Auckland's lockdown has left one restaurant owner with a sour taste in his mouth.

The region is back under Level 3 restrictions, while the rest of the country is at Level 2.

Cafes, bars and restaurants are not allowed to let customers dine-in, under the strict rules.

Celebrity Chef and restaurateur Josh Emett told Mike Hosking it's having a major impact on his businesses.

"Two outlets in Auckland that I'm focused on, we can't do takeaways.

"So you shut down and go home, that's it."

He says it's another blow to the industry.

"You need momentum, and shutting down for a week or three days just knocks your momentum.

"You don't switch it back on on Monday morning and it fires up and you're good to go again, it doesn't work like that."

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