It Spins!! Eeeek while your eating…How amazing is that? The view!! Oh my its breathtakingly beautiful Food…Speechless just wow oh wow Dessert..literally drool while for my hubby to hurry up and finish taking a photo so I can eat it with the plate lol. Almost. Customer Service…Friendly and always checking on us for drinks refill or asking if we need anything else. Small talk here and there which was appreciative that they were trying to get to know us :). Prices…Not bad $32 each but because they had a special online. I bought it $45 for three course meal. So we were lucky but $32 aint so bad either

A fancy version of most buffet places Ive been to like Valentines, Gengis, Happy Days etc. Fresh food. Fresh Sea food. Freshly made..sushi, curry, meat, salad, you name it. The restaurant itself was simple but elegant. Chairs and tables are assigned in rows but big enough space in between for privacy and buffet area its like a fancy back kitchen where you have to walk there to get your meal. There are chefs at each station awaiting for you to pick whatever you want then hand it to them to cook it while you browse around some more to pick and choose the rest of your feast lol. It is a bit pricey but to me its worth it :)

I love coffee and I love trying different coffee flavours. Everyone makes them differently. When I used to stay out south Auckland I found a place that made coffee exactly the way I like it in Botany. Then we moved to the center of Auckland, I couldnt go there everyday to get my coffee as often as I like to. So I started hunting for another starbucks near where I live and couldnt find one. Til a friend of mine told me about the Starbucks at St lukes but I told her Ive already been there and wasnt a fan. She said go again you might be served by someone different. So we did. She was right. I told the lady how hard it is to find good coffee. She then ask how do I want it which its something no one ever ask me before. So I told her and now I go there almost everyday, three times a day. She is always there and we became good friends over a cup of coffee :)

Beaches are a go-to romantic spot, their beauty and openness tantalising lovers around the world. Piha, on the other hand, reveals itself as the beach-made-for-singles. It’s busy come weekends, to the point where you’d be lucky to find a private nook at South. The sun shines so bright that couples-selfies are a no go. You’ll always get sand in your packed sandwich, no matter what you try, so a cute picnic would be tragic. Finally, it’s packed with fit surfers and stunning sunbathers, a vision you wouldn’t want your beau to be distracted by whilst you’re lugging around your beach chairs. So get your togs ready, alert your fellow singletons and grab a few gold coins for a sand-free snack from Blair’s on the Beach and you’ll be sorted come Valentines day.

You cannot be cute at Ponsonby International Food Court. You just can’t. Whether you’re chowing down on ramen noodles or demolishing a pad thai, you’re guaranteed to get sauce on your face, coriander in your teeth, and yes, you will start heaving from an overzealous chilli courtesy of the friendly Malaysian. And let’s be honest, no one orders a curry and stays cute throughout a date night and gets away with it. This is why the food-court can be declared a Valentines Day free zone. Come Saturday afternoon and you’re starving from dodging the all-day couple brunches at local cafes, head to the food court for some seriously good kai and a breath of valentines-day-free-air.

Whether (most) people like to admit it or not, they often work out to impress other people. If they are willing, this ‘impressing’ usually lands them a Valentines date. This means that on Valentines Day the gym can be considered a lovers free zone. You can work on your abs, glutes, and other body bits and bobs with ease, no fear of stumbling across a loved up pair hovering by the treadmill. Les Mills will be a top pick for you come the 14th, with plenty of training sessions and dance classes on offer, which you can top of with a sauna or a deep tissue massage. Who says you need a spouse to pamper yourself, Less Mills will do it for you.

There’s nothing like good food, good people and a great local vibe to distract you from Valentines Day. The Pakuranga Night Markets brings all of this and then some to you, making it the ideal escape on that particularly soppy Saturday. Couples will be lost amongst the crowd and there will be little time for romance as the vendors hustle and bustle between hungry customers. You can wander around without a care in the world, with not a single trace of Valentines Day paraphernalia catching your eye. Visit your favourite stalls, try a little something out of your comfort zone, perhaps the grilled octopus skewers, who’s stopping you?

If we ignore the people who try to earn some chivalry points by taking their date volunteering on Valentines Day, we can declare the activity a Valentines Day free event. Volunteering in your community is a great way to support the locals, help out a charity and allow yourself to step outside of the me-me-me-bubble we’re so accustomed to. This Saturday February 14th you can volunteer your time to the NZ Heart Foundation by helping out as a collector in your local neighbourhood, raising money and awareness for a cause close to Kiwi hearts. Pun intended.

What isn’t there to love about a restaurant that’s sole purpose is to get your taste buds fired up after dinner? This is the kind of place that everyone talks about, a place so good that if you haven’t tried it yet you need to make sure it’s the next thing you do. The menu is a little different in the evening but if you head there on a Monday brunch date like I did then I would recommend trying the gelato sticks, perfect for the summer sun.

Gelato is just one of those desserts that I cannot say no to. Oh and if you are thinking dessert is just for after dinner then think again my friend! This is the perfect place to come to on a cute little date night on the waterfront. I’ve had my fair share of gelato and let me tell you, these guys do it best.

When you think dessert you can’t go past cake. Carrot cake is probably my favourite, especially with cream cheese icing, oh my! Chocolate is good too but sometimes you need to expand your horizons people. This cafe is open late and is a great little place to head out to for a slice or two of cake. The prices are good and the flavour never fails to amaze me. Yum!

Sometimes dessert is in liquid form and this is when you need a really good chocolate milkshake in your life. Late Night Diner, like the name suggests is open late which means more time to digest your dinner and head out for a liquid dessert. So simply yet so so good!

Milk and cookies! Yes you heard right, grab a cookie and a hot chocolate and let the dunking begin. Dessert after all is something that brings back childhood memories, why not indulge in a little comforting treat. Such a great concept and always friendly staff.

Always like coming back here for a cuppa tea.

Always love coming to Squid Row for the squid platter!! The cocktails are amazing!! Never a disappointment!!

Always had a great time at La Zeppa, catching up with friends or celebrate that special occasion. Great cocktail list!

Always a great place to go for some drinks

I like the setting for this place. The drinks are fabulous!

I came here once on a date in a half hearted attempt to try and fake that I was cultural and intellectual. There ended up being an exhibition on about the ocean which in theory seems interesting but after seeing fish after fish which all look the same it is hard to keep your game face on. Despite this temporary lapse in keeping up my façade, I was thinking the entire time how it is such a great place to go on a date because there is always something to discuss with the exhibits around you if you get stuck for something to talk about. There are different exhibitions on all the time here, covering heaps of fun and fascinating themes. Extra points for boys if you bring her here at night to look at how it is lit up so beautifully.

The title of this sounds like anything but casual… but don’t let the name dishearten you from bringing your casual date here. Just don’t bring them here if they are pregnant (you shouldn’t be on a date with a pregnant chick anyway) or have epileptic fits and stuff. In full honesty this probably is far from casual but it’s super cool so let’s just continue. This is a maze with lighting effects, illusions, and so on. There are rooms such as the mirror maze and the vortex tunnel, all sounds pretty exciting huh. Personally, if a guy brought me here I would be over the moon but definitely don’t bring someone who is high maintenance or you will get pied off.

Mission Bay is the ultimate date destination - there’s ice cream kiosks where you can be real cute and choose your different flavours and ingredients, there’s burger joints, multiple restaurants for you to recreate Lady and the Tramp at Portofino’s, an amazing beach……… Trust me boys if you took a lady here with a blanket and a picnic she would be swooning all over the place for you. Extra points if you set it up in close proximity to the water fountain, extra extra points if it is at night when it has the pretty lights shining on it. She will be putty in your hands. Thank me later.

Anything that involves cheese is good. When there is cheese on a date this is super good. These markets are amazing, there’s fresh food from sausages, vegetables, a special market café, bread…. everything that your average food addict loves. For me, as a carb lover, this place is heaven. It’s also nice to come here to pretend you are classy and swanky when really you are hungover from Friday or Saturday night antics and need to get some fresh air. Best not to be hungover for your market date though…. These markets are on Saturday and Sunday mornings so you’ve got enough time during the week to think up an elaborate date plan for after the markets to extend the amazingness of said date.

Tanuki’s Cave was the first Japanese restaurant that I tried in Auckland and it’s still up there with my favourites. The wait for a table can be up to an hour but take some time to enjoy the authentic atmosphere and get started slurping on a jug of Japanese beer. When the time comes for food be prepared to share, this is not a place for lone rangers. I usually start with edamame and cabbage and then move onto the squid, beef and satay chicken. For the adventurous the chicken hearts are worth a try. Accompany the experience with mates, Japanese beer and sake and you can be assured your night will go off like a frog in a sock.

Ponsonby Central is the cool kid on the block. It’s brimming with various pop up stores, cafes, street food inspired eateries and grocery shops. I ordered the beef quesadilla from Maldito Mendez, it was served with a generous dollop of sour cream, black beans and salsa. The meat was tender and well seasoned. Definitely worth a try if you’re in the area.

Winter is a gloomy season, so why not get the hell out of here and head to Mexico. Mexico, the restaurant that is, serves some of the best South American fare this side of the Atlantic from their Britomart and Takapuna locations  It’s hard to go past the salsa with house made corn chips, the prawn soft shell tacos and the Mexican fried chicken all accompanied by a black plum margarita (made for sharing). The friendly staff and warm interiors will be sure to brighten up your day.

When someone has had a particularly bad week it makes sense to take them to Coco's Cantina. At least this is my logic. As this is the case after a particularly big week the girlfriend and I headed to Coco's on a Friday night. Heads up, you can't book so be prepared to wait for a table. We had a drink at their bar next door and waited for a table to come up. When the time came I ordered the pork belly (with some kind of sausage, a pickled red cabbage, poached apples and pesto) and she ordered the ravioli (vegetarian friendly) with a sharing platter to start. Everything was exquisite, the ambiance cosy and the staff amazing. Kudos to whoever did the hiring. I know it's a big call but I would go as far to say as this is perhaps my favorite place to eat in the whole of Auckland.

If you’re in the zone for dumplings then it’s common knowledge Dominion Rd is the place to head. Barilla is my favourite of the dumpling houses on the road (although the rest are great). The bright lime green interiors and menus in plastic folders scream no frills but the food is cheap, cheerfull and delicious. I recommend delving into the eggplant, the crispy beans, the fried squid and whichever dumplings grab your fancy! Top night out.

On a sparkling summer Auckland day, there's something particularly romantic about jumping a ferry to Waiheke Island with a picnic packed and heading to the shores of Onetangi Bay to frolic in the sun and swim in the sea. Enjoy a long, lazy day date with your lover on the white sands of this picture-perfect beach and bask in its peaceful serenity. There's lots of wonderful local food producers on the island too so if you head over early on a Saturday morning then you can make a day of it by shopping up a storm first at the legendary Ostend Markets - http://www.localist.co.nz/l/ucdzlr.

If you've been with your loved one for some time, you'll know a great date night out is all about putting the pizazz and passion back into the relationship and that's why Coco's Cantina in Auckland is a true gem. A night out amidst the bon vivant atmosphere of this super-chilled yet fabulously cool cutie-pie on K'Rd is a surefire way to put spring back into the step of any long-term relationship. Plus the excellent food and wine that will inevitably flow all evening makes for the ideal accompaniment to being in perfect company.

As the sun melts slowly into the West, the best place to marvel at the true beauty of the Auckland isthmus is from the top of the City of Sails' highest volcano - Mangawhau. Make the most of that extra hour by taking a romantic ramble around this very famous cone and drinking in the views of New Zealand's largest metropolis. One of my favourite (and wonderfully classic Kiwi) date nights is to buy an excellent feed of fish and chips from The Ancient Mariner - http://www.localist.co.nz/l/nsidts - on Mt Eden Rd and then sit on the hill until the sun sets so you can watch the lights of the city come alive. This is where I went for my first date with my husband and 14 years later, we still come up here to reminisce about that day at the top of Mt Eden.

Nothing says 'I love you truly, madly, deeply' quite like indulging in freshly shucked oysters and champagne at Al Brown's awesome Auckland restaurant, Depot. It's the kind of place you go to celebrate the special moments and special people in your life. That's why it's a wonderful place for a first date, a second date or a regular date. If you are in love and haven't yet taken your beloved here then make it a priority. After all, scientific research has confirmed that raw oysters are the ultimate aphrodisiac so why eat not well and fall head over heels in love?

Known as doing some of the best sweet treats in the West, Huia Beach Store & Cafe is a gorgeous little hidden gem and its food has as much personality as its staff. A really cool idea for a Sunday date is to head down the winding roads and into Huia, stopping at this store to pick up baked goods and hearty sandwiches, before embarking on a walk up Mt Donald McLean. If you haven't yet had the chance to do this trail, it is little work for great reward. In just half an hour you'll reach the summit and be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of Auckland City, the southern Waitakere Ranges and the Manukau Harbour. Fresh air and the smells, sights and sounds of New Zealand's native flora and fauna plus excellent local food is a great recipe for the ultimate date day out. Now that's amore!

The Portland Public House is a bit of a nostalgia trip for me, back to Dunedin days, with its student flat style retro furniture and kitsch games decorating the walls. We went there for some heart-warming food and boy did we get it. First up was a serving of hand cut chips and maorioli - tom sauce and aioli. The chips were cooked to perfection, crisp on the outside with soft fluffy innards and served wrapped in paper. For the main event I had the vege dhal which was spicy and delicious, with toasted ciabatta. The bacon burger looked like a classic Kiwi burger with all the trimmings and by all accounts was also lip-smackingly good. Chased by a mulled wine, it was the perfect meal on a crisp winter evening.

Brothers Beer have a huge selection of craft beers to choose from and the most affable service around. Take a seat on one of the very retro, very kiwi sofas in the light filled bar or hop on a stool outside at one of the big tables. They have mean cheese platters to go alongside your brew of choice.

Coco's Barretta is the more laid back neighbour to Coco's Cantina and that is just how I like it. Barretta is dark, warm and inviting, with the cute trade mark chequered table cloths and same friendly service as next door. I like to settle down in the comfortable booth down the back either with a group or a more intimate one on one date. You have the option to order from the full Coco's menu but you can also just settle in for a glass of wine and bowl of delicious polenta chips. 

The Golden Dawn is one of my favourite places to catch up with friends for a casual meal and a drink. The food is delicious and are shared plates and there is a great selection of beer and cider on tap. Inside the atmosphere is warm and intimate for smaller groups and outside there are large tables for more substantial gatherings. The staff are friendly and there is always good music playing.

Be prepared for a bit of a wait on a busy night but Mexico in Britomart is well worth it. The food is incredibly tasty and you will want to try several dishes. The fried chicken is a favourite as are the fresh and innovative salads. Wait in the small bar out the back and enjoy a sangria and bowl of house made corn chips.

Beautiful vietnamese food, fresh flavours and nice atmosphere. Great dinner date

On the beach front, yummiest mexican and strong margaritas just quietly ;)

Now before you say that this this is an immature spot for a date, it is seriously good fun! Try night rides. Dark makes it even more fun.

Thursday night late night is great to meet people with the same interest. For $14 an hour with my equipment I can relax, shoot and have some fun in a safe environment.

Personal and intimate, also a perfect date night.

Great authentic instruction and dance!

“This is my local and I love it because it’s a great bar. The cool thing about Eden Terrace is that there is just so much right on my doorstep. Along with a good bar like The Corner Store, there are also great pubs, a variety of places to eat (there’s too many to list them all but some of my faves are Al Volo, Satya and Bian Sushi), excellent salons like Killer and Helmut. There are lots of people around but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Eden Terrace is a real mix of commercial and residential and that keeps it lively!”

“I have only ever had good nights at The Kings Arms. And I’ve been here for a number of different things. Whether it is an industry function, dinner, a sweaty gig, or a mellow musician, The Kings Arms has always provided the perfect venue. The stage is very well equipped for musicians of all levels of skill which is great for private or public nights. The bar is well stocked with great beers on tap and all the spirits you could ask for. Staff are friendly, but can be pretty short with you if it’s busy, understandably. There is many a good night to be had here. If you see an artist playing.” here, be sure to get amongst.”

“If you’re up for Italian dining al fresco style on a lazy afternoon, then you will definitely love Coco’s Cantina. Right at the heart of Karangahape Road, you’ll still find this restaurant hustling and bustling even when the rest of the town had settled down for the day. More than a dining experience, the experience at Coco’s Cantina is more of a romantic experience. It’s a slow process of breathing and taking everything in, one plate and glass at a time. You fall in love over the antipasti, enjoy each other’s company over their main courses, and stay the night for the desserts and drinks.”

“Longroom has a beautiful deck that is completely sun-drenched so I’m super-stoked that I’m now able to enjoy a brunch date here over the weekends. There’s all the classics on offer and the sun (and coffee) is what makes it as much of a nice morning location as a late afternoon or evening one. And you know that my measure of brunch is always in the eggs bene so sufficed to say they do a pretty fabulous one. Love!”

“A cafe dedicated to games is what Cakes N Ladders is all about. Starting out as a Kickstarter project, it was successfully launched July of last year. Inspired by a trip to Castle Board Game Cafe during their Canada trip, founders James and Emma thought of bringing this concept to Auckland - apparently, something like this is what the locals just need. Cakes N Ladders have a library full of card and board games, from Cranium to Cards Against Humanity to Bang to whatever other game you can think of, ranging somewhere between 600-800 games in total. Aside from themed game nights every now and then, they are also planning to hold game designer nights and other events to promote up and coming games in the future.”

With the beach a stone’s throw away, stunning sun sets and a hearty tribe of locals this is a majestic pub. When I’m passing through I’ll often stop here and have a vino just to enjoy the view. Otherwise rad musicians put on events here most weekends making it the ultimate place to be in the Hokianga.

The Taheke Tavern is a classic. I’m warning you now, it’s a bit rough around the edges but well loved all the same. You’ll find a swarthy bunch of locals in here. If you can hold their gaze you’ll be rubbing shoulders and singing sea shanties in no time. I love bringing visitors here for a taste of the true Far North.

I love this quaint cuddly hole of a restaurant. The theme is sweet and goes with the beautiful exterior of the building. They do true English hearty meals here. If you’re ravenous I can recommend the ‘Fat Boy Burger’ from the bottom of my heart. It’s got a grilled wagyu pattie AND a chicken thigh in it - humongous!

This super cool hang out spot is the bee’s knees of Mangawhai. You have resplendent views at your finger tips and the food is pretty good too. I love going here for a few languid wines and a bowl of chips with good girlfriends. We can talk for hours at this local hot spot.

The Black Dog Cafe has a warm welcome ambience that entices you in from near and far. They do smooth velvety coffee and I love having a sweet treat from their cabinet. They have the best pastries. I also think it’s awesome they’re so pup friendly, you can always count on petting someone’s friendly pooch when you stop off at this local gem.