Rats, mice and cockroaches are among the pest infestations that could lead to an E-grade rating. (file photo)

A top-rated dumpling restaurant, gourmet burger joint and trendy espresso bar were among the dirtiest eateries in Auckland.

Council health inspectors found a pest infestation at New Flavour Restaurant on Dominion Rd on May 14.

The popular Chinese restaurant was rated one of the top dumpling spots in Auckland in 2017 by lifestyle site Urbanlist.

It was one of 13 food outlets in Auckland that received an E-grade rating from July 2017 to May this year.

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The Quay St branch of chain restaurant Noodle Canteen was also graded an E.

MANDY TE/STUFF Fred's Espresso & Soda Bar in Ponsonby had unhygienic conditions and poor food handling practices.

A total of 21 other food outlets were graded D, including gourmet burger joint Velvet Burger on Victoria St West, Noodle Canteen on Quay St and Fred's Espresso and Soda Bar in Ponsonby.

Fred's Espresso and Soda Bar in Ponsonby was found to have poor food handling practises and unhygienic conditions.

Bar manager Rita Yu said she was fighting to get her A-grade back.

"I wasn't here when Auckland Council did the check, I don't know what happened," Yu said.

She said she was not told the reasons behind the D-grading but was talking to council about a re-grade.

"I could lose my business, this is serious. I just want a fair review."

E-grade was the lowest rating for a food outlet.

Council said health inspectors found a pest infestation, unhygienic conditions and poor food handling practises at New Flavour Restaurant in Balmoral.

Noodle Canteen's E-grade was down to unhygienic conditions, and poor food storage and food handling practises.

Pest control was one of the most important factors for an inspection, according to Auckland Council.

Businesses could also be downgraded for cleanliness and food hygiene practises.

Food outlets that received an E-grade had to wait 90 days before applying for a re-grade.

James Arnott, chief executive of Cook Brothers Company which ran Velvet Burgers, said they were "gutted".

"It was definitely quite a surprise. We were audited in March and we were given an A.

"But when they came in last week, there were definitely things we needed to improve on."

The issues were "easy fixes" and the company was working towards getting re-graded, he said.

"We're obviously disappointed but we are working hard to get it fixed. I'm confident in our quality."

Noodle Canteen and New Flavour could not be reached for comment.

E and D grade food outlets in Auckland

E-grade

Kiwi Bagels - Brick St, Henderson

Shivas Curry House & Pacific Food Stall 238A Great North Rd, Henderson

Saffrons Foods - 220 Universal Drive, Henderson

Royal Heights Takeaways - Shop 20 Royal Gts Shopping Centre

Jiale Bun Shop - 23-47 Pearn St, Northcote

New Flavour Restaurant - 537-539 Dominion Rd, Auckland Central

Duan Supermarket Central - 79-83 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden

The Fresh - 60 High St, Auckland Central

Noodle Canteen Auckland CBD - Shop 1/8 Quay St, Auckland Central

Saversupermarket - 1 Ronwood Ave, Manukau

Momoyama Sushi - 5 Putney Way, Manukau

Tai Ping Supermarket - 3 Reeves Rd, Pakuranga Heights

Food 4 Less - 64 Atkinson Avenue, Otahuhu

D-grade

Cheer Top Trading Limited - 24A Fremlin Pl, Avondale

Waitākere Superette - Township Rd, Waitākere

Bread Basket Bakery Orewa - 315 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa

Meleina's BBQ - 1/42 Reid Rd, New Lynn

Cafe Torte Deli - 23/231 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany

Wellsford Golf and Squash Club - 1496 State Highway 1, Wellsford

Velvet Burger Federal St - 66 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central

My Kitchen CBD - 2/47 Customs St East, Auckland

Hillsborough Fruit Veges & Groceries - 709 Richardson Rd, Mt Roskill

Superfood Market - 60 Hobson Street, Auckland Central

Wong Kok Cafe & Bar - 97-99 Victoria Street West, Auckland Central

Taro Tepanyaki Japanese - 9-11 Albert St, Auckland Central

Chinese Clayport Rose - 9-11 Albert St, Auckland Central

Warisan Uncle Man's - 277 Karangahape Rd, Auckland Central

Shum Fruit Barn - 6/130 Dawson Rd, Otara

Kingsford Home Bakery & More - 57 Raglan Street, Mangere

Pukapuka Community Centre - 23 Canning Crescent, Mangere

Chachi's Green Garden Takeaways - Unit 2, 65 Rosella Rd, Mangere East

Tokyo Bakery - 264 Great South Rd, Papatoetoe

Columbia Bakery - 49 Orly Avenue, Mangere

Fred's Espresso and Soda Bar - 179-181 Ponsonby Rd, Freeman's Bay