Whether you are planning a lavish office party or a cosy Christmas dinner with your nearest and dearest, Auckland is brimming with private dining spaces to suit every celebration. Consult our guide to uncover the ideal setting for your special event, regardless of size. Here, we’ve curated the city’s most exceptional private dining rooms, each waiting to be booked so that you can savour, celebrate, and be merry this festive season.
Featured Venues
Azabu Mission Bay
The perfect beachside location for an end-of-year get-together, Azabu Mission Bay offers completely private dining in its adjacent Stonehouse or semi-private events in its open courtyard. From formal sit-down dinners to casual drinks, this versatile venue offers a space for any occasion.
Location: 44 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay
Suitable For: Stonehouse — 40 (seated) to 60 (standing) guests, The Courtyard — up to 60 guests (standing), Venue Exclusive — up to 200 guests
Click here to book now.
Metita
Having opened its doors within the SkyCity precinct at the end of 2023, Metita occupies the space formerly home to beloved Gusto at The Grand, and it’s fair to say that it’s living up to the iconic nature of its address. Here, the offering is a new take on South Pacific cuisine, elevating traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques, inspiring a deeper reverence for our own heartland and connection to Chef Michael Meredith’s native Samoa. With Christmas parties on the horizon, those looking for an intimate dining space to bring people together should look no further than Metita’s exceptionally well-appointed private dining room. The space seats up to 26 but can just as easily cater to small numbers, bringing the very best of Metita’s food offering and interiors into focus to create a seriously memorable affair.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: seats up to 26 guests
Click here to book now.
The Wine Room
Tucked away within the refined surrounds of College Hill’s The Wine Room, the private dining area offers a quietly luxurious setting for elevated end-of-year events. Seating for two to twenty guests (with space for standing gatherings), the space balances intimacy with sophistication — its soft lighting, timber finishes, and open fire providing a warm yet polished backdrop year-round. Here, menus are tailored to the mood, from champagne and caviar on arrival to masterfully grilled seafood and meats served family-style, with curated wine pairings that reflect the team’s reverence for European tradition and New Zealand terroir.
Location: 2/43 College Hill, Freemans Bay
Suitable For: Seated Dining — up to 20 guests, Canapé Standing Events — up to 75 guests
Email [email protected] to book now.
The Grill
Beloved SkyCity eatery (and Auckland institution) The Grill made a triumphant return this year, and with its new iteration comes a striking new private dining space. If festive hosting is on the cards, the private dining room, perfect for up to 12 guests, is a sublime spot within which to entertain a crowd. Here, you’ll find a bespoke menu curated with the particular needs of larger gatherings in mind, along with an extensive drinks list sure to inspire indulgence and set a convivial tone. There’s also a private ensuite just off the dining room, making the experience all the more seamless.
Location: Horizon by SkyCity, 85 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: 6 to 12 guests
Click here to book now.
The Vault
Tucked beneath the heritage-listed Chancery Chambers, The Vault at Gilt Brasserie is a dramatic private dining space where marble, moody lighting, and soaring ceilings set the tone for truly memorable gatherings. Seating up to 45, or easily configured for smaller groups, it’s a versatile backdrop for festive celebrations. Paired with Gilt’s refined Euro-New Zealand menu and an exceptional wine list, The Vault delivers heritage charm with a distinctly modern edge.
Location: 2 Chancery Chambers, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: Seated Dining — up to 26 guests, Canapé and Champagne — up to 45 guests standing
Email [email protected] to book now.
Soul Bar & Bistro
A long-time go-to for corporate lunches and long-overdue catch-ups alike, bigger parties can also enjoy a ‘private’ piece of Soul by closing the bi-fold doors to what is usually the cocktail lounge. It’s perfect for seated Christmas lunches, where guests can indulge in Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s fine cuisine via a set menu. Larger holiday parties, on the other hand, can use the same space while also spilling out onto the famous deck and bar area for standing events.
Location: Viaduct Harbour, Corner of Lower Hobson Street & Customs Street West, Auckland City
Suitable For: up to 30 guests seated or 35 – 100 standing for cocktails and canapés
Click here to book now.
Le Mezzanine at Origine
Tucked above the grand dining room of Commercial Bay’s elevated French restaurant Origine is a space perfect for an intimate Christmas lunch. La Mezzanine’s after-dark vibe, soft lighting and exceptional views over Downtown Auckland will set the perfect tone for a night with friends, one that will inevitably end in some convivial, festive fun.
Location: Commercial Bay, Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 50 guests
Click here to book now.
Jervois Steak House
The private dining room at Jervois Steak House is discreetly located upstairs. The interior blends rustic elements from the building’s original heritage with modern warm tones & James Russ lighting. Relax into plush leather seating in a bespoke tan hue (called ‘Jervois Molasses’), and enjoy an authentic steakhouse experience for a cosy, curated Christmas feast.
Location: 70 Jervois Road, Ponsonby
Suitable For: up to 12 seated guests
Email [email protected] to book now or call (09) 376 2049.
Kingi
Set just across from Kingi’s main dining room is the restaurant’s private dining and meeting space, designed to bring people together for a feast or to do business. A light-filled space, anchored by a breathtaking raw-edge swamp kauri slab table beneath a shimmering fish-scale chandelier, the room offers diners a unique view into the Kingi kitchens as the chefs prepare seasonal dishes, creating an immersive dining experience. At the room’s north end, a wooden sideboard conceals a 65″ screen that can be used to host board-style meetings, intimate product launches, or special presentations. The space is equipped with high-speed internet connectivity and state-of-the-art AV facilities, making it an ideal location for end-of-year client hosting. Whatever your Christmas party requirements, Kingi Private is the perfect, multifaceted space.
Location: Tuawhiti Lane, 29 Galway Street, Britomart
Suitable For: 14 guests for degustation
Click here to book now.
Bar Magda
Bar Magda’s exclusive private dining room is a sanctuary of elegance. Thoughtfully and comfortably furnished, this secluded enclave is the perfect choice for silly season soirées, where guests can enjoy Bar Magda’s impeccable service and indulge in the finest cuisine, knowing that every detail has been meticulously curated to meet expectations.
Location: 25B Cross Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 25 seated guests or if extended into the bistro, 50-60 guests
Email [email protected] to book now.
Lilian
Tucked upstairs in Grey Lynn, Lilian’s private dining room is an intimate haven for 10–14 guests — ideal for festive lunches, seasonal gatherings, or end-of-year dinners. Centred around a striking marble-topped table with plush leather banquette seating, the space feels both warm and refined. Guests can choose from family‑style set menus or customise à la carte, all paired with wines from the curated cellar.
Location: 472 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn
Suitable For: 10 to 14 guests
Email [email protected] to book now.
Masu
The outstanding inner-city Japanese restaurant offers a couple of options if you’d like a slightly more intimate experience. Masu’s The Obi Room is a striking, semi-private space anchored by a solid-wood table crafted from two pieces of suar hardwood and earthen walls adorned with spectacular vintage Japanese obi-kimono prints. The Obi Room is framed by bubble glass, which creates the impression of privacy and seclusion without completely separating it from the main dining area.
Otherwise, opt for the Chef’s Kotastu Table, another semi-private area set at the back of the main dining room and backdropped by the restaurant’s single piece of art, a large Japanese Dragon created by calligraphy master artist Ushio Sekiguchi.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: The Obi Room — up to 18 guests, Chef’s Kotastu Table — 8 to 10 people
Click here to book now.
Huami
Huami offers several options, each equally appealing, for those wishing to celebrate the year that was in privacy. The Chinese restaurant, which boasts traditional cuisine with a modern, elevated twist, has three elegant private dining rooms. Rooms one and two seat 12 guests each and are adjoining, but can be divided. Room three caters up to six guests.
Location: SkyCity, 87 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: 6 to 12 guests seated
Click here to book now.
Cassia
Cassia’s home at SkyCity boasts several options for private dining and events. The main private dining area seats up to 20 people and is fully equipped for festive hosting. A large flat-screen TV and connections enable the private dining space to be converted into a professional area for sharing ideas with business colleagues and clients.
For larger groups of up to 40 guests, the mezzanine area is the perfect location for your next group booking. For all group bookings of 13 or more, Cassia offers a selection of set menus that can be tailored to your group’s requirements.
Location: SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: private celebrations & events of up to 20 people, & group dinners of up to 40 people
Click here to book now.
Non Solo Pizza
Tucked away in the heart of Parnell, this exclusive private room is an intimate enclave that channels Napa Valley’s refined spirit. Designed for groups of 10–20, the space embodies relaxed elegance with warm timber detailing, muted lighting, and richly upholstered seating. Expect beautifully plated dishes showcasing farm‑fresh Californian flavours — from seasonal seafood to premium grilled cuts — paired perfectly with estate‑level Napa wines. Fully serviced and effortlessly polished, this space is ideal for intimate Christmas parties, milestone birthdays, or client celebrations that linger well beyond the final sip. Or, if you’ve got a few more, NSP’s courtyard is the perfect spot to host a larger festive party.
Location: 1052/259 Parnell Road, Parnell
Suitable For: Courtyard — 100 standing or 50 seated, Private Dining Room — 22 seated
Click here to book now.
Ebisu
Fans of Ebisu’s exceptional Japanese cuisine will be pleased to know the downtown favourite also offers private dining. Filled with natural light, the Nikko Courtyard features large warehouse windows overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, making it a perfect space for a seated Christmas dinner or cocktail party.
Location: 116 – 118 Quay Street, Britomart
Suitable For: up to 30 guests
Click here to book now.
The Chef’s Library at The Hotel Britomart
Nestled in the heart of Hotel Britomart is The Libraries, a space that assumes literary comforts and leisure. Here, there is an air of unpretentious exclusivity, where even in the middle of the city, you couldn’t feel more removed from the world if you tried. The Libraries are not open to the general public to walk in (they do not operate as a restaurant); however, they are available for private events and Christmas functions, with tailor-made solutions to cater to any need. The crown jewel, The Chef’s Library (table), is available for private dinners for up to eight people, making it perfect for an intimate and memorable end-of-year affair.
Location: 29 Galway Street, Britomart
Suitable For: 8 guests for degustation or family-style dining, six guests for cabaret
Click here to book now.
Somm Wine Bar & Bistro
Tucked away to the east of Somm Wine Bar & Bistro is the venue’s lush & gorgeous semi-private area. This space is cleverly tucked behind the venue’s cellar, which displays an impressive array of library and large-format wines. The room is draped in heavy-set ‘cabernet’ curtains, which, when drawn, instantly transform the space into the cosiest of settings.
Location: Shed 22 Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 12 guests
Click here to book now.
Blue
A relative newcomer to Auckland’s dining scene, Blue is fast becoming a favourite for all occasions. Neatly situated off Franklin Road in Freeman’s Bay, the warm brick interior, impressive wine list and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it courtyard feel incredibly intimate. Blue offers three separate dining spaces, seating up to 24 guests. In the courtyard, up to 50 guests can be accommodated for private parties. For larger groups of 12+, Blue offers four set menus to choose from, available day and night.
Location: Unit 1/1A Franklin Road, Ponsonby
Suitable For: up to 24 guests, exclusive venue hire for up to 50 guests in the courtyard
Click here to book now.
Mr Morris
Consider hosting your next Christmas party or family gathering at the award-winning Mr Morris. Enjoy the full menu of gastronomic delights while working closely with the team to create an unforgettable event. Mr Morris can cater for up to 28 seated guests or up to 35 for cocktails and snacks.
Location: Britomart, Corner of Galway & Commerce Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 28 seated guests, up to 35 for cocktails and canapés
Click here to book now.
Ragtag
The unassuming seaside suburb of Westmere has seriously stepped up its game in recent years, with neighbourhood darling Ragtag largely to thank. Boasting a refreshing menu with distinctly Spanish leanings — think octopus tostadas and chilli jam — Ragtag offers a cosy private dining option upstairs, away from the hustle of the main restaurant below. Suitable for up to 18 guests, this space is perfect for intimate festive celebrations and laidback family reunions.
Location: 162 Garnet Road, Westmere
Suitable For: up to 18 guests
Click here to book now.
Otto
Holding pride of place on vibrant K-Road, the informal Italian offering Otto caters to gatherings of various sizes. Boasting three separate private dining spaces — including a full basement level with its own private bar and capacity for up to 80 guests — all three private rooms come outfitted with dedicated sound systems. Guests are invited to dine off set menus, typically served as a rolling, festive feast.
Location: 375 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
Suitable For: up to 80 on the basement level, 34 guests in the Legend room and 28 guests in the MC private dining room.
Click here to book now.
Bossi
Overlooking the restaurant below, the lush Italian eatery Bossi offers a private mezzanine ideal for after-work drinks or smaller Christmas parties, accommodating 11 to 36 guests. For larger events, the entire restaurant can accommodate. What’s more, Bossi will work with you to build a custom menu, designed specifically for your event.
Location: 10 Commerce Street, Auckland Central
Suitable For: up to 36 guests
Click here to book now.
