Award-winning Parnell restaurant Cibo has served its elegant, seasonal fare to celebrities and us common folk alike for over 20 years, and it is fair to say the kitchen knows a thing or two (or three) about turning out a special plate. 

This year, the stalwart is turning things up a notch with a festive menu sure to knock the metaphorical socks off any discerning gastronomes, helping us put this hellish year behind us in the most delicious way.

For group bookings, the menu is available as a two, three or four course experience, with each option including side orders, tea and coffee. Cibo also offers private dining tables, so groups wanting to really kick back and embrace the festive spirit can do so in privacy while the attentive staff facilitate every last detail.

Staying true to the refined, quality produce-led style Cibo is known and loved for, the offering spans land, sea and earth to bring together a delightful combination of interesting flavours on each plate.

On arrival, each Christmas group booking receives sustainably-sourced North Fiordland whitebait snacks. Then, an appetizer comprising crayfish and scallops, spiced butter, burnt coconut and macadamia is followed by the diners’ choice of entrée and main, of which there are four options each. The salmon ‘NYC bagel’ with cream cheese and pancetta is particularly intriguing, as is the lamb and sticky rib with cauliflower, hazelnut and mint. Sweet-tooths will find a lot to love within the dessert menu — pavlova with afghan pieces, dulcey cremeaux, chocolate and walnuts, anyone?

Kicked off with a ‘Phenomenal’ pina colada (or followed up with one), we think Cibo’s Christmas menu will have you feeling pretty phenomenal, too.

Cibo’s Christmas menu is available now until 23rd December.