Toast the Season: Festive Hospitality Hotspots in Parnell

For a modern twist on Greek cuisine, Gerome is your go-to spot, offering wood-fired meats, seasonal produce, and sustainable seafood. Open on Christmas Day, Gerome is the perfect place to indulge in a long lunch that promises to tantalise your taste buds—imagine house-made pita, creamy tzatziki, and chargrilled lamb skewers - to name just a few.

And if you want to share the love? Gift vouchers are available both online and in-store. With multiple private spaces, Gerome also excels at hosting events of all sizes - contact them directly for more information.

What began as a series of pop-ups has evolved into TALA, an award winning contemporary Samoan restaurant thriving on Parnell Road—perfect for festive season gatherings. The space blends tradition with modern flair, offering a unique dining experience with thoughtful design, an innovative menu, and the traditional apa fafano (hand-washing ceremony). 

Head chef Henry Onesemo brings his Samoan roots to life with refined dishes like Fai’ai feé octopus cooked in banana leaves with coconut milk and a playful take on palolo using Siberian Ossetra caviar. For an unforgettable celebration, try the premier experience of the ‘Chef’s Journey'—a multi-course feast cooked over an open umu fire prepared in front of you or the ‘Fāgogo Journey - an exploration of the TALA experience featuring a slightly shorter menu seated in the intimate dining space.

Bandung Café may be inconspicuous, but its offerings are anything but. The menu draws on the team’s Indonesian, Chinese, and Dutch heritages to create an offering that uniquely blends traditional Java-inspired home cooking with Kiwi influences. Not to be out-shone is the fun drinks list, featuring everything from Bandung lager to a decadent espresso martini. And the best bit? The sunny patio out back is perfect for celebrating the year’s end with friends, family or colleagues. 

Somewhere that knows how to celebrate in style is Non Solo Pizza, a beloved Parnell staple that offers far more than just pizza. The trendy eatery features an inviting dining room and a charming courtyard that manages to be both lively and intimate. Striking the perfect balance between casual elegance and rustic charm, Non Solo Pizza is the go-to place for a festive long lunch, evening aperitif, or a night out with friends.

Rhu takes fine dining know-how and makes it feel refreshingly approachable, lending itself to be an excellent option for end-of-year festivities. By day, it's all about simple yet impeccably crafted fare—think Havana coffee, house-made sourdough, and elevated classics like charred avocado toast with kimchi or the must-try fried chicken sandwich. And don’t forget the fruit tarts and cookies! Come evening, Rhu flips into a cosy wine bar, serving refined, shareable plates alongside a well-curated wine list. Whether you're in for a casual bite or a memorable night out, Rhu hits all the right notes.

For more intimate celebrations, 3 Nutmegs is somewhere good food brings people together in a cosy setting. This charming eatery features a hand-crafted menu filled with timeless Indian dishes expertly made with classic spices and fresh local ingredients. With its warm family vibe and a wide range of diet-friendly options, 3 Nutmegs is the perfect setting for engaging conversations and creating memories, making it a terrific option for festive celebrations with loved ones.

Set to become Auckland’s newest foodie hotspot, 269 Parnell is an exciting addition to Parnell Road, blending a dynamic mix of seven permanent food stalls with a vibrant weekend market brimming with European, Mediterranean, and Latin American flavours.

With a piazza-style vibe and an outdoor bar serving sangria, wine, and beer, it’s perfect for pre-Christmas drinks, quick tapas bites, or lingering feasts with friends over shared plates.

Beginning December 7, the Saturday markets make it easy to pick up unique, edible gifts or entertaining supplies, while permanent vendors serve authentic dishes from their homelands from 11am until late, creating the ultimate spot for festive catch-ups before the summer holiday.

Barulho is the perfect spot for festive season celebrations with its Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates, cosy atmosphere, and top-notch cocktails. Whether you’re tucked into a private dining room or enjoying the moody lighting and intimate seating, the expanded space now caters for up to 100 guests. The tapas menu is packed with crowd-pleasers like marinated warm olives, croquetas, ceviche, and empanadas, and don’t miss out on the Portuguese custard tart for dessert. Whether it’s a date night or a holiday gathering, Barulho delivers a memorable experience.

Tucked away in an old chocolate factory, Cibo has long been one of Auckland's favourite spots for a festive celebration. Offering an enchanting courtyard strung with fairy lights and surrounded by greenery, the stage is set for a magical dining experience. And with over 30 years experience delighting diners, Cibo sure knows what they’re doing. Serving up refined bistro fare, along with a dedicated Christmas event menu and festive drinks, including a decadent Fruitcake Martini, your taste buds are also in for a treat. 

The Java Room is legendary for its warm atmosphere, friendly service, and mouthwatering Asian cuisine, which has given it a devout following. The eclectic menu offers an exciting mix of affordable, authentic Asian influenced dishes, complemented by a friendly team of staff and even the option to bring your own wine. Following recent renovations, there’s even space out back to continue the festive spirit.