It’s big, it’s new, it’s flashy. From all angles, Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats is not your everyday shopping-centre dining precinct and the New York-style offering is full of culinary ventures of a calibre that far exceeds your standard food-court expectations. Here are a few of them…

Nick Honeyman might just become the poster child for the next generation of fine dining. His latest venture, Paris Butter in Herne Bay, is a beautiful culmination of fancy food influenced by French technique and executed to perfection.

Recently, Auckland is understandably staking a claim to the hundreds of thousands of tourists that flock to the country each year. Garnering some serious food cred from a new wave of restaurants and sophisticated dining options, a wonderful, eclectic melting pot of cultures, the city gives way to a number of internationally celebrated chefs laying down their restauranter roots here.

Bread is one of the oldest foods, and one that has been integral to the evolution of the human species. But now, supposedly, it’s bad for you. What has changed and where does this misconception stem from?

After months of road improvements and other disruptions, we're pleased to finally announce the re-opening of Auckland's premiere seafood dining destination, Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill.

1947 Eatery represents the modern Indian gastronomy Auckland has been waiting for, with a mission statement that sees a menu full of authentic spices, charcoal cooking and expertly-crafted curries served with the modern diner in mind. 

Euro was the first-born of the Nourish Group restaurant empire, and now, riding high on the two-decade-long tenure, the iconic waterfront stalwart has undergone a significant facelift.

In any game of word association, it’s unlikely Indian cuisine and bespoke cocktails rank very highly among foodies. But a trip to Newmarket’s V.T Station will quickly change your mind. Here are some more reasons to try the culinary hotspot…

Auckland’s food universe has thrown just about everything at us, from cruffins and sushi doughnuts to things that’ll make mum and dad scoff and immediately withdraw any financial support. And, while these are often in order, a foolish bypass of the classics could result in you missing out on the likes of Dedwood Deli’s sammies.

If you’re someone that tends to suffer from decision paralysis, you’ll be well served by the high-ceilinged confines of Amisfield’s restaurant, where there is only one rotating menu on offer, that flows seamlessly - and theatrically - from one course to the next. Amisfield insists its wines stand out in the most breathtaking dining context the country has to offer, and every aspect of its degustation is presented with extraordinary finesse and attention to detail.

Since the mid-90s, BurgerFuel has fought valiantly for a share of New Zealand stomachs against a demonic pizza rival and fellow Kiwi brand. BurgerFuel decided it was time to settle this dispute once and for all and have challenged their round flatbread nemesis, Hell Pizza, to a battle, Eat Fighter style. This is the ultimate tussle for your tummies.

Special occasions call for special dining experiences. So, who are the talents pushing the envelope in Auckland dining? Which veterans are continuing to set the standard? And where simply put, are the best places to eat and drink right now? Here are the names and places that should be on your radar for your next celebration…

Hospitality, by its very purpose of feeding, entertaining and welcoming guests, is the best-placed industry to help transition society to a life that more closely resembles normality. Something we saw in spades as restrictions eased into Level 2 and beyond (twice), where hungry patrons were seen flocking by the dozens to their favourite eateries.

I’m not sure how BurgerFuel keeps delivering time and time again with these limited-edition numbers. At the best of times, great burgers aren’t that easy to come by. What seems like a simple meat package creation can so easily miss the mark, but you’ll just never find that when it comes to NZ’s favourite burger house.

On the long list of First World Problems, “another day, another Auckland restaurant opening” would have to be right up there with the most absurd. But, despite all the noise, there are still eateries that will make even the most jaded diners prick up their ears, one such place is Mudbrick’s reimagined take on Modern European Bistro; Augustus.

The beauty of McDonald’s is that no matter where you find yourself in this world, it’s likely there's a golden arches nearby. The good news is, every fast food outlet will serve you a Big Mac for when you need to experience the flavours of home, but there are a few puzzling menu items too.