My parents were ... eccentric. My mum's not shy in speaking her mind. My old man prefers an easy life - like me.

We came here because we were on a day trip north and stopped to do some chores in the village.

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.

When Amanda and Mark ran their own restaurant in St Heliers some years ago, they used to invite Amanda's parents along to sit at a front table.

For Aucklanders, finding good Vietnamese food can be tough.

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

While the world sank into the depths of the recession, McDonald's restaurants in NZ were quietly churning out more burgers and fries than ever.

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

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

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

The opening of a new restaurant always fills me with a combination of anticipation and unease.

Food prices increased 2.1 per cent in January, Statistics New Zealand said today.

With a napkin already tucked in her collar for next month's Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, Karen Jackson passes the time by eating her way around this food-lover's city.

Make it a Valentine's date to remember with friends at one of these Auckland restaurants.

Italy's Agriculture Minister and the Slow Food movement battle over the McItaly burger - made of Italian beef, Asiago cheese and artichoke spread.

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.

What a lot can happen in a decade. Especially if you're a restaurant location on Auckland's famous food strip - Ponsonby Rd.

Ever since an after-function dinner before Christmas, we'd been meaning to revisit Coco's Cantina in Karangahape Rd.

The food at Takahe unfortunately doesn't live up to its spectacular backdrop.

The food matches the marvellous setting at Bracu, says Peter Calder.

Waiheke comes up trumps again with a tapas joint to get the tastebuds tingling.

An Orient-themed restaurant is proud of its local focus, says John Gardner.

Popular Devonport neighbourhood cafe Ice It closed last week, after not being able to renew its Church St lease.