Muy Bueno ! I've always wanted to eat here and have tried to in the past when their hours were…read morelet's say less than convenient. But it seems there are new owners who want you to enjoy the awesomeness Mexican food has to offer . This is no Tex-Mex joint where they make it in front of you a lá Mexicali fresh , this is the real deal ! Esse . I went for a prawn taco ( $15 spicy but nice ) and a chicken tostada . The prawn taco had capers and tiny small olives in it which was very surprising and the owner brought over some chilli lime dressing to try . This chilli lime dressing should be a pantry staple , it just gave everything a extra zing ! The tostada ( $10 )is a cold flat salad / crunchy almost taco like item it was good , but not as good as the prawn taco . There was a constant flow of people grabbing sauces and pickles that they sell and I loved the Mariachi music in the background . There's a blackboard menu on the wall and the photos that go with it are deceiving, so decide how hungry you are before you order . Arriba !! Taco ! Taco ! Vatos Locos Homes !

The first time I visited this little 'out of the way' café, I looked at it and wondered 'what was…read moremy friend thinking!?'(she suggested this eatery). It sits politely between a few shops in Ellerslie-ish, Auckland. It's not a handsome place, but it will surprise you. It sure did surprise me! After greeting my friend who sat alfresco awaiting my arrival, we joined what in a few minutes became a longer and impatient line of local professionals, each wanting to wolf down some of the fine food from this establishment. I have to say, this was a little strange. I observed the people joining the queue that eventually ended at the friendly female face at the counter. Nicely dressed professionals and such, entering a place that remained less than handsome on the inside as well. Hmm? My friend ordered and I swiftly followed, impressed by the calm demeanour of the woman that served us. She wasn't daunted by the growing queue. We returned to our table just outside the café. In roughly 15 mins, my friend received her order. Maybe another 5-10 mins, and my order arrived... Now, I won't go into details at this stage about the type of food we ordered and ate, but I will say, "Do not deprive yourselves of enjoying a meal at this little gem of a café". The food was fabulous! So good! So tasty! To say the café lacked any real style is no put down. You wouldn't want it here. You want good, honest, tasty food. This is what I got, and I have since returned for more. I'm surprised to read about the poor service had by others. That was NOT my experience. The service was and has since been attentive, and cheerful.

Loved this place! Yes I am an American who has plenty of Sushi options in our area of America, but…read morewe don't have this! I am probably naive on this concept, but I loved it. While it is setup "Subway" style as someone mentioned I did like the twist on it being a bowl and me being able to put in a large variety of items to make it my way. A bed of rice (which I would ask for a smaller scoop of rice and more of the veggies and good stuff) instead of a loaf of bread and some great healthy toppings. I do agree with another reviewer that some of the meat choices could be healthier, but that is up to you, get a grilled chicken or a pork instead of the sweet sauce laden options. The pricing was great and about $10. You can order other items off their menu, but expect a wait on them. After some research I did see that we had two Donburi restaurants in the Denver metro area, but trendy higher end I felt this was a better price point for your average person and more substantial (granted the Denver version was probably more health conscience which I normally am). The Denver options were very healthy versions which was more like sashimi in a bowl with some cut veggies and a little sauce, looked really great if this is what you were looking for (which I would enjoy), but wouldn't be the comfort food like I had in NZ.

It's a causal, functional vibe at Katsubi, and the service is friendly and incredibly prompt…read more As the name suggests, Katsubi specializes in the Japanese dish donburi - fish, meat, and vegetables simmered in a special sauce and served over rice. Which is fine in winter, but I can't stand it in the warmer weather. But that's okay because they also do what I like to think of as a warm-weather version - with rice as a base and toppings you choose yourself, like salad vegetables, meat, and sauces on top. The lunchtime special is a great deal (around $10 from memory) and it's good quality, simple, healthy, generously-portioned food.

Voted Auckland's best food market by a local newspaper, La Cigale French Market is held every…read moreSaturday from 8 AM to 1:30 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. This market is inspired by the wonderful food markets found in France. This market didn't exist when I lived in New Zealand in 2003, but I figured it would be an eye-opening experience to compare and contrast the Otara Polynesian Market. This market is just a 20-minute drive from the Otara Market, but will feel worlds away with its much pricier food options, perfectly primped dogs, live jazz performances and wine bars. If you're into high-end experiences, this will be your jam.

Awww how I wish we had something like this in Hawaii. ALL the foods looked great. The smoked salmon…read morewas by FAR the best I've had. So delicious, wish we had bought more! But it was our last night in Auckland. Some of the extras actually made the journey with us to Queenstown. Enough vendors to get your fill on the spot as well as to go. A nice assortment of foods that you still need to prepare, sides, breads, smoothies, etc. Worth a visit as a local or a tourist!

Yes, Farro is expensive but their array of artisanal products is second to none (ok, so perhaps…read moretheir on par with Sabato). I particularly love their charcuterie and cheese sections complete with tastings and fabulous staff to help you nudge you in the right direction. They also have a wonderful range of cookbooks - our latest purchase was Ottolenghi's vegetable cookbook, 'Plenty' - as well as cooking and baking utensils. Don't miss their fabulous chocolate selection (new Wellington producer, The Wellington Company's salted caramel chocolate is out of this world) and of course the, Harney & Sons teas.

Before you shop here, take 5 minutes to go online and register for their "Friends of Farro" loyalty…read moreprogram. You'll need to register an email address and also the bank card you use regularly (or will use to shop here - unfortunately you can't collect points on cash transactions). If you spend $400 in one calendar month (which is easy enough to do if this is youre regular grocery stop) you will receive a $10 voucher to use. They also give you 50pts for signing up, and 100 bonus pts if you fill in your profile details (name, contact phone number etc.). Any way - enough about the freebies - more about the store. This is one of 3 Farro's I regularly visit. Farro is fantastic for fresh, organic and usually local produce - they have a wide range of fish and meat - with many free range options, and also a huge selection of specialty products that can be hard to find in regular supermarkets. The seasonal produce is usually well priced and can be on par with market place rates. People with food intolerance's will love the ease you can find products - the staff are all very knowledgeable and helpful, and will quickly find anything you can't see on the shelves. They had alot of imported products, but will usually have a local alternative offered as well for the food mile conscious. Farro is a beautiful place that any foodie or kitchen lover will enjoy - I regularly visit just to peruse the shelves of interesting new items to add to my pantry. My latest picks have been some local vanilla bean paste (a stronger flavour than the usual vanilla essence or pods), some kelp noodles (seaweed/raw vege noodles) and spelt flour (I had to buy a rather oversized bag for $14, so will be looking for more recipes to use it up as the dish I bought it for only used 1 tablespoon #facepalm).

This 4 Square Britomart caters primarily to the business crowd, but also has household goods such…read moreas toilet paper, spices, frozen food, food storage, etc. There's a decent selection of fruits and vegetables. But it's strength is its grab-and-go foods of all kinds - sandwiches, wraps, fried chicken, chips (fries), salads, breads and pastries, crisps (potato chips), candy, and more. It's right by the Britomart Station, so it's great for commuters too, and a few steps away from Commerce Square. Prices are a little high, but you're paying for location and convenience. There are a few steps in front but there's also a lift. There's a barrier-free side entrance too, I believe, by Daily Bread, which is next door.

If you have been to the La Cigale French Market in the weekend and you have seen people wandering…read morearound with delicious looking white bait fritters or prawn kebabs, well this is the stall where they got them from. However the grilled seafood is not the only food worthy of your buck from this stall - the main attraction is in fact the delightful aiolis, tapenades and spreads they have on offer. Of particular note, the spicy mango feta spread is deliciously scrumptious, and would taste fabulous spread on a thick slice of bread or on crackers. All products are completely natural, gluten free and palm oil free and are stocked at a wide variety of local delis and specialty stores, such as Farro Fresh and Nosh.

Really disappointed in this place tonight. An American girl…read morenamed Dee ( on the docket)stared at me condescendingly every time I tried to catch her eye for 45 minutes and didn't call out my order name once. Other orders ready were called out multiple times but not once did she say my name. I didn't ask was it ready as I didn't want to be a pain when they were obviously onto it calling out the names. Finally I asked 45 minutes later and she looked under the bench and said oh yeah here it is.My food was totally cold when I got it and I wanted to say something to her but she flipped her ponytail and turned away. I get that it was just forgotten or whatever but there was no apology offered at all. I love the food at this place but the staff needs talking to about customer service and using their brains if they see a customer waiting a long time.

Fatima's has been around for some time now and I have been quite a regular customer to the Ponsonby…read morebranch, the other being in Takapuna. Fatima's is a great takeout option for a filling and tasty feed. They offer pitas, as shown below, chawarmas and salads. The pitas are a tightly filled wrap with most of them offering chicken, lamb or tofu for the protein. If you're feeling adventurous give the 'Catch of the day' a go to have fish or if you are a fan of mango and avocado, opt for the 'Pacific Pita'. To be honest most of the time I choose the Fatima's favourite with Lamb and no cheese. Its my favourite and I can't get enough of the combo of the tomato relish, aioli and chilli together. This place is great as they cook their meat to order and use fresh ingredients, giving you a nice hot pita or charwarma. So far all the proteins have been cooked to the right degree. Ive had a chawarma once, its better if you don't have a huge appetite as they are smaller but the bap bun is a nice difference from most eateries. If you are eating with someone share a side of the koftas. Who doesn't love little balls of fried potato. Served with their sweet chilli aioli it's so unhealthy but soo good. My only small issue is I wish their chicken was Free Range, as their chicken options look delicious and i think they could widen their demographic offering FR Chicken. Great 'Quick Bite' on the run or if you live near by and can't be bothered cooking. Huge fan of Fatima's and yet to be disappointed. Service is quick, online ordering is also on offer. Rating Food: 9/10 Service: 8/10 Value for Money: Good 240 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 1130-10pm

T-Mark Supermarket is pretty run down inside and out, but don't let it put you off. It's also…read moreslightly baffling when you first walk in because there are two distinct sections, divided by a low wall. On one side are the meat and veges, and on the other side are the grocery items and frozen foods. If you can get past that though, you're onto a winner. The range of veges is small, but has everything you need at great prices - most recently I got a pack of two fat bok choy for $1.50. The grocery section is well-stocked, and even has a pretty decent Japanese section including Kewpie mayo and salad dressing, furikake, and other items that are often missing from Chinese supermarkets. The best kept secret in Auckland is in the frozen food section, where they hide their incredibly delicious dumplings, called So Real and made in Panmure (I even posted a picture so you can hunt them down more easily). These are seriously the best frozen dumplings I've come across in Auckland and it's so easy to make a great soup when you have them to hand (as judged objectively on a scale of number of compliments relative to number of second and third helpings).