy on the night. Pair the tunes with obscure classic cocktails mixed with Glenfiddich, Hendrick’s Gin and Drambuie. A new midweek ritual for vinyl lovers and cocktail connoisseurs alike.

Le Salon at Rooftop QT: Champagne & Soirées

Step into Le Salon, Rooftop at QT’s new 1920s-inspired pop-up, open until 31st August. This velvet-draped hideaway invites you to indulge in late-night soirées, weekend lunches, and Champagne tasting flights featuring Perrier-Jouët and G.H. Mumm. Choose from The Gilded Trio ($49) or the exclusive five-pour Secrets of the Cellar ($99), paired with gourmet bites like truffle Wagyu sliders and salmon caviar-topped fried chicken. Tastings available daily until 8:30pm.

Après, the Ayrburn Way

As the slopes wind down, the energy ramps up at Ayrburn’s iconic Après Ski Happy Hour. From 4–6pm daily in The Manure Room (starting Friday 27th June), expect top-tier drink specials, shot skis, and elevated shared plates in a setting that knows how to celebrate the season. Come Friday and Saturday, live music stretches the festivities till 7pm, with some of Aotearoa’s most exciting acts.

Sunday Sparkles at Somm

Every Sunday from 12–4pm, bottles of G.H.Mumm bubbles start from just $65 at Somm Wine Bar & Bistro. With a DJ spinning from midday and flutes flowing, it’s the kind of Sunday that asks nothing of you — except maybe a top-up.

Kitchen Co-Lab Series at Queens Rooftop

Queens Rooftop is turning winter Mondays into something worth looking forward to with its brand-new Kitchen Co-Lab Series. Each Monday in July between 6pm–9pm, Executive Chef Maia Atvars teams up with a different guest chef — including Jono Thevenard (Pici), Elie Assaf (The Lebanese Grocer), and Kasey and Karena Bird — for an intimate, one-night-only menu of bold, collaborative small plates. Expect creative flavour pairings, a bespoke drinks list, and a seriously good time up on the roof.

Boda x Miss Mi: A Trans-Tasman Culinary Collaboration

For two nights only — 17 and 18 July — Boda welcomes Chef Migo Razon of Miss Mi Melbourne to join Executive Chef Hyokeun Choi for a four-course fusion feast blending modern Korean and Filipino flavours. Expect bold dishes, rich storytelling, and a final course inspired by traditional Korean dessert. $160pp with De Bortoli wine pairing; limited seats available.

7 Paintings — The Art of Dining

Launching in Wellington on 27 June, 7 Paintings is a groundbreaking interactive dinner show blending digital art, storytelling, and fine cuisine. Over 2.5 hours, guests journey through seven iconic artworks—from Michelangelo to Banksy—with each course paired to immersive visuals and music. Hosted at Naumi Hotel Wellington, Fridays, Saturdays, and new Thursdays in July; tickets from $159pp.

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