Central Auckland's dirtiest eating establishments have been named - with cockroach infestations to blame at two high-profile chain outlets.
Hygiene problems became so bad at 10 establishments that many were forced to shut temporarily, new information released by Auckland Council reveals.
Food grades in the former Auckland City region show 10 restaurants and cafes have received E grades, with 29 given a D grade.
Those with an E grade - the worst possible - include Kebabs on Campus, located at Auckland University of Technology, the Kiwi Music Bar & Cafe on Queen St, and popular chain outlets Masala Restaurant Mission Bay and Hollywood Bakery Sylvia Park.
Mervyn Chetty, Auckland Council manager environmental health, said grades took into account compliance with regulations, food safety knowledge and practice and the cleanliness of the premises. A new bylaw, introduced in July, meant businesses had to display grading certificate at their main entrance.
"E grades are deemed unsatisfactory and are generally closed until the problem has been rectified. Follow-up inspections are held until the premises are fit to serve food safely and hygienically."
Masala Restaurant in Mission Bay received an E grade in June this year.
Auckland Council received a complaint from the public and an officer inspected the premises, where a cockroach infestation was discovered.
"We immediately asked the restaurant to cease trading and begin eradication of the infestation," Mr Chetty said.
The restaurant has re-opened for business but must display its E grade for a minimum of two months.
Masala Mission Bay manager Manjit Singh said the E grade was due to an electrical fault. He was not sure about any cockroach problem.
"We have already applied for a second grade, probably within the next two days it will be coming to A."
Sebahattin Soykan, manager of Kebabs on Campus, said general cleanliness issues were to blame for his establishment's E grading. They had been quickly sorted out, he said.
Check out the grubbiest eateries on the map below and read on for a full list of low grade establishments:
Low grade
D grades:
Geihinkan/Ichiban, Auckland Central
Peter's Cafe, Auckland Central
Bun Hut, Victoria St East, Auckland Central
Saigon, Albert St, Auckland Central
Volt Convenience, Queen St, Auckland Central
Hobson Express Cafe & Takeaway, Auckland Central
Barilla Dumpling, Balmoral
The Roast Fish, Balmoral
Line Road Price Cutter, Glen Innes
Restaurant Carinthia, Glendowie
Empress Garden Limited, Herne Bay
Yummy Takeaway, Mt Albert
Bilbo's Takeaways, Mt Eden
Cheuk Cafe, Mt Eden
Chinese Steamboat Restaurant, Mt Eden
D H Supermarket, Mt Eden
Ruang Thong Thai 6, Mt Roskill
Yogiji's Food Mart, Mt Roskill
Zyka Indian Cuisine, Mt Roskill
Chicken Run, Mt Roskill
Xi'An Food Bar - Central Kitchen, Mt Roskill
Fu Man Lou Restaurant, Mt Roskill
Yummy Palace Restaurant, Newmarket
Star, Onehunga
Ulutoa & Sons Taste of Samoa, Otahuhu
Kwality Halal Meat Ltd, Otahuhu
Pakwan Indian Restaurant, Otahuhu
Classic Bake House International Ltd, St Johns
A Taste of Asia, Westmere
E grades:
The Kiwi Music Bar & Cafe, Rocket Drinks, Auckland Central
Kebabs On Campus, Auckland Central
iFun KTV, Freemans Bay
New Golden Horse Chinese Restaurant, Greenlane
Masala Restaurant, Mission Bay
Su Zhe Hui Restaurant, Mount Eden
Hollywood Bakery (Sylvia Park), Mount Wellington
Passion Food, Newmarket
Fruit & Island Produce, Onehunga
Jazz Inn, Penrose