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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For all its artistry - and there's plenty of that - Michael Meredith's food is actually no-nonsense tucker.

I'm always on the hunt for the perfect Thai meal and finding one that stands out from the crowd is not easy.

Put your glad rags on for a meal that feels like an occasion.

Themed restaurants are, I suspect, an acquired taste that I have failed to acquire.

Jai Jalaram Khaman offers refreshingly different Indian vegetarian cuisine.

A new chef and an ever-evolving menu ensure a Shore favourite rivals the best our neighbours across the Tasman have to offer.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

There is a lot of bad Italian food around and Steve's, his mission statement notwithstanding, is not that.

We came here because it was a stunning day and we were keen to dine harbourside.

When the sad day comes for the barbecue to be stored, never fear, Ken Yakitori is here.

The hard part is deciding what to choose from the menu, writes John Gardner.

One day, I hope, Peter Gordon will cook my dinner. It hasn't happened yet.

Meat-lovers rejoice - Cazador satisfies all carnivorous cravings and more besides.

Aaah, beef carpaccio. Slices of raw meat so thin as to be translucent are arranged on the plate, just so.

A night out at a good value suburban tapas restaurant is made all the more palatable by passionate, gentle staff, writes Nici Wickes.