Three Auckland restaurants serving up contactless picnic platters

The promise of being able to see people, friends and whanau outside, in Auckland's limbo between levels has been off the table more often than not recently. 

Bad weather has been the epitome of Auckland’s weekends, alongside cancelled plans and the faded hope of meeting loved ones for a picnic.

But good times are on the horizon, as the weekend ahead is due to be showered in sunshine for the first weekend in a while.

With the sun blistering this weekend, there couldn’t be a better time to check out the picnic bundles that restaurants are putting on.

Many RIPA Merchants have been put through the wringer these past months. Facing challenges from not being able to open at all, to operating completely contactless in level three. The lack of people unable to dine in or travel into the city for work makes it especially difficult.

Yet still, central restaurants have created unique offerings and bundles for locals to enjoy and after months of eating in, who wouldn't want to indulge?

Here are some specials a handful of our merchants are running:

Cafe Hanoi

27 Galway St, Britomart.

Cafe Hanoi is a modern Vietnamese restaurant, with a menu to the likes of Hanoian Street food using fresh local produce. A restaurant, "inspired by the faded elegance of Hanoi's old quarter".

They are offering indulgent bbq picnic sets, available from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm – Wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat.

Picnic BBQ Boxes

Available in 3 sizes, suitable for 4, 6 or 8 people.

$120 / $160 / $240

• Twice cooked pork spareribs
• Grilled Wagyu beef bavette
• Lemongrass & Makrut lime Chicken Skewers
• Shredded cabbage & pickled vegetable salad w crushed peanuts, fried shallots and chilli
• Wok-seared Asian greens
• Steamed Rice
• Box of house-made sweets

Set includes chopsticks/napkins/plates

Pictured: Picnic BBQ box

Ebisu

116 – 118 Quay Street

If you are looking for truly delicious Japanese cuisine, then the izakaya-style eatery, Ebisu, is the place to be. 

Ebisu is offering some mouthwatering sushi and sashimi platters for contactless pickup. There is a range on offer suiting bigger groups, smaller groups and even the kids; a handful of platters on offer include:

Large Sushi Platter

$95.00

Nigiri - Salmon 3pc, Prawn 3pc, Tuna 3pc Roll - Tuna Ceviche 8pc, Rainbow 8pc Ebi mayo 8pcs Soft Shell Crab 5pc Hosomaki - Teriyaki Chicken 4pc, Salmon 4pc, Avocado 4pc

Large Sushi & Sashimi Platter

$110.00

Sashimi - Tuna 8pc, Salmon 8pc, Kingfish 8pc Nigiri - Tuna 5pc, Salmon 5pc, Prawn 5pc, Market Fish 5pc Roll - Tuna Ceviche 4pc, Rainbow 4pc, Soft Shell 3pc, Ebi mayo 4pc, Hosomaki - Teriyaki chicken 4pc, Salmon 4pc, Avocado 4pc

Assorted Sushi

$39.00

Nigiri – Tuna 3pc, Salmon 3pc, Prawn 3pc Roll – Ebi Mayo 4pc, Soft Shell Crab 5pc, Teriyaki chicken 4pc

Kids Sushi Platter

$24.00

with teriyaki chicken, salmon, avocado, soy sauce

Pictured: Large sushi platter

Ghost Donkey

Commercial Bay

With the largest mezcal and tequila collection in Auckland, Ghost Donkey seeks to disrupt what Kiwis commonly know the spirits to be. However, they are also reviving Mexican cuisine in New Zealand, with recipes coming straight from their executive chef – a Michelin starred culinarian from their New York Restaurant.

Ghost-To-Go is the latest addition, catering to Aucklander’s taco and nacho cravings, for when homemade just isn’t enough.

Taco Kits: $40 - $95

Served in fresh, authentic la Mexicana corn tortillas, there is smokey brisket, mole chicken, or spicy pulled jackfruit on offer.

The taco kits come in packs of 10:

Smokey Brisket: 10 pack, $50

Mole Chicken: 10 pack, $50

Pulled Jackfruit: 10 pack, $40

And packs of 20: 

Smokey Brisket: 20 pack, $95

Mole Chicken: 20 pack, $95

Pulled Jackfruit: 20 pack, $75

Nacho kits: $26

Loaded with slaw and mozzarella, the Ghost-To-Go nachos are stacked with your choice of mole chicken or beef brisket.

Pictured: Taco kit