We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to dedicated spaces for a more intimate gastronomic experience. No matter the occasion, there’s sure to be a private dining room that suits your needs, and with mid-year group gatherings high on the agenda, we’ve got you covered with our extensive guide to the best private dining rooms to book now.
Featured Venues
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. When a special occasion is 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, and brings 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 everything from fireside birthday dinners to elevated events. Seating between two and twenty guests (with more 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
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 kind of 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
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 a special occasion 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 on offer, curated with the particular needs of larger gatherings in mind, and 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 everything from corporate functions to celebratory dinners. 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
Email [email protected] 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 gathering. 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 fun.
Location: Commercial Bay, Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Suitable For: up to 50 guests
Click here 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 parties that can indulge in Executive Chef Gavin Doyle’s fine cuisine via a set menu. Larger 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
Jervois Steak House
The private dining room at Jervois Steak House is located upstairs in the restaurant. 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 any special occasion.
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 underneath a shimmering fish-scale chandelier, the room gives 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, which 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 productive business meetings. Whatever your requirements are, Kingi Private is the perfect, multi-faceted 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 corporate soirées or special celebrations like birthdays, 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 milestone dinners. Centered around a striking marble-top 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 different options if you’d like to go for a slightly more intimate experience. 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 decorated with spectacular vintage Japanese obi kimono prints. The Obi Room is framed by bubble glass which creates the impression of privacy and seclusion without being completely separated 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 different and equally appealing options for those wishing to dine in privacy. The Chinese restaurant, which boasts traditional cuisine with a modern 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
The Runholder
For a memorable gathering in the heart of Wairarapa, The Runholder’s secluded private dining room offers an intimate, elegant setting for up to 14 guests. Ideal for special occasions or business meetings, this cosy space includes video conferencing capabilities and a 65” screen, seamlessly blending function with refined comfort. Guests can enjoy a family-style set menu—two courses or three — plus options for morning tea or canapés. Nestled within Te Kairanga Vineyard, The Runholder is a true homage to Martinborough’s bounty, combining stunning views with warm hospitality.
Location: 89 Martins Road, Martinborough
Suitable For: up to 14 guests
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 presentations. A large flat screen TV and connections enable the private dining space to be converted into a professional area to share ideas with business colleagues.
For larger groups of up to 40 guests, the mezzanine area is the perfect location for your next group booking. For all bookings for groups of 13 or more, Cassia offers a selection of set menus that can be tailored to suit 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, it 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 wine dinners, milestone celebrations, or corporate tastings 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 event.
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 huge warehouse windows overlooking the Waitematā Harbour, a perfect space for a seated dinner or cocktail party.
Location: 116 – 118 Quay Street, Britomart
Suitable For: up to 30 guests
Click here to book now
The Barrel Room at Ayrburn
Step into The Barrel Room, Ayrburn’s exclusive private event space designed for intimate gatherings and memorable celebrations. Surrounded by 56 aging wine barrels and centred around a grand piano, this hidden space offers a cosy, sophisticated ambiance perfect for seated soirées or lively gatherings for up for 50. Guests can indulge in a thoughtfully crafted shared plate menu in an atmosphere that marries opulence with privacy. With candle-lit seating and details that pay homage to Ayrburn’s heritage, The Barrel Room promises an unforgettable experience where time slows, and moments are savored deep into the night.
Location: Ayrburn, Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown
Suitable For: up to 50 guests
Email [email protected] 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 functions, with tailor-made solutions to cater to any need. The crown jewel The Chefs Library (table), which is available for private dinners for up to eight people, making it perfect for an intimate and memorable affair.
Location: 29 Galway Street, Britomart
Suitable For: 8 guests for degustation or family-style dining, 6 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
