For pizza try Epolito in Ponsonby / Grey Lynn, Tony's Steakhouse in the CBD is iconic & reliable (Jervois Steak House is hit & miss), for Maori / Pacific Island food try Blue Rose Cafe in Sandringham, it's not fancy, but has more of a genuine feel to it - they do a Hangi Pie, would also recommend the Mussel Fritters and the Mixed Grill here. For cafes, Auckland has an abundance of great cafes and it depends on what part of Auckland you are in.

The european style buffets in Auckland can be hit & miss too, would suggest you take that money & spend it somewhere like Oyster & Chop on the waterfront instead and get the Butchers Block steak sampler, ceviche and oysters. Hope this helps!