Culprit restaurant review: Metro Top 50 2018

By Metro date Jun 21, 2018

Culprit restaurant review

Metro Top 50 2018 restaurant Culprit in the Auckland CBD has a contemporary menu, including a yum cha-style trolley service.

Culprit is a hidden gem located in a large, loft-like space on Wyndham Street. It’s a hive of activity, with plate-laden trolleys wheeled around the tables offering a yum cha-style selection of seasonal treats such as sweetcorn brûlée with succotash and blue corn chips for diners to sample while their mains are prepared. Chef-owners Kyle Street and Jordan Macdonald, both ex-Depot, give some love to less-popular, often-wasted cuts, species and vegetables in these dishes, and the mains, ordered à la carte, are as inventive and appetising as the trolley offerings. It’s all backed up by an excellent drinks list, featuring cocktails and a selection of natural wine and craft beer. Keep an eye out for their Queen St venture, Lowbrow.

What it offers Shared-plate options / Trolley service / Fixed-price meals / Good for vegetarians / Free-range chicken and/or pork / Takes large groups / Bar / Craft beer selection
A favourite dish Cloudy Bay tuatua with chorizo XO sauce and chicken salt-fried vermicelli
Awards Runner-up (Joint), Best Inner-City Bistro; Finalists, Restaurateur of the Year: Kyle Street and Jordan Macdonald
Bookings Yes
Hours Lunch Thu-Fri, Dinner Tue-Sat
Price $$
Seats 60
Chefs Kyle Street, Jordan Macdonald