The Auction House

Located in the old Rialto Building, The Auction House boasts one of the most varied and inclusive menus in Southland. Throughout the week you’ll find big groups sharing dinner and drinks, workers grabbing takeaway lunches and friends brunching together on the patio.

The Auction House’s menu says it best, “Our meals are designed to be shared or added to… they aren’t your typical big Southland plate. Enjoy the flavours from multiple dishes. Why pick one when you can pick many?” This approach has certainly struck a chord with locals and visitors alike who flock here for flavours sourced from near and far.

The dinner menu includes sharing boards, mains and a lengthy tapas list. The antipasto platter is a beauty and with mains diners can choose their own combination of a protein, side, sauce and salad. Large plates range from tuscan lamb to vegetable enchiladas, and sides feature duck fat potatoes, patatas bravas and more. Sauces like green prepper brandy and pomodoro bring the meal together while salads such as pantalea and an apple fennel coleslaw add colour and flavour.

The tapas menu offers plates like cajun chicken nibbles, pan seared venison medallions, crispy soft shell crab, warm bruschetta tostadas and honey roasted pears. Can’t pick? Opt for the tapas platter - the chef’s selection of ten tapas.

The breakfast and brunch menus don’t fall short either with dishes such as eggs benedict and honey hot pot featuring Greek yoghurt, boysenberries and seeds.

The food menu is impressive in its breadth and so are the wine, beer and cocktail lists. Top drops from New Zealand and abroad are on offer as well as classic cocktails like negronis, mojitos, and cosmos. The Auction House’s bespoke cocktail menu includes interesting options like the ‘Corpse Reviver #2’ made with Rogue Society Gin, Cointreau, Lillit Blanc, fresh lemon juice, absinthe rinse and a cherry.

The Auction House certainly has a buzzy energy and fresh approach to social dining.