Food was fabulous. All three of the dishes were great. One pizza, two pasta's! Well worth it. Only…read morecomplaint is the chairs are super uncomfortable making us not want to linger or have desert. We were full however... We may go back tomorrow night.

This place is amazing. The chef Maria is absolutely a fantastic cook. Food is great! Everything is…read morefreshly cooked. Easily my favour Italian restaurant.

Absolutely a delightful surprise. We came here as part of an excursion and didn't expect much, but…read morethe experience exceeded expectations. The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful, the restaurant has a unique and well-suited style, and the staff were warm and welcoming. It was a wonderful addition to our trip.

This restaurant deserves 5 stars for the ambience and quality of the food. I ordered the prime rib…read morewith the mushroom cream sauce, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables. The steak was cooked to perfection l, was bone-in, and was a large portion that I shared with my partner. My partner ordered the beef bolognese and he said it was delicious, but the portion size was not as large as the prime rib. Service was so-so. We arrived without a reservation and was only offered outside seating, although there were several tables available inside. We were out of water halfway through our meal and had to request a refill of our carafe. No big issues, and the place still deserves 5 stars. We are visiting Matamata from United States, and we so enjoyed this restaurant for our first meal after arriving. I highly recommend making a reservation first and ordering the prime rib.

OMG. I love this place!!! It is so cute. We came here yesterday when it was pouring down. Not that…read moremany people inside. They sell lots of different products that you would not often see in central Auckland. I think the guy serving everyone had had a rough day as he didn't seem very cheery. Service was still good though but a happy face would have made it top notch. I ordered a soy hot chocolate which was yum but I guess you can't really mess that up. He had a long black which was made very well. I ordered the curry of the day (Thai chicken) and it was ok, I have had better as the chicken was dry and the courgette flavour was strong, quite fusion. He had their big breakfast which apparently was a lot nicer than any other one he had back in Auckland. I thought they are all the same hahaha. When leaving was I tempted to try their cabinet food so I got a cheesecake brownie and a strawberry brownie to take away. LOVED IT. He usually doesn't like sweet food (like most guys) but he loved it too! Kitchen closes at 2.30pm but cabinet food goes until close. I would highly recommend this cafe and then you could stop by clevedon coast oysters before or after = perfect day

So you've gone on your country drive down south and you're feeling parched. Perhaps you are on the…read morehunt for fresh veges, fruit or a jar of jam? Well, Ciao Bella has both a nice, homey looking country cafe with an Italian twist, as well as all your farmer's market needs. They hold the Italian Country Market here every weekend, but don't hesitate to venture here another day. They also have the most amazing bathroom, covered in multi-coloured tiles. Feels like an acid trip from the 60s. Basically, it's a breath of fresh air on your journey to Clevedon or beyond.

Just across the road from Kinloch reserve in the town centre of Orewa, Quattro looks unassuming,…read morebut the food there is fantastic, and really well priced. I got a chicken and bacon salad there yesterday, and it filled the whole plate, my belly, and didn't empty my wallet! Their pizzas are fantastic too, and everything is made fresh to order. And the best part? They have Movenpick ice cream available too, so dinner and dessert are jast as good as each other. Definitely a fave.

Excellent Italian restaurant . They have a happy hour from 4-6 and a pizza and beer special for…read more$10. Lucky find as it is off the main drag. The pasta dishes were excellent that we ordered. It is well worth a try if you are in the area. Prices are reasonable.

Had dinner here with a friend after she recommended it. Food was great. Cocktails were fab and the…read morestaff were lovely. Atmosphere was quite relaxing, no loud music and bright lights. Cannot comment if there was a kids menu or not as didnt have the kids this time.

So delicious. We frequently come to Hamilton and this is my number one choice for dinner. Very…read moreauthentic Italian, have never been disappointed by anything on the menu. My favourite is the carbonara, the lasagne, melanzana parmigiana and gnocchi are also amazing, and the bruschetta and lamb are great as well. There is another Italian restaurant next door, but don't be fooled, caffe centrale is where you want to eat

I love love love Poderi Crisci…read more Situated on Waiheke Island, about a 25 minute drive from Kennedy Point Wharf, you will find Poderi Crisci, a vineyard and Italian restaurant owned and run by Antonio Crisci and his family. Surrounded by rolling hills and immaculate gardens, together with a stunning setting including an Italian style kitchen, displays of Italian cheeses and cured meats, and copper pots and utensils, you will feel like you are in Tuscany. I dined here for my birthday with my family and it was a very memorable meal... and day overall. Everything was exquisite - from the surrounds and views, to the alfresco dining and beautiful food and wine. The service is also very welcoming, professional and friendly. For starters, we enjoyed a glass of prosecco, accompanied by three platters, all of which were beautifully presented and each dish was savoured: - Pane & Olio (selection of homemade grissini, Italian inspired bread and olives with Poderi Crisci olive oil) - Contorni (selection of Antipasti style side dishes, including free range egg frittata, braised capsicums with smoked olives, chargrilled eggplant and garden zucchinis) - Affetato (traditional Italian selection of cured meats, Mozzarella cheese, olives, grissini and truffle paste) For the main course, I loved their Gnocchi alla Norma - Homemade potato gnocchi with buffalo mozzarella, garden eggplant, cherry tomatoes and basil. It was dreamy and melt in your mouth. My parents also enjoyed their mains, which included the Agnello - Hawke's Bay lamb rump served with potato and sage, zucchini, garlic sauce and jus and the Salmone Marinato - Home-marinated King Salmon served with almond and rocket pesto, mustard dressing and garden herb salad. And of course, dessert. You simply cannot dine at an Italian restaurant without ordering tiramisu. I think Poderi Crisci makes the most superb Tiramisu in all of the land - think Savoiardi sponge fingers with espresso and Italian liqueur, layered with mascarpone sabayon and dusted with rich dark cocoa powder. Dreamy...! And the best part? It arrived at our table with a lit candle, while all the staff sang 'Happy Birthday'. The Tiramisu was divine and it made for a very memorable lunch and birthday. Food aside, service was excellent - the waiters were attentive, welcoming and very knowledgeable about the menu and wine. I would happily re-visit Poderi Crisci in a heartbeat... and I think you should too! Note: If you can't get over to Waiheke, head to Non Solo Pizza (NSP) in Parnell as it shares the same owners as Poderi Crisci. Their food is heaven.

Honestly. I was shock....I went because I check some reviews in Yelp. I am not a fan of Italian…read more Because I always feel the food doesn't really fill the stomach hahaha. Anyway I am amazed by the food and wine they offer in here. The only think I needed to complaint is 1. The road to drive in is terribly bumpy 2. The Menu we toke is dirty as now the COVID-19 Pandemic we are very caution of anything we touch ! But the food the service and the environment will melt you and the love one you bring along :) just go and you won't regret

I have eaten here a handful of times and the owner is lovely. He is very professional and quick to…read morefind us a table in the full restaurant. The most recent time I went I had the fish of the day and my friend had a pizza and unfortunately I was not very impressed with the food. The previous times I have eaten here and had tried several of the pasta dishes I was not disappointed but also was not raving about it afterwards. Maybe it's just not my cup of tea as every time I have gone here, it is always busy with the locals. Although the ambiance was great, the wine was good and service prompt, I think next time I would face the drive into town for something else

Who would have known this sensational restaurant was located in the middle of the suburban areas,…read moreThe Gardens. Absolutely fantastic Italian! I came here the other night for the first time after having heard many great things; I was not disappointed. We started our dining experience with some garlic bread, YUM! It was delicious. Very large, it comes out like a pizza, with 8 substantial size slices. Next we shared some fabulous calamari, cooked to perfection; and deep friend camembert, AMAZING! Our mains did not fail to live up to our starter and entrees. The mains were massive meals that all came with potatoes and veges. This restaurant has a wonderful feel about it. The staff are incredibly accommodating and really want to make sure you're getting the dining experience you deserve. I have to rate this place a solid 5 out of 5! I will certainly be coming back to try the pastas, pizzas and desserts!!

We were recommended to eat here by a local, so we headed here. The food was alright. I ordered the…read moreveggie pizza - some of the mushrooms were undercooked and not edible. The crust was crunchy and good. My partner had the brisket burger - it was OK. The meal cost $140. In my opinion, this place is overpriced for the quality of food we had.

Worth a second meal!…read more We really enjoyed this restaurant! Table for four on a Friday night at 5:30 in the evening. We had two orders of the fresh fish and chips, the pulled pork pizza, and the fish of the day (tuna). All 4 were prepared well and brought out promptly. I am not certain if it is a New Zealand thing (as it has happened at two restaurants in two days), bit they bring the food out when it is done, not when all four meals are done ... Just something of which to be aware. This is a place where I will be happy to eat at again!