Delight was short-lived when the menu's lean offerings were matched by the service.

Sri Mahkota occupies the premises that were for years home to Gina's. The open kitchen has been walled off, though I'm not sure the place is better for it.

There are times when a more formal style of hospitality suits the mood. Few achieve this sense of order better than the Japanese.

Pt Chevalier has something of a split personality.

Tastebuds go on a journey at this suburban eatery, discovering fresh dishes packed full of flavour and spice.

We came here because we'd heard the food and the service were fantastic, so we wanted to see if it was worth adding to our list of local favourites

Until two years ago, French restaurants were hard to find in Auckland. Now, pleasingly, I can think of 10 in the city and inner suburbs.

Nobody really gave them a chance - too laissez-faire, too casual and rumours of discord within the team.

Margaret Rhodes, a self-confessed "publishing sensation", takes the cake for what must be one of the worst book covers ever

Shelley Harris' remarkably assured debut novel is rooted in the Silver Jubilee celebrations of June 1977.

Robert Hardman has had access to "every level" of the Royal Household, he trumpets in the introduction to this exhaustive study of HRH.

On a cold and blustery Tuesday evening, the Deep Creek Brewing Company (or Deep Creek Brews and Eats, as the sign reads) was doing a brisk trade.

A banquet of Thai dishes keeps a big group more than happy in Parnell.

For well-researched and realistic people, owning a vineyard is a dream come true.

I don't usually open these reviews with outright praise, but I first came here for a tasting event and I was blown away.

We came here because its previous incarnation as restaurant Collins House was a fine one, and we like keeping an eye on what’s new in our neighbouring Greenhithe village.

In the car on the way back to town, I asked the others how they'd star-rate the meal we'd just had and why.

This Sri Lankan restaurant provides a rich experience at a very modest price.

Gigi Fenster has made a standout debut with her novel, The Intentions Book. The writing is tight, the protagonist memorable and the revelations stitched with a subtle finesse.