Culprit
MondayClosed.
Tuesday5:00 – 9:30 pm.
Wednesday5:00 – 9:30 pm.
Thursday5:00 – 9:30 pm.
Friday5:00 – 9:30 pm.
Saturday5:00 – 9:30 pm.
SundayClosed.
Up a narrow staircase in central Auckland, Culprit is an award-winning restaurant bringing a modern edge to nostalgic New Zealand cuisine.
Owner and chef Kyle Street is well known for his time at Depot, where alongside Al Brown, he helped bring a new kind of modern Kiwi dining to Auckland. Culprit continues in that spirit, with locally sourced seasonal ingredients used in ways that feel a little unexpected. They have the recognition to back it up, too, winning both Best Metropolitan Restaurant 23/24 and Two Hats 23/24/25/26 from Cuisine.
The menu is chef’s choice, but without the fuss. It changes every couple of months, often shaped by the season, a theme or whatever the kitchen team is excited about at the time. Each one champions local suppliers, with dishes inspired by Kyle’s uniquely Kiwi upbringing, as well as a wider mix of global flavours.
A key part of the experience is their trolley-and-tray service. Small bites roll on through the dining room before your larger dishes arrive, ready for you to sample, giving the meal a more relaxed, pick-and-choose feel than a traditional degustation.
The drinks menu follows suit, with a mix of both classic and inventive cocktails, plus a well-curated wine list and the option to add pairings to the chef’s choice menu.
This spot is a great pick for dates, group dinners or a night out when you’re after something special without too much formality.
Words by Katherine Dewar & Photography by Jerome Warburton
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Location
Level 1/12 Wyndham St, Auckland CBD, Auckland
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