The steak knife, which started as a sophisticated dining accoutrement, is now a joke - the consolation prize for competition losers or a bonus for anyone who shops via infomercials.

A local haunt proves just as popular with visiting companions.

Seafood is the mainstay at a restaurant which is as much a part of Auckland's history as its building.

I have rather a soft spot for St Heliers, even though I hardly ever go there.

Viva has a few suggestions when it comes to choosing a place to eat for either breakfast, lunch or dinner on Father's Day.

Even if you feel others have scored the better options, you won't be disappointed.

I wonder how Robert De Niro feels about a restaurant having pinched his name.

Rival kitchens would do well to take a leaf out of this southern restaurant's book.

Auckland's outer suburbs are not, in general, the home of fine cuisine.

A creative new bistro venture is a celebration of good food, fine wine and a convivial atmosphere.

Spago has been handsomeley and plainly fitted out.

Expect excellence and you won't be disappointed.

A Remuera eatery provides satisfying comfort food at reasonable prices.

A Birkdale restaurant offers warmth, hospitality and a satisfying winter menu.

The food tasted great at a Mechanics Bay establishment, which was lucky as it was hard to see what was on the plate.

The takeover of a Herne Bay institution is completed in a rush, causing a few hiccups.

A touch of finesse goes a long way, as does a harbour view.

It's worth making the trip over the bridge to Alisdair Gribben's latest venture.

There's a lot more to entice at GPK than just delicious pizza.

Perversely, given that Ragu is the Italian word for a meat-based pasta sauce, there's no ragu on the menu.

An Epsom restaurant does an excellent job of satisfying a hankering for French cuisine.

It's fair to say that I have come across Italian restaurants more devoid of atmosphere, but they were all in railway stations.

The machinery appears to be running smoothly in a North Shore restaurant kitchen, save a few details.