Latest from Restaurant Reviews

<i>Saison</i>: Epsom

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

<i>Volare</i>, Manurewa

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

<i>The Engine Room</i>, Northcote Point

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

<i>Hinemoa Street Organic Cafe</i>, Birkenhead

We came here because a friend had alerted us to the fact the cafe, formerly known as Grace, had undergone a facelift.

<i>Ahsi-Itzcalli</i>, Grey Lynn

For a genuine taste of Mexico, you can't go past Grey Lynn's latest fixture.

<i>Paradish</i>, Newton

Paradish - yep, that name is just a bad pun - bills itself as offering "innovative Chinese cuisine".

<i>The Mulberry</i>, Mt Eden

Ordering from the pub menu at The Mulberry may have been a better option.

<i>Maria Pia's Trattoria</i>, Thorndon

After sharing some excellent bruschette, I was keen to go for the full, belt-busting Italian experience.

<i>Ragu</i>, Pt Chevalier

A new restaurant on Pt Chevalier Rd proves an enticing and good-value spot to dine.

<i>Vivace,</i> High St, Auckland CBD

The cherry blaze of a fire is the first thing you see at the top of the stairway that leads to Vivace.

<i>Eight Point Two</i>, Birkenhead

We had just finished our desserts (two helpings of poached quince with ice-cream; four spoons) when they arrived. There were probably a dozen but they had the impact of 100.

<i>Jafa</i>, Grey Lynn

We came here because it had been two years since our last visit and we wanted to see what had changed.

<i>Ponsonby Road Bistro</i>, Ponsonby

A young person from one of the style-conscious professions spoke warmly of the Ponsonby Road Bistro.

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

An Auckland stalwart shows it still has plenty of gloss in its style and service.

<i>Sal Rose</i>, Mt Albert

Turned away from Sal Rose's doors one recent Saturday night, we came back for another go on Sunday night. Second time lucky - just.

<i>Coco's Cantina,</i> Karangahape Rd

If you want a table at Coco's, show up early. When we got there at 6pm, it was starting to fill.

<i>Gana Cafe</i>, Papamoa

We came here because it was time for a mother and daughter catch-up.

<i>Der Metz</i>, Kohimarama

Big appetite? You won't go hungry at Der Metz, a German eatery whose focus is firmly on quantity.