While the weather is certainly still a mixed bag, daylight savings is in full swing — and we think lighter nights and longer days are certainly worth celebrating. What is also worth celebrating is the sheer number of delicious foodie events and goings-on taking place over the next month. From exceptional events to unmissable dining deals and more, this is Denizen’s comprehensive October Dining Guide.
Rosés & Canapés at Kingi
This October, Kingi’s laneway is the place to toast spring with Rosés & Canapés. For a modest $39 per person, enjoy a glass of The Landing Rosé alongside three elegant seafood bites from head chef Stefania. Extend the evening with a tasting flight of The Landing wines — or opt for a non-alcoholic Rosé — with every glass purchased putting you in the draw to win a wine tasting and lunch at The Landing.
Andiamo Refresh
After seven years on Jervois Road, stalwart eatery Andiamo is taking a short pause for a makeover. Expect more space, a fresh new menu, and, yes, a revamp of the powder rooms. The neighbourhood favourite is set to reopen in mid-October, ready to welcome you back with its signature warmth and charm. Keep an eye on Denizen for updates!
Gloria’s Deli’s October Special
Gloria’s is serving spring on a plate with its October special: a moreish Chicken & Peas sandwich. Think poached chicken salad, ricotta salata, smashed peas, dressed lettuce, and yoghurt ranch. Light, fresh, and unbelievably satisfying.
SkyCity’s Served
SkyCity’s Served festival continues this October and November, bringing bespoke menus, wine pairings, special offers, and one-off events across its top dining destinations. Must-dos this month include Masu’s Issho Ni event on Thursday the 9th — a rare Japanese-Nikkei collab with five fiery courses from Nic Watt and Krish Dutt, Al Brown’s Down and Dirty “Dego” at Fed Deli on Tuesday the 21st, pairing bold flavours, cult classics, and matched drinks, and The Grill’s Mapari Beef x Torbreck Wines event on Tuesday the 28th — a nose-to-tail beef feast paired with Barossa’s Torbreck. Serious food and wine lovers, take note.
Takapuna Beach Cafe’s Fish & Chips Shop Returns
Takapuna Beach Cafe’s beloved Fish & Chip Shop is back on October 8th for a second seaside summer, dishing up elevated classics with a playful twist. Expect everything from John Dory and hapuka to whitebait fritter butties, seafood baskets, and even a deep-fried pineapple-lump chocolate fish — all served beachside from 3–8pm daily, October through May.
The Wine Room Le Club
After a sell-out debut, The Wine Room’s Le Club series returns on Friday 31th October. Expect cabaret-style performances, DJ sets, Champagne, caviar, and chef Ryan Moore’s refined canapés — all in a sumptuous late-night setting.
Campari Month at Soul
Soul Bar & Bistro is heating up Viaduct Harbour for Campari Month with a series of standout events. Alongside a bold menu of bittersweet cocktails and Campari-infused dishes, there is a Masterclasses on the 15th of October where folklore meets flavour, and a lavish Campari Long Lunch on the 18th — perfect for those who like to linger over food, cocktails, and great company.
Everybody Eats x The Hotel Britomart: Dine for Good
On the 29th of October, The Hotel Britomart is set to host a special three-course dinner by chef Andrew Lautenbach using rescued ingredients from The Kai Ika Project. Held around communal tables, the night blends great food with generosity, with 100% of proceeds funding dining vouchers for families in need.
Mibo Pop-Up in Newmarket
Beloved bakery Mibo are popping up in Newmarket at 240 Broadway for a limited time, opening its doors next Wednesday 8th October and shutting up shop on Sunday the 12th. There, you’ll find all of the delights Mibo is famous for, from fluffy croissants and danishes to focaccia slices and more.
Savor Festival Finale
Make the most of the final month of Savor Festival with a line-up of unmissable dining moments. On 15th October, Bivacco hosts Peroni Aperitivo Sessions with acclaimed Australian chef Mitch Orr, who’ll be serving exclusive bites alongside $10 Peronis on tap from 4–6pm. Across the city, festival menus are still in full swing, with $35 two-course lunches and $55 dinners at standout spots including Ebisu, Ortolana, Non Solo Pizza, Bivacco, and Azabu’s Ponsonby and Mission Bay outposts. Round out your calendar with Bivacco’s Aperol Ladies Lunch or abundant Sunday Feast, sip your way through Azabu Ponsonby’s high-energy Sip & Savor, indulge in Ebisu’s Oki No Sushi Saturdays, or linger at Ortolana’s Cork & Fork. Plus, enjoy $15 cocktails at some of the city’s most-loved venues. A bold, flavour-packed finish to an epic culinary celebration.
Live Jazz at Somm
Every Tuesday night, Somm sets the mood with live jazz from 7–9pm. Think soulful vocals, sax, keys, and a rotating line-up of local talent — from Amanda Bovo & Friends to the Flying McNicoll Brothers. Pair the music with your favourite wine and seasonal plates, and sink into the easy buzz of this cosy wine bar.
Hokey Pokey Day with Giapo
Celebrate the sweet nostalgia of Hokey Pokey at Giapo’s first-ever Hokey Pokey Day. On Thursday 2nd October, from 11.30am — 1pm, the beloved ice cream atelier is giving away free cups of its golden crunch creation at its Britomart outpost. Just download the Giapo app, redeem your voucher, and scoop it up while stocks last.
Origine x Thea Matcha
On the 16th of October, Origine is joining forces with Thea Matcha for a one-off giveaway that’s sure to brighten your morning. From 8am, the Commercial Bay brasserie will be serving up 100 complimentary matchas — available until they’re all gone.
Taste of Takapuna
This October, Takapuna is serving up a month-long celebration of flavour with Taste of Takapuna. From exclusive showcase dinners and foodie crawls to progressive feasts, the neighbourhood’s top eateries are coming together to highlight the chefs, dishes, and stories behind the menus. Plus, cast your vote in the People’s Choice Awards and be in to win dining vouchers.
Fresh New Menu at Queens
Queens Rooftop is ushering in spring with a vibrant new menu from Executive Chef Maia Atvars, where seafood takes centre stage. Think grilled scampi with shellfish aioli, crisp prawn lettuce cups, and the playful whitebait toasty — all designed to share against the city’s best skyline views.
Visit the Recently-Opened Springs Tavern
This sprawling neighbourhood gastropub recently opened its doors in Onehunga, much to the delight of locals, and is already proving the area’s most buzzing destination. The perfect spot for kids (with an outdoor sand pit, arcade games, an enclosed courtyard, and plenty to offer on the food front), its an ideal perch for a catch-up with friends knowing everyone dining will be well fed and suitably entertained. The little’s menu spans the usual suspects, from fish and chips to pizza, while the rest of us will find options for any taste and proclivity, from a Sunday roast with all of the trimmings to pub classics and more elevated salads and mains.
Advieh x Sawmill Social Club
All October long, Advieh is keeping things easy with $10 pours of Sawmill’s crisp, refreshing Hefeweizen. Available daily from 12–6pm, it’s the perfect excuse to swing by and toast the season.
Sunday Roasts at The Bakehouse
For those residing in Central Otago, The Bakehouse at Ayrburn is reviving the traditional Sunday roast every week from 3pm, complete with Yorkshire puds, crispy potatoes, and all the trimmings (plus seasonal specials). Think comfort, nostalgia, and a Sunday well spent.
