John Gardner has no regrets choosing a marine meal selection at an Auckland waterfront stalwart.

We came here because we felt like something different and the name suggested an exotic menu.

Just on the city side of Kelly Tarlton's, this Auckland landmark occupies the top floor of an extraordinarily handsome example of pre-World War I public works architecture.

Masculine in style, The Grill's basics are excellent but little details need attention.

The Longroom has been a Ponsonby fixture for years and it's still a popular hangout.

As I write, on Wednesday, The Grill has 1099 Facebook fans. It has done 160 covers, so at least 939 people are fans of a restaurant that they have not eaten at.

We came here because we used to live across the road and wanted to check out the newest addition to the area’s cafe scene.

As a venue to kick-start an evening out on the town, this mid-city Mexican eatery passes the test.

There is something definitely odd about Ponsonby Rd that confuses me.

If this is what we are offering diners on the eve of the biggest sporting since 1990 we might as well put up a sign at the airport saying "Country Closed Owing To Lack of Interest".

Gorgeous views, experienced staff and skilful, fabulous food - Sails Restaurant is a sure thing.

Despite first impressions, a Hamilton restaurant provides a fine dining experience worth repeating.

Skycity's plans to expand its gambling operations may not impress all-comers, but what they are doing for Auckland diners certainly impresses me.

We came here because we'd been for a birthday meal some months earlier and always meant to return to try a brunch.

The humour may have improved but not the prices.

Al Brown's Auckland venture is a revelation in fresh, delicious Kiwi flavours.

We came here because we were intrigued by the name - would it be as crazy as it implied?

We came here because we wanted to check out all the new additions to the Britomart precinct and we'd heard this place was a culinary highlight.

It may be a fight to get a good meal in Auckland during the Rugby World Cup.

They say that first impressions last, but for this Greenlane Thai restaurant it's the second impression that really counts.

A suburban restaurant proves it knows its business.

We came here because we'd popped in for a coffee on another occasion and enjoyed it so much we wanted to sample the menu.

The new venue of a popular tapas bar doesn't measure up to the exceptional quality of the original.

Exciting Asian flavours add a special spark to a Japanese meal in Auckland city.

We came here because I ate well when I visited Monterey in California, and was curious to see if this West Lynn cafe paid gastronomic tribute to the city.

I have three words to say to you," said the Professor as she finished the last of her broccoli. "Cobb. And. Co."

Just down the road from the popular Mt Eden village, home to well-known cafe icons Circus Circus, and Frasers, is a pleasant coffee experience named Next Door.

Descend the stairs to a cosy, intimate space and fill up on delicately delicious Japanese fare.

On the strength of its performance on a recent midweek evening, Page's is going to have to lift its game.