Farang, KingslandLuckily you can book at this Kingsland gem (pictured), which specialises in Thai street food, because it is always busy with loyal locals. Best of all, it won't break the bank, with dinner for two, plus a couple of tasty mocktails, coming in at $60. Curry pastes are made from scratch, the roti is crispy and delicious, and every dish feels as fresh as can be. We can recommend the fish of the day with soy sauce, ginger, sesame seeds, spring onion and bok choy; and the grilled ginger eggplant with shitake mushrooms. — 503 New North Rd, Kingsland
The Corner, Remuera Remuera has a new all-day casual eatery, The Corner, serving contemporary bistro food: think grilled pork belly and Wakanui beef scotch steak. Located on the corner of Remuera and Upland roads, the eatery has a slick fit-out designed by Paul Izzard, and at the helm of the kitchen is former La Cigale chef Lou Adams.— 606 Remuera Rd, Remuera
Et Tu Bistro, Te AtatuThis family-run restaurant has a selection of generous sharing plates, an extensive offering of wine and craft beers and a sun-soaked courtyard to match. The sizeable menu is helpfully split up into sections: from the sea, from the land, pizza, pasta and more. — 532 Te Atatu Rd, Te Atatu Peninsula
Augustus BistroThe new bistro from SPQR's Chris Rupe is up and running at the former Ponsonby Post Office in Three Lamps. Augustus Bistro — opened in partnership with Chris' wife Meegan and daughter Courtney — is offering a smart but casual French-inspired menu, and don't miss the courtyard designed by Andy Hamilton.— 314 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby
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ChinoiserieThis fun casual eatery, which serves a mix of Chinese and Taiwanese-inspired street snacks, has put suburban Owairaka Ave firmly on our dining map. The menu is short but there are no duds on it — we love the five-spice pork belly gua bao (house-made steamed milk buns), the best in Auckland in our opinion, and cheap at $8, the coconut-crusted squid rings, the sticky and delicious slow-cooked pork spare ribs and the slaw. — 4 Owairaka Ave, Mt Albert
