Cibo

About Cibo

Tucked away in a historic former chocolate factory in Parnell, Cibo has stood as one of Auckland's quintessential fine dining destinations for more than thirty years. Celebrated as an elegant sanctuary for celebratory lunches, discreet business meetings, and romantic evenings, the restaurant couples polished hospitality with an atmosphere of relaxed splendour. Guests can dine inside the stylish main dining room or out in the private courtyard, an idyllic alfresco setting framed by lush greenery and water features that truly shines during balmy summer afternoons and evenings.

Under the seasoned direction of Maitre d' Jeremy Turner, the front-of-house team delivers attentive, unobtrusive service that sets the tone for an unhurried, indulgent dining experience. In the kitchen, the culinary philosophy hinges on seasonal New Zealand produce elevated through thoughtful technique rather than passing trends. The dishes artfully marry exotic accents with comforting notes, offering an inventive yet familiar contemporary dining experience supported by an extensive, world-class cellar of fine Champagne and premium estate wines.

Cibo: Three Decades of Fine Food and Flawless Hospitality in Parnell

Hidden away in an old chocolate factory on St Georges Bay Road, Cibo has long held the title of one of Auckland’s favourite dining institutions. For more than thirty years, this Parnell stalwart has welcomed discerning diners through its doors, serving as a trusted backdrop for celebratory family milestones, long-lunch deals, and romantic dinners. Rather than chasing fleeting food fashions, the restaurant has built its enduring reputation on culinary finesse, generous spirit, and an unwavering commitment to gracious hospitality.

Stepping inside, guests enter an environment that balances sophisticated glamour with genuine warmth. Under the watchful eye of Maitre d' Jeremy Turner, the front-of-house team operates with seamless professionalism, anticipating every request while keeping the mood relaxed and convivial. Whether you are settling into a plush banquette inside the dining room or claiming a seat under the open sky, the ambience invites you to slow down, sip champagne, and let the day's concerns drift away.

Courtyard Splendour and Alfresco Charm

One of Cibo’s greatest charms is its private outdoor courtyard. Framed by tranquil water features and flourishing greenery, the courtyard offers one of central Auckland's most enchanting alfresco settings. During warmer months, it transforms into an open-air haven where daytime lunches effortlessly stretch into evening drinks. The courtyard setting is equally celebrated as a premier boutique wedding venue, where the experienced team orchestrates civil ceremonies and lavish receptions with calm precision.

For those working in the nearby business precincts or visiting the city, Cibo also caters to faster paces without sacrificing standard. The curated weekday Prix Fixe lunch menu features specially selected, refined plates that can be served in as little as 45 minutes upon request, ensuring that a pressed schedule never prevents an exceptional meal.

Seasonally Driven Flavours from Land and Sea

In the kitchen, the menu highlights the best of New Zealand's land, coast, and gardens. Seasonal availability guides frequent menu updates, blending exotic techniques with comforting elements that evoke the familiarity of home cooking. Seafood lovers can begin with delicate bites such as the Auckland Island's scampi lollipop with yuzu mayo or fresh Haku yellowfin kingfish tiradito adorned with blood orange caviar and ginger buttermilk.

Substantial mains span both locally sourced meats and thoughtful plant-based creations. Highlights include the 55-day dry-aged eye fillet accompanied by potato jacket prawn mousse and bisque gel, or tender coastal lamb loin served alongside an inventive lamb doughnut, charred leek, and spiced apple. A dedicated 'Plant & Garden' section ensures vegetarian and vegan diners enjoy equally complex creations, from glazed baby beets with cashew cream to savoury sautéed mushrooms over sticky rice cake.

No visit to Cibo is complete without sampling the kitchen's legendary dessert menu. Crowned by the Cibo Famous Pavlova—served either in an apple pie style with toffee and custard or topped with salted caramel, roasted peanuts, and chocolate dust—the sweet offerings provide a playful and decadent conclusion to one of Auckland's most enduring dining rituals.

Signature items

• Cibo Famous Pavlova
• Auckland Island's Scampi Lollipop
• Haku Yellowfin Kingfish Tiradito
• Coastal Lamb Loin
• 55 Day Dry-Aged Eye Fillet
• Prix Fixe Express Lunch

Menu

Mains

• Long-line Fish — Fresh catch with Cloudy Bay clams, tomato fondue, kombu & yuzu, chorizo crumble, and snowpea.
• Hapuka — Pan-seared hapuka and king prawn served in spicy XO curry with coconut rice.
• CO2 Fish & Chips — Light, crisp-battered fish served with house gribiche sauce.
• Confit Duck Leg — Served with five-spice cured duck breast, spiced orange & carrot, plum, and mirin glaze.
• Denver Leg Venison — Tender venison with mustard piccalilli, spring onion crémeux, tempura courgette, and liquorice jus.
• Coastal Lamb Loin — Accompanied by a savoury lamb doughnut, charred leek, puffed wild rice, miso spiced Granny Smith apple, and mint oil.
• 55 Day Dry-Aged Eye Fillet — Prime aged beef with artichoke baba ghanoush, potato jacket prawn mousse, and bisque gel.

Snacks

• Sourdough — Served with whipped black garlic butter.
• Auckland Island's Scampi Lollipop — Delicate scampi skewer served with zesty yuzu mayo.
• Duck Parfait — Rich duck parfait with brazil nut crumble, blueberry, and brioche.

Cheeses

• Little River Wildfire Washed Rind — Cow's milk cheese from Nelson, New Zealand.
• Barry's Bay Extra Mature Cheddar — Traditional cow's milk cheddar from Canterbury, New Zealand.
• Ash Coated Goat's Cheese — Classic French goat's milk cheese.
• Brie de Meaux — Rich, creamy French cow's milk brie.
• Roquefort d’Argental — Distinguished French sheep's milk blue cheese.
• Alpine Comté — Aged French cow's milk cheese.

Entrees

• Haku Yellowfin Kingfish Tiradito — Accompanied by ginger buttermilk, blood orange caviar, burnt cucumber, and dill oil.
• Octopus Carpaccio — Thinly sliced octopus with kawakawa marmalade, ponzu mayo, wakame, and kohlrabi.
• Beef Tartare — Hand-cut beef tartare with wasabi emulsion, mushroom duxelles, and salt & vinegar cracker.
• Pork Belly — Crisp pork belly and pork bonbon with edamame purée, coconut & corn relish, peanut, and kaffir lime oil.
• Hibachi Grilled Chicken — Smoky grilled chicken paired with Asian slaw, coconut dressing, sticky rice cake, and galangal & onion purée.

Desserts

• Cibo Famous Pavlova: Apple Pie — Signature house pavlova topped with apple pie toffee and rich custard.
• Cibo Famous Pavlova: Salted Caramel — Classic meringue layered with salted caramel, peanut, and chocolate dust.
• Chocolate Ganache — Silky ganache with elderflower cream, passionfruit sorbet, and orange chocolate crumb.
• Vanilla Panna Cotta — Delicate panna cotta with honey & pear gel, yuzu raindrops, and mint sponge.
• Brandy Snap Fry-Pan Brownie — Warm chocolate brownie served with Chantilly cream and ice cream.
• Cibo Treats: Coconut & Passionfruit Mousse — Light mousse paired with mango & kaffir lime sorbet and candied orange.
• Cibo Treats: Affogato — Vanilla bean ice cream served with fresh espresso, with the option to add liqueur or spirits.

Plant & Garden

• Glazed Baby Beets — Tender glazed beets with cashew cream, plum gel, and brazil nut crumble; available entrée or main size and vegan.
• Pumpkin Cannelloni — Filled pumpkin cannelloni served with snowpea, sundried tomato fondue, and kaffir lime; available entrée or main size and vegan.
• Tempura Cauliflower — Crispy tempura cauliflower with tangy mustard piccalilli and spring onion crémeux; available entrée or main size and vegan.
• Sauteed Mushroom Medley — Sautéed mushrooms, mushroom duxelles, sticky rice cake, and ponzu cream; available entrée or main size and vegan.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Cibo located in Auckland?

Cibo is located at 91 St Georges Bay Road in Parnell, tucked inside a historic former chocolate factory.

What are Cibo's opening hours?

Cibo is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 AM, and for dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.

How can I book a table?

Bookings for parties of 8 or fewer can be made through Cibo's online reservation system. For group bookings of 9 or more guests, please contact the restaurant directly via email at [email protected].

Is there outdoor seating available?

Yes, Cibo features a private courtyard offering relaxed alfresco dining surrounded by greenery and water features.

Does Cibo cater to vegetarian and vegan diets?

Yes, Cibo offers a dedicated 'Plant & Garden' section with dishes like glazed baby beets, tempura cauliflower, and pumpkin cannelloni available in entrée or main sizes, all of which can be prepared vegan.

Can Cibo host private functions and weddings?

Yes, Cibo is widely regarded as one of Auckland's top wedding and event venues, offering set menus and dedicated planning support for groups of 13 or more.

Is there a quick lunch option for business meetings?

Yes, Cibo offers a weekday two-course Prix Fixe lunch menu (January to November) that can be served within 45 minutes upon request.

Tips

• {"body":"The Cibo Famous Pavlova with salted caramel, peanuts, and chocolate dust is an Auckland institution and an absolute must-order.","title":"Save Room for the Pavlova"}
• {"body":"If dining during warm weather, reserve ahead and ask for a table in the private alfresco courtyard.","title":"Request a Courtyard Table in Summer"}
• {"body":"Pressed for time between meetings? Mention your timeline to your waiter to enjoy the two-course Prix Fixe menu in 45 minutes.","title":"Use the 45-Minute Lunch Guarantee"}
• {"body":"Due to its popularity as an intimate wedding venue, dates fill up very quickly and should be booked months in advance.","title":"Plan Weddings Well Ahead"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Dedicated plant & garden menu with vegan options; guests are asked to advise of allergies."}