Culprit dares to be different, and boy, does it succeed. Tucked upstairs in central Auckland, this edgy dining room serves a modern fusion feast. Chefs Kyle Street and Jordan MacDonald turn out stunning bite-sized creations: smoked kahawai mousse on rye, crispy pork tacos, goat’s cheese profiteroles — each more inventive than the last. Diners pick and choose, turning dinner into a playful parade of flavour. Main courses like hapuka with horopito or aged duck breast continue the local-produce love affair. Casual yet cutting-edge, Culprit feels like a dinner party hosted by your coolest, most creative friends.