Culprit is a contemporary, trendy spot located in Auckland CBD that stands out as one of the most innovative restaurants in town by offering classic New Zealand dishes with a modern twist.
Curated by Chef/Owner Kyle Street, Culprit opened its door in 2016 and since then, this unique eatery has captured the hearts of Aucklanders by blending bold flavours with playful creativity.
Known for using fresh, local ingredients, Culprit offers a modern menu that will be familiar to Kiwis while packed with surprises. Kyle’s inventive approach to food and his mission make every visit an exciting adventure, perfect for those who crave something different.
Having visited Culprit a few times, I revisited again earlier this month to experience their Restaurant Month's special menu and I genuinely believe the value they offered is top-tier.
Having been working with restaurants for 10 years, Culprit's Restaurant Month offering definitely was full of surprises. Unlike typical discounted or combo-driven offerings, Kyle and his team curated an innovative menu just like how they have always done it - Culprit's style.
The special menu started with Kaimoana Seafood Platter: local oysters with clamato michelada dressing, sashimi with sesame soy and orange, ceviche with mezcal + tomato water jelly and blue tortilla and monkfish + chorizo sausage with tortilla crema.
My personal favourites were the monkfish + chorizo sausage and their house-made blue tortilla.
As the next course, pork crackling with guacamole and rock melon with tajin (chilli + lime salt) were offered.
The rock melon with tajin was interesting - in a good way.
Then one of Kiwi classics, a deep-fried hotdog, is reimagined and reborn - smoked brisket corndog (with tomato and ancho chilli jam) and tortilla soup were next.
Jelly Jetplane is an icon in the New Zealand lollies scene but it is also one at Culprit. With them often changing the flavours of the house-made jelly jets and sherbet. This round, it was mangonada jelly jetplanes with lime leaf sherbet - a palate cleanser.
For mains, we had lamb shoulder and grilled market fish, befitting Culprit's (and Kyle's) fundamental identity - reimagined New Zealand cuisine; both were cooked perfectly and the squash (with the fish) was delicious, too.
I truly believe the dishes offered at Culprit this month showcased who they are extremely well.
With Culprit's innovation and their regular menu updates, I am sure many Restaurant Month customers will revisit soon to try new dishes which will take over soon.
Whether you are a foodie or just passing through, I truly believe Culprit. offers an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the best of New Zealand's cuisine with creativity. With each dish showcasing a fresh perspective on familiar Kiwi flavours, visiting Culprit is always an exciting adventure.
Thank you again to Kyle and Rebecca for having us - we cannot wait to revisit.