Starter
Market Fish Crudo
$24Citrus-cured market fish, kawakawa, lime and olive oil.
Auckland · New Zealand
Good food. Great company. Poker nights.
Brightwildlife is a premium restaurant on Federal Street serving contemporary New Zealand cuisine — and on selected evenings, a friendly in-person poker night at our own tables.
Since 2018
Contemporary dining in the heart of Auckland Central.
The Restaurant
A premium room with a relaxed heart
Natural timber, stone and linen set the tone at Brightwildlife — a restaurant built around seasonal New Zealand produce, careful cooking and genuine hospitality.
Our kitchen works with local growers and fishermen, our bar pours Central Otago pinot alongside house cocktails, and on selected Thursday evenings the dining room hosts a relaxed poker night for our guests — cards, chips and conversation, all face-to-face at the table.
From the Kitchen
A taste of the menu
Seasonal plates built on New Zealand ingredients — a few favourites from the current menu. All prices in NZD.
Poker Nights
Poker evenings, face-to-face
On selected Thursday evenings we set a poker table in the dining room — a relaxed, in-person evening of cards, dinner and good company.
- Played in person at our restaurant — never online
- Open to guests of all experience levels, 18+
- Full menu and drinks available throughout the evening
- Reserve a place through our booking page or by phone
Please note: Brightwildlife is not an online casino or betting platform. Poker evenings are social, in-person events held exclusively at our physical restaurant venue, and we do not offer games for money.
The Experience
Why guests come back
Seasonal Ingredients
Our menu follows the seasons, built around New Zealand produce, seafood and pasture-raised meats.
Contemporary Dining
Considered plates, a sharp wine list and a room designed for long, comfortable evenings.
Warm Hospitality
A small team that remembers regulars, looks after first-timers and keeps things unhurried.
Social Evenings
From dinners with friends to our Thursday poker evenings, the room is made for company.
Around the Room
Life at Brightwildlife
Guest Notes
What people tell us
Came for a quiet dinner, stayed for the poker night. Lovely room, generous plates and a genuinely fun evening.
The crudo and the ribeye were both excellent, and the staff looked after us beautifully without hovering.
We bring visiting friends here — good wine, relaxed pace, and the poker evening is a great way to end the week.
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Is Brightwildlife an online casino or betting platform?
No. Brightwildlife is a restaurant in Auckland. Our poker evenings are in-person gatherings held at the restaurant — there is no online poker, no betting and no games for money on this site or at our tables.
Is there a charge to join a poker evening?
There is no entry fee for our poker nights. You simply reserve a place and order food and drinks from the normal menu during the evening.
Is poker played for money at the restaurant?
No. Our poker evenings are played for fun — there are no cash stakes and no cash prizes. Poker at Brightwildlife is purely a social activity shared over dinner.
Do I need poker experience to come along?
Not at all. Our poker nights are relaxed and friendly, and the format suits complete beginners as well as regulars. Staff are happy to walk new players through the basics.
How do I reserve a table or a poker night place?
Use the reservation form on this page or on our booking page, or give us a call on +64 9 889 2746. We confirm every request by email or phone.
What are your opening hours?
Tuesday–Thursday 11:30 AM–10:00 PM, Friday–Saturday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM, Sunday 11:30 AM–9:00 PM. We are closed on Mondays. Poker evenings run on selected Thursdays from 6:30 PM.
Is there a minimum age for poker nights?
Poker evenings are open to guests aged 18 and over. The restaurant itself welcomes guests of all ages during normal dining hours.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes — vegetarian dishes are on the menu every day, and the kitchen can adapt most plates for gluten-free or other dietary needs. Just note it on your reservation.
Reservations
Make an evening of it
Dinner, drinks and, on selected Thursdays, a friendly poker night — all under one roof on Federal Street.