Regular readers of my restaurant reviews have probably worked out that the Professor is not a shrinking violet.

Here are a few choices to help you decide on where to brunch with the young ones.

We came here because we’d read about the newest addition to the Surrey Cres cafe scene and are fans of Kokako’s other ventures across Auckland, so thought we’d check it out.

A restaurant with a Mediterranean twist should become a local haunt.

Mikano offers good looks, reliability and a sense of comfort with a touch of excitement.

It never ceases to amaze me how wide the range of opinion - or experience, which may not be the same thing - can be about a given restaurant.

We came here because we were on an expedition to Devonport and decided to try this cafe away from the main thoroughfare.

A Ponsonby Thai eatery is full of fun and freshness.

We came here because it’s something of a classic.

The chooks are dead. I did it. In the carport. With the secateurs.

Hanoi Village hasn't quite got it right when it comes to dinner but there are some tasty reasons to be hopeful.

We hadn't quite known what to expect at the Roxy, part of the massive remake of the old Imperial and Everybody's Buildings bordering both Fort Lane and Queen St at the Britomart end of town.

We came here because we were at the Mount for the weekend and thought this place stood out as having a bit of character.

If you can handle pushy service and bland decor, you'll be rewarded with some exceptionally good Malaysian cuisine at this New Lynn eatery.

The menu may be brief but still leaves something to be desired.

A Newmarket tapas bar can help you relive those hot nights in the streets of Spain.

We came here because we’re fans of Kohu Road icecream and news that they had opened a creamery and cafe was too good to ignore.

I have spent more of the Professor's money than I really should have at the Auckland Fish Market. Whenever my Vespa gets within a whiff of the place its handlebars seem to take on a life of their own.

I don't take great trouble to disguise my identity when I eat out. The photo above may suggest some coyness, but I am unmasked on the Herald's website. I book in an assumed name and the Professor usually takes the lead when we arrive. But that's it.

Auckland's newest bistro will appeal to all.

A neighbourhood Thai eatery lets itself down by resting on its laurels.

Canvas reviewers have found some great spots to enjoy a flat white and bite to eat this summer.

Peter Calder rounds up the best places he's dined at this year.

Heading over the Shore? Why not pop by to the Swiss Bakery for pastries and divine coffee.

This Japanese restaurant in Newmarket is a winner when it comes to good food without the fuss and theatrics.

We came here because it is the new local of friends who live nearby and one of the newest additions to Ponsonby's cafe strip.

A new restaurant in central Auckland loses nothing in translation.

We came here because we were keen to make the most of the sunny weather with a drive to Takapuna Beach.