The top 50 were chosen from more than 100 restaurants.
Judges -- who have been working to narrow it down for the past few months -- look at a number of criteria.
The quality of food and drink are judged accordingly, as well as a restaurant's atmosphere, the design and fit-out, its character and "heart and soul"of the place.
Head judge and Metro editor-at-large Simon Wilson said: "Restaurants must prove that they can shine in every possible area to feature on the list.
"And by no means does a previous placing guarantee a spot the following year -- we visit each and every restaurant again each year to judge from a clean slate."
A number of restaurants dubbed to be "fresh and young" establishments that are making a mark on the city's dining scene have also been included in the top 50.
Mr Wilson said: "Some of these younger, innovative restaurants -- which were were the new kids on the block a couple of years ago -- are doing really well and are now leading the pack when it comes to quality Auckland eating."
The Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year awards will take place on April 11, where the supreme winner will be announced.
Other category awards to be announced then include the people's choice favourite dish award, best chef and best city bistro.
Metro Peugeot Restaurant of the Year 2016 Top 50 Finalists named in alphabetical order:
Click/tap below on the restaurants you want to visit to see their reviews.
Apero
Artwok
Baduzzi
Beirut
Bracu
Cafe Hanoi
Casita Miro
Cassia
Cazador
Cibo
Clooney
Coco's Cantina
Cocoro
Cornwall Park Bistro
Depot
Ebisu
Euro
Federal Delicatessen
Gusto
Ima
Kazuya
Masu
Matterhorn
Meredith's
Molten
MooChowChow
Odettes
Orphan's Kitchen
Ortolana
Pasta & Cuore
Phil's Kitchen
Poderi Crisci
Ponsonby Rd Bistro
Prego
Rosie
Saan
Sidart
Siostra
Spacca
SPQR
The Blue Breeze Inn
The Culpeper
The Engine Room
The French Cafe
The Grill
The Grove
The Oyster Inn
The Sugar Club
The Tasting Shed
Woodpecker Hill
