Latest from Restaurant Reviews

<i>The Ambeli</i>, Wellington

A neighbourhood restaurant is an affordable kind of place, it seems to me, where you drop in unannounced.

Caffeine hit: Bungalo

It seems Birkenhead is spoilt for choice when it comes to good coffee.

<i>Mondial</i>, Grey Lynn

It's always a bit nerve-racking when an old favourite changes hands but thankfully this Grey Lynn tapas joint keeps it 'local'.

<i>La Cigale</i>, Parnell

Knowing the system makes all the difference at a French eatery.

<i>Wintergarden Cafe</i>, Auckland

<i>KK Malaysian Cuisine</i>, Epsom

Good reports, including stories of people queuing on the footpath, kept reaching me of KK.

<i>Faro Restaurant</i>, Auckland CBD

There is no need to wait until summer to enjoy the barbecue when visiting one of the city's best Korean grill houses.

<i>Da Sette Soldi</i>, Epsom

I guess it's true that often you only see what you expect to see.

<i>Mexican Specialities</i>, Ellerslie

<i>Morita</i>, Auckland CBD

The eatery is named for its founder, Masaru Morita, who was head chef at the late and lamented Ariake.

<i>Ravenhill Cafe</i>, Birkenhead

Caffeine hit: Hinemoa Street Organic Cafe

It's a hard task finding a good coffee north of the bridge, but a select few cafes do offer top-notch brews, and the Hinemoa Street Organic Cafe is one of them.

<i>Serafin Cafe & Bar</i>, Mt Eden

A new tapas bar on Dominion Rd satisfies the palate as well as the wallet.

<i>Ribier Restaurant</i>, Kumeu

Oh the joy when my fine doctor, William Fergusson, told me there was a new French restaurant in Kumeu.

<i>The Mustard Seed Malaysian Cafe and Restaurant</i>, Auckland CBD

May 1 is a good day to review a Malaysian restaurant because this month is May-laysia.

<i>Torpedo Bay Cafe</i>, Devonport

<i>Snapdragon</i>, Viaduct Harbour

It has everything going for it but Snapdragon proves to be a little temperamental as a dining experience.

<i>Cin Cin on Quay</i>, Auckland CBD

Sometimes knowing what to expect is exactly what is called for.