Favourite date spots in New Zealand

"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."

"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."