We’ve all been there: It’s Friday night, the week is up and you just want a tasty meal cooked for you. Your heart is crying out for that Thai place down the road, but last time you went there everyone got food poisoning. Not ideal.

This is where food gradings come in. Food gradings are a handy way to check the health and safety rating of a restaurant or cafe so you get all of the delicious with none of the disease.

City council sites are a good place to start. If you’re an Auckland dweller, simply head online to the Auckland Council food premises grading page and you can search the entire Auckland Central and Hauraki Gulf Islands area for a specific restaurant. Simply type the name of the eatery, street and suburb it’s located and you’re good to go.

Do you hail from windy Wellington? Head to the council site and you’ll find an up to date list of all of a huge array of eateries and their grade. Say goodbye to questionable meats and hello to a delightful night out.

Whether you’re in Whanganui or Dunedin, you'll likely be able to find a food premises grade search, but not all councils have this available.

Ín this case, why not try a food app? In no time at all, you can have downloaded an app on your phone that will take you by the hand and lead you to some of the best restaurants in your area - as voted by your fellow foodies.

Check out menus.co.nz, Urbanspoon and Zomato. All of these are restaurant, cafe and bar review apps that are top rated and make finding a place to eat easier than ever.