Latest from Restaurant Reviews

Hansan Vietnamese restaurant, Newmarket

Altar, Mt Eden

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

An old Auckland favourite should try harder, writes Janetta Mackay.

<i>Cafe Cezanne</i>, Ponsonby

<b>We came here because</b> it had been some time since Leanne's last visit and we'd heard there were new owners.

<i>Jervois Steak House and Saloon</i>, Herne Bay

A meal out at a well-known Herne Bay eatery doesn't quite to live up to expectations.

<i>Saison</i>, Epsom

A chap I know who works very near Saison and knew I had eaten there asked whether it was any good.

<i>Vudu Cafe</i>, Queenstown

We came here because we were on holiday in Queenstown and a friend who lives there recommended it as the "best brunch in town".

<i>French Cafe</i>, Auckland CBD

Would you believe that I first visited the French Cafe more than 25 years ago?

<i>La Cantine du Torchon</i>, Ponsonby

We came here because a visit to Ponsonby's boutiques was called for, but first there were hunger pangs to satisfy.

<i>Wing Wah Chinese Restaurant</i>, Avondale

Some of my first "dining out" experiences involved a group of us, in our teens, going to Chinese restaurants where we enjoyed the novelty of a non-European cuisine.

<i>Lotus Restaurant</i>, Viaduct Harbour

For Aucklanders, finding good Vietnamese food can be tough.

<i>Queenie's Lunchroom</i>, Freemans Bay

<b>We came here because</b> I'd read about the unusual design and my curiosity was piqued.

<i>Mahurangi River Winery</i>, Warkworth

This year has been a dream run eating out-wise. All the restaurants I've reviewed have been wonderful, hence the high scores.

Angel Louise, Raetihi

We came here because we were on holiday, staying in Raetihi, near Ohakune, and had been told this cafe was worth visiting.

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

Cin Cin knows what it does - serve good and interesting food - and it does it well.

<i>The Pavilion</i>, Auckland Domain

Peter Calder visits an Auckland kiosk that has stood the test of time.

<i>The Blue Bird Vegetarian Cafe</i>, Mt Eden

A few short years as a half-hearted hippie gave me a bad impression of vegetarianism.

<I>Platters</I>, Devonport

We came here because this is a great site, right on the seafront and within walking distance of where we live, but previous cafes have floundered.