This week the owners of Ponsonby Social Club opened an American style diner called the Late Night Diner, and I couldn’t be more happy! We sat at the breakfast bar style counter and watched the inexperienced staff get told off. The lack of experience was made up for by the food. I tucked into the fried chicken with bbq sauce and the bacon croquettes accompanied by a bourbon hard shake. It was all delicious. And the best news? It’s open till 2am from Weds to Sat. I’ll be back.

Like a lot of Aucklander’s I’ve never actually had food from The White Lady sober. In saying that it is the best end to a night of shenanigans that downtown has to offer. The white caravan is an Auckland institution (my dad worked there when he was my age) and as far as fast food goes their bacon burger is up there among the best in Auckland.

After deliberating for about an hour about what to eat it was decided that we should opt for burgers, they’re easy and dependable. And when it comes to consistency Burger Fuel tops this, across the board the sauces, meat and add ons are pretty dam good. I opted for the ring burner, a burger stuffed with jalapenos, bacon, salad and beef. It was just what I was after. As an aside, the bacon backfire and ford freakout are also great tasting bites.

Carl’s Jr is the fast food chain for those that are serious about their deep fried food. The Carl’s Jr devotees were out in force tonight and the joint was still hooching at around nine. I ordered the bacon, Swiss, crispy hand-breaded chicken sandwhich, upsized. If it sounds like a mouthful, that’s because it was. The chicken was succulent and the bacon was crispy. My tastebuds were over the moon but I’m not too sure how my heart felt about the meal. Defenitely tasty, but definitely one for the sometimes pile.

For a second I was fooled into the cult of Carl's Jnr. It's great but after eating there a few times I found myself heading back to BK. As far as fast food goes Burger King is my favourite. I like their flame grilled meat, their fake tasting bbq sauce and their new fry shake (you get given a flavour satchet and a large paper bag so that you can shake your chips in a delicious powder that is probably really bad for you). Okay so it tastes great but the crux of the Queen St BK is that it is perfect to sneak into the movies. While the rest of my fellow movie goers were munching on stale popcorn i was tucking into a double, bacon cheeseburger combo - suckers.

Love the atmosphere, great food, great service.

Great service, delicious food. My favourite was the kingfish sashimi!

Yummy tacos and little snacks. Great place to go with a group.

An Auckland institution this restaurant is still one of the best fine dining establishments in the city. The food is incredible, wine list is sublime. A perfect place to go for a special meal.

Merediths does a divine 8 course degustation! The service is amazing and has a great atmosphere. And they cater well for vegetarians too. One of Auckland's best!

Great place, love the menu

Great food,

Only had lunch here but was great

Quesadillas

Love this place

love the yummmy#darkhorse

Awsome

bring me to mexico!!!

YUmmm..Bring me MOre mEAT!!!

FresH and CoOL!!

Always a great hang, sun or shine. Great food, and even better bar staff.

I went here 3 days after opening, usually after somewhere opens it takes a while for their service to match their food. This place, is an exception. Liana was our server and she was EXCEPTIONAL. I have never had such fantastic service anywhere in New Zealand, I would return, just for her. HOWEVER, the manager who was very clearly not on duty the day I was there, was happily walking behind the bar and kitchen with a baby in his arms in only a nappy (Health & Safety Much? What if some food splattered on it's wee legs!) & he proceeded to yell, loudly, in front of customers, at one of the servers. I was less than impressed, however the above and beyond service I recieved from Liana, will be enough for me to return again. Food was fantastic, as were the bar staff.

I have been here for Brunch so often on Sunday, it was time to buy the book. I am in love! The atmosphere is great - the waiters / waitress's are always so friendly it's a pleasure to visit. Though I must admit everything I've tried from the book hasn't quite worked out the same. I think i'll stick to visiting on Sundays. #shoutme

I always have a great time at Revelry. Some of the best service i've ever had at a bar, best bar staff, great atmosphere whether you're just sitting to catch up, or wanting to hit the D-FLoor.

Great menu selection, and always so welcoming. I recieve awesome service here, can’t fault it.

Amazing thai food with a modern twist best pork belly and love how you share all the platters. Perfect for nights out with friends or just for a romantic dinner for two.

Loved the modern twist on Vietnamese food. The wait for a table is a little annoying but totally worth it. I had never had restaurant-style Vietnamese food till I went here for dinner with my partner and was totally blown away, hence it's one of my favourites

3 words: Best steak ever!

Amazing oysters and fish sliders also good beer and wine!

Seafood lovers dream restaurant

Everything at Milse looks and tastes dreamy. It’s super busy, often with a long waiting list (for good reason) but you can get the gelato sticks and some other treats to go - a perfect accompaniment to wandering around Britomart’s twinkly fairy lights if you’re there at night. My pick is the salted caramel gelato, so nomm! The perfect mouthwatering balance of sweet and salty. If you do get to sit in you can choose from the amazing a la carte menu, with some quite adventurous flavours, and an open view to the kitchen which makes for a really fun atmosphere.

The red velvet cupcakes are totally scrumptious - the perfect treat if you need a sugar fix. Petal’s presentation is half its charm, with each cupcake lavishly iced in pretty poppy colours in yummy flavours. Getting or giving a box of these as a present is always fun!

This place is suave and you definitely feel like you’ve been transported out of Auckland the minute you get in the door. I’ve always had excellent service here and it’s always buzzing with people. Try the oreo doughboys (deep fried oreos) with a side of vanilla shake. Makes for a super fun night when paired with an alcoholic vanilla or chocolate shake!

There is no better way to spend a weekend morning than wandering La Cigale with a coffee in hand deciding which fresh out of the oven pastry to try. I can never seem to go past the delicious almond croissants, they are so light and happy-making. Yummy juices, paella, crepes, vege market - there really is something for everyone. A perfect way to wile away a lazy morning.

A local institution, this place is fitted out diner styles and has a really fun atmosphere. Great for a classic ice cream sundae or shake - especially if you want a late night sugar fix!

Unfortunately it was raining last Friday night, however if it was nice weather I would have been on that deck having the time of my life! Next time you're there, have a look at the menu - delicious.

I have been waiting for somewhere you can get a burger and beer at late hours of the night for aaaaages! My prayers have been answered.

Nothing like a Japanese infused Wesetern classic to get your taste buds flying. Absolutely delicious.

Nothing like some bacon, eggs and mushrooms followed by a dip at Takapuna Beach to cure that never ending hangover.

The pork buns from Janken were more like burgers with a Japanese spice which was a refreshing change from the gluggy pork buns I'm used to. Definitely worth a try.

OK, so O'Sarracino does this UNREAL pasta with octopus, mussels, king prawns and fish! It has a wonderfully complimentary tomato sauce and then is baked in the oven with pizza dough on top! It doesn't seem to be on the menu anymore when I checked online but I think I might have to beg them for it next time I go.

Depot is a given when talking seafood. The oysters are divine and the snapper sliders entirely moreish and heavenly.

I have only been to Clooney once but it was a pretty unforgettable dining experience. The oysters were amazing and the fish I had was a revelation. We came here for a work lunch (law firm gig I had when I was a teenager) and I was blown away. I'm still not someone who eats at 5 star restaurants (like, ever) but Clooney showed me what I'm missing and I won't forget that.

De Post is an excellent date spot. Vibing, casual and has a nice well thought out menu to go with all the Belgian Beer. I can't say I have tried much of the menu however - I can't get past the mussels. Whether you order grilled or drowning in sauce these mussels are fresh, plump and lovely.

St Heliers Cafe and Bistro has the most amazing food, I can’t recommend it highly enough. Order the fresh fish, you won’t regret it! When can I go again?

Big Tables and good food, with an exceptional tea and fresh juice selection its always a favorite for me

No matter what my mood is I can find the perfect meal here  

I am always impressed no matter what meal I have here. The freshness of ingredients and great service make it one of my favourites, and Yael always makes you feel like you are having a fantastic meal in her family home. Wonderful.

The best mushrooms on toast in Auckland, a great coffee

Best Ugly Bagels is my new addiction. I have only been once and had the King - lox, capers, red onion and cream cheese - it's a classic and my favourite combination. It was glorious. A woodfired, crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside, bagel with the salty/creamy/tangy topping - heaven. I will be back in tomorrow to see if I can persuade them to do a non-meat version of the Yodi but if not will be happy to try the TAB with tomato, avocado and basil. It's a buzzing atmosphere with the open kitchen and service is friendly and snappy - in the best way.

Epolito’s is run by the enigmatic Chicky and she makes the best pizza in Auckland. Authentic New York style, the Eastside with artichoke, lemon and Parmesan and Sonino with pesto, olives and feta are taste sensations.

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.

I love this place - it has such a fresh look and great service and the food is amazing. ‘The Fed’ is a homage to the traditional New York Deli so you will find bagels, matzo ball soup, pastrami on rye, latkes, pickles, hotdogs(mini versions) and Montreal poutine on the menu. There is also NY Cheesecake, which is incredible, and the choc cherry pie with pretzel crunch is ridiculously good. Chase with a bottomless cup of filter coffee and you will have had one of the most satisfying, and fun to boot, lunches in a while.

If you are hankering for a meal of fish and ships late then head to Late Night Diner for their beer battered version with skinny cut fries.

If I want a whole load of healthy nutrients, lots of tasty food and I don’t have much money to spend on it, this is my number one place to go! The $6 lunch is the best, you get a little bit of everything, including dessert!!

Best vege burger I have ever had. For serious. Really unusual type of vege burger, I think that’s what makes it so great. It’s some kind of seed and grain patty, delicious. Also the deep fried pickles are so amazing! And it’s open…. late!! :D

The Thai food here is so freaking good. And so cheap! They have a huuuuuge selection of vegetarian dishes, the most I’ve seen probably anywhere in Auckland! Almost too many! Haha. The vege Tom Yum soup is amazing too.

Don’t be fooled by the shabby decor, dinner here is a taste-bud sensation! Yes, the staff are very friendly and the seating is comfy, but it’s the food itself that takes the prize. I’d highly recommend the Dahi Puri, pictured. It’s a hard, crispy shell with potato inside, topped with yoghurt, tamarind paste, chutney, fresh herbs and ground spices and oh my god is it delicious. I also love their Dosa, a thin pancake with crispy edges, with curry inside, rolled up and served in slices. So yummy! Good prices and you can even BYO wine, like we did! Loads of great vegetarian options! Get into some scrummy South Indian cuisine!

AMAZING DUMPLINGS!!! Great selection of vegetarian options. There are two different kinds of aubergine they do and both are inconceivably tasty. Are they wizards? I suspect yes. Every time I’ve been here we’ve had to order more aubergine because all the meat-eaters kept eating it! Beware though, if you order a plate of dumplings, do not let the price fool you into thinking it will be a small amount! This place is cheap and you will get a mound of dumplings. They are really good and I have eaten so much every time I’ve gone here cos it’s all just so hard to resist! The décor ain’t so glam, but they do have those nifty lazy susan tables and extra seating available upstairs. The star of this show is defo the food though!