Make a night of it with our guide on the best places to go for dinner and a show

The classic date-night combo of dinner and a show is a failsafe option for any night out, and (in our humble opinion), is one of the best things to do over winter. Here, we round up the theatre shows, films and live music events we’ve been wanting to see, and the best places to book for a bite beforehand.

Dinner at Depot before Long Day’s Journey Into Night at Q Theatre
Indulge in a delicious pre-show dinner at Depot before heading five minutes around the corner to Q Theatre for Auckland Theatre Company’s presentation of the 1957 Pulitzer-prize-winning play, Long Day’s Journey Into Night. Boasting stellar performances from an exceptional cast and visionary direction by Shane Bosher, this is one piece of theatre you don’t want to miss.


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Dinner at Ebisu before Tate McRae at Shed10
This Sunday, book at table at Britomart stalwart Ebisu, and enjoy a tasty Japanese feast before popping across the road to enjoy the outstanding vocal stylings of Canadian singer-songwriter, Tate McRae. Expected to deliver big things for her first ever New Zealand show, McRae is fresh off the back of a wildly-popular world tour (the artist’s music has been streamed over 3.7 billion times), this is set to be a seriously impressive show.

Dinner at Bar Magda before Louis Baker at the Auckland Town Hall
Tucked down Cross Street just off K’Road, and boasting a recently-refreshed menu, Bar Magda is the perfect place to pop-into for an early bite before venturing down Queen Street to watch Louis Baker at the Auckland Town Hall. With billions of Spotify streams as well as a run of sold-out shows around the world, this Kiwi soul/R&B singer has an incredibly powerful, soulful voice, and his one-night-only show is now to be missed.

Dinner at Onemata before Dawn Raids at ASB Waterfront Theatre
We suggest booking this one in advance, with Oscar Kightly’s Dawn Raids set to open on the 16th of August. A co-production by legendary Pasifika theatre collective, Pacific Underground and Auckland Theatre Company this compelling, moving show re-visits the infamous Dawn Raids, 25 years on and offers a searing, raw look at a community under seige. Before heading along to the show, enjoy an early dinner at the always-delicious Onemata, located just across the road at the Park Hyatt.

Dinner at Amano before Jimmy Barnes at Spark Arena
If you’re going along to enjoy the iconic musical stylings of Jimmy Barnes this weekend, be sure to book in for a satiating pre-show dinner at Amano, just down the road from Spark Arena. Because any night that involves dancing to hits like ‘Simply The Best,’ and ‘Working Class Man,’ requires some serious sustenance.

Dinner at Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar before Where The Crawdad’s Sing at The Vic
If you are yet to try Devonport’s cosy new spot, Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar, consider this all the reason you need. Pop in for a satiating bite and a delicious glass of wine (from its comprehensive wine menu) before going to catch an 8pm screening of the hotly-anticipated Where The Crawdad’s Sing at Devonport’s charming local cinema, The Vic.

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