Review Monzu - Auckland Central

We were delighted when we heard the chef from O'Sarracino, one of our old favourites, had started a new restaurant. We started with the antipasto, which was very flavourful. My favourite element was the fried eggplant. We had the seafood pasta, a beef ragu, and pork meatball pasta as our mains. All three were absolutely delicious, popping with flavour. The wait staff were inexperienced when we came, but were friendly and clearly just new to the industry.

We chose the set menu option and weren’t disappointed at all. Gaetano was warm and charming with every little story that made up his delightful restaurant and that day’s set menu. His aperitif and wine reccomendation set up our meal so well. Every plate that Gaetano and Flavia brought out for us was delicious and we loved every bite. From the delicately cooked John Dory and prawn ravioli to the sublime eggplant parmigiana. Our meal ended with My favourite dessert by far the flourless chocolate cake and strawberries, peanut. I’m definitely coming back to try more.

We went to Monzù for Valentines Day and had the set menu - thoroughly enjoyed the divine tastes of Southern Italy. They paired our courses with smooth, high quality wines. Good service.

Divine pasta that I frequently dream about - the sauces have such an amazing depth of flavours, each dish an absolute delight... If you can't make up your mind as to what to have, relax and let the chef choose for you... I did just that tonight and absolutely loved my caramalised onion, peas and prosciutto pasta. Yum! And perfect for a cold winter's night! I cannot wait to return for more! <3

Passed by many many times and never really paid attention to it until when I was looking for some Italian restaurant. Booking was made for 7.30 and it was quiet inside , had mixed feelings at that time. At the table standard cutlery not even on the napkin so right away ring alarm bells (read to the end) Menu was presented to us and wine list given but we skipped it as all driving what we stick to was very delicious Italian Appetizer. Ok so we choose what to eat and here my review would stop as I was simply blown away by the look of the starters. Starters not only looking good, taste amazing too, and you can really experience many different flavors in just one dish. Main course also presented in absolute attention to detail, you literally want to eat this with your eyes. Food taste very harmonious but salty (this is typical for italian) so if you dont like salty ask to prepare it with less, and because everything is cooked fresh and no preparation is done you will experience your meal to the last bite. It is very rare that I give 5 stars to the restaurant as I take all facts into consideration , here I am rating only food Place is sparkly clean, smells neutral, I believe is air conditioned, the only improvement I can see to the experience would be a table cloth fresh salt each time you sit to the table and cutlery either on the plate or the napkin. Served by the owner, no checkup (as no needed ;) ) but he was there all the way to assist and explain the menu. Restaurant is the best of all Italian I tried in years and have fine dining potential, hopefully they will maintain the standard. Price wise, good bang for your buck, believe with a bottle you'd keep just under 200 for two. Prices really average but for what you get I consider it cheap.

On the top of the food goodness that distinguishes Monzù, I think that a great strength of this place is the possibility to dine in a fancy location, with superbly dished up meals, with the same budget you would need in a more "mainstream" location. I think it's very good value for money and a good example of how small things can make a big difference.

The best Italian restaurant in Auckland! This photo is the eggplant parmigiana as an entree (antipasto). The pasta dish I had was nocci and it was superb! Full of flavour, staff super friendly and accommodating. I truly recommend!

The best Italian restaurant in Auckland. The menu changes everyday and therefore no two dishes will ever be the same. You'll also get the best service from the owner Gaetano who is one of the warmest people you'll ever meet. I highly recommend frequent visits to this establishment

Great food and great service, a must try for food lovers in Auckland.

Our group of twelve hungry diners were treated to five courses of delicious authentic family recipes. The owner shared the origins and history of each dish which we washed down with a beautiful Italian red wine. Thank you for your hospitality, we really enjoyed ourselves.

One of the best restaurants in Auckland, hands down. I’m Italian, been here for 20 years and my family and I are always looking for authentic Italian restaurants which are extremely hard to find (unfortunately). Gaetano is such a character, very professional staff, and the food is truly authentic. Recommend 10000%!!

Beautiful Italian food on a plate that tastes amazing and is totally different from what you are expecting! The owner and wait staff go above and beyond to look after you so that a meal there becomes a fantastic and fun experience! Would definitely go back!

My husband and I had dinner here. It was fabulous! The food was authentic and delicious and the wine to match was very complimentary. The service was top-notch and Gaetano really made the evening special for us. Highly recommend a visit to this restaurant.

Just had the best meal in New Zealand ever! The degustation was sublime, the most perfectly balanced, authentic and creative Italian food I've ever experienced. You can tell the flavors and techniques are from the heart and lives of the chefs! If you're looking for a night out in Auckland don't go past Monzu.

Superb Italian cuisine artfully presented to stimulate your appetite and taste buds. Suggest you order the bullubaise with fresh New Zealand fish, succulent prawns, tiny clams, calamari, crayfish and more.Excellent homemade breads and desserts designed to spoil and delight you. Considered by many one of the finest restaurants in Auckland.

We had a wonderful meal at Monzu, every dish a new taste experience and Gaetano made us feel warmly welcome. A really special night. A unique fine dining experience at a surprisingly affordable price.

It is difficult to describe....I did eat at O'Sarracino, was never disappointed, but I thought I knew what I could expect...and instead, it was a totally new level ! Gaetano, in this new venture, does not simply work in the kitchen...he literally lives the kitchen as an act of love and passion. The tradition of Naples is there, the flavours are there...but they are reinterpreted with a quirky creativity that will leave you simply stunned. It is a step up that, in another city, would warrant a mention for a Michelin star...but don't tell him. He will tell you his, is not fine dining, it is HIS dining. Mark it in your agenda if you want an experience of what love, passion, knowledge and creativity can deliver, joining family traditional food with quirky, original, strokes of genius.

Auckland's Best Italian Dining by a long shot My partner and myself had heard good things about Monzu. Both being Italian food fans, the owner Gaetano and his chef Flavia blew us away with their magnificent 4 course innovative degustation menu and selection matching wines complimented with Gaetano's personal service. To say we were mightily impressed is an understatement. Make the effort and you will be amply rewarded.

First of all THANK YOU to the owner and the staff at Monzu. My friends threw a surprise birthday dinner for me, Monzu are not open on a Tuesday but they opened especially for our dinner party and i am very grateful. I felt very special and spoilt. The 5 course degustation was to die for. Every dish was so tasty and delicious. I was the only vegetarian (pescaterian on the night) out of the 13 and they happily accommodated my dietary requirements. Italian is my favorite so the traditional Napoli dishes with a fancy twist was a delight. The wine, the music, the service 5 STARS!

The owner is so nice! Service is great! Food is delicious and gorgeously presented. Recommend to everyone!!

First of all THANK YOU to the owner and the staff at Monzu. My friends threw a surprise birthday dinner for me, Monzu are not open on a Tuesday but they opened especially for our dinner party and i am very grateful. I felt very special and spoilt. The 5 course degustation was to die for. Every dish was so tasty and delicious. I was the only vegetarian (pescaterian on the night) out of the 13 and they happily accommodated my dietary requirements. Italian is my favorite so the traditional Napoli dishes with a fancy twist was a delight. The wine, the music, the service 5 STARS!

It was truly an amazing experience and the best gluten-free course ive ever had. Every single dish was perfection. I will definitely go again.

By far the best meal I’ve in Auckland by far! Beautifully balanced tastes for fantastic fine dining experience!! <br/>Complimenti!!!! Cucina italiana che mi rende orgoglioso di essere italiano!!!

A fantastic & recommended local & destination based Italian Restaurant with balance between price, taste, service & a passionate owner/chef.

Went here for my housemates birthday and we had a great night. The food wasn’t typical to other Italians you’d find in Auckland. The true Napoli style dishes were made from the freshest ingredients and tasted amazing. Definitely going back here.

We have visited Monzu a few weeks back with a friend for dinner and had the best experience! The staff were amazing, the atmosphere was lovely and the cuisine was as good as it gets - would definitely recommend this place for a visit if you are after a great experience!

The service was very friendly and attentive. The food was delicious and presentation was outstanding - especially for the crayfish ravioli. A great restaurant that we'd definitely love to come back.

Staff were amazing and attentive. Great ambiance in restaurant. Wine was fantastic. Food had all the flavours, but after spending $90 on a starter and a main each, we were left soo hungry that we had to get McDonald’s on the way home just to feel full. Portion sizes were very small. If the improved that, it would be 5 stars.

My friends and I were blown away by Monzù. I had the eggplant parmigiana as a starter, neopolatana gnocchi for main and their take on a tiramisu to finish. Every dish was absolutely outstanding. The service was flawless - incredibly attentive and friendly. With an ever changing menu I believe I’ll be making regular visits to this beautiful restaurant!

Went to Monzu for my partner's birthday. We would totally go back again, especially with the Zomato gold! Staff were friendly and kindly explained the entire menu to us. Decor was nice and food came out an a decent pace.

What a night! The tasting menu was a blast of flavours. Honestly it was faultless, great vibe and super friendly. Do not hesitate to give it a try you will not regret it. <br/>Thank you Monzu for making our night perfect and I cannot wait to go back. <br/><br/>

Seriously great! Don’t read the menu just ask them to make you something! I love this place and the staff treat you like family. The team there really want to give you a great food experience and sometimes if you ask for cheese on seafood or a latte after dinner you can’t get this. This is for a reason because this is not what you get in Italy, I love this concept because you go there for Italian food not kiwi Italian. Just go and enjoy the ride :)

I went to Monzu with my family on Friday and had the most authentic and delicious Italian meal I’ve had outside of Italy. Trust Gaetano, we opted for the degustation menu and it was a great choice. Got to try a variety of Gaetanos dishes and loved all the care that was taken into the presentation. Staff was friendly, loved that his daughters worked alongside him, and food was amazing. Would definitely go back.

Gaetano is back! With a vengeance! I missed Saracino, not anymore. If you are looking for “real “ Italian flavour there is not much else in Auckland that can match this new little gem. Try it.

Best Neapolitan Italian restaurant in Auckland. What most people aren't aware of is that Italian cuisine is regional and the owner, Gaetano, brings that authenticity straight from his hometown. I recommend going for the degustation option.<br/><br/>However, it's not just about the food here. The owner, Gaetano, is one of the warmest people you'll ever meet. This plus the great food creates a really wonderful dining experience which you won't really get anywhere else in Auckland.<br/><br/>I'll definitely be making regular trips to dine here.

Wow. Wow - and WOW!! The food at Monzu is exquisite. Gaetano chose for us. This is Italian food at a different level - and is a culinary excursion to Napoli. First course - a seafood risotto with a difference - the rice was fried into a tiny taco. Inside - crayfish with the lightest touch of sauce -two bites and it was gone. Eyes closed stuff. It was so good. There were 4 more courses. Each one - truly amazing. My New favourite restaurant. Wow!

Authentic Italian cuisine and stays true to its roots, doesn’t sell out like most Italian restaurants in Auckland and give authentic flavours and dishes ! So happy to have tried the ragù here :)

Went there last night to celebrate a special occasion. We opted for the 4 course degustation meal and was glad we did. A truly lovely experience. Service was on point, food was divine and Gaetano and his staff were very welcoming. I would definitely go there again!

Couldn't fault tonight - want to share on as many review forums as possibel so others will go and have our experience. The antipasti selection was even better than the memories of O'Sarracino's antipasti offerings, amazing flavours - just mouthwatering, every bite. Pasta was perfect with a beautiful flavourful tomato sauce. The sfogliatella dessert best I've ever had. Only two options each of red and white wine by the glass, but nothing more needed - really good red in the negroamaro. Had heard that Monzu had had lots of teething problems and not been so great, but they've certainly worked that through if that was the case :-)

Impeccable food and impeccable, personal service. Allow the head chef to make his food recommendations and you will not be disappointed. Every thing experienced from the moment we stepped in to the moment we left was absolutely perfect.

wow this place deserves more than 5 star... food was amazing and soooooooo tasty , fresh and propper cooked the owner is a great Chef , even his team is very professional... service was a top one , I do strongly recommend this restaurant<br/><br/>well done guys I had a wonderful experience tonight 😁 many thanks<br/><br/>grazie mille<br/><br/>Roberto Russo

We visited Monzu for the second time in two weeks last night. After the first visit we couldn't stop thinking about our time there. <br/><br/> As regulars at O'Sararacino we were thrilled to discover Gaetano and Flavia had opened in the old Meredith's site on Dominion Rd. The place just oozes warmth and friendliness, with the staff remembering us - and the dishes and wine we ordered last time. <br/><br/>On out first visit my husband tried Gaetano's mother's favourite dish.  A real treat through his childhood in Italy, this consisted of impeccable pasta with parmesan and an egg on top. Sounds simple but my husband's  swears it's one of the most memorable dishes he's ever had. For me the eggplant cannelloni was an absolute knockout for starters, So light, flavoursome and more than lived up to its description. The seafood soup to follow was sublime, generous proportions of seafood, with a thick and rich base. No watery soup here. So good in fact, I didn't even look at the menu on the second visit - there was no question. <br/>This place deserves to do well. It's a real hidden gem, yet a cheap (and extremely worthwhile) Uber fare from almost anywhere in central Auckland. In a city where there's so much average Italian, this place sets the bar. Food, wines, staff and setting are absolutely brilliant.<br/>I suspect they'll become a super-popular destination restaurant as word gets around. Go there before it becomes impossible to book a table!

AUTHENTIC... is the one word that springs to mind when I recommend this place. Sure the menu is short, but it’s all AUTHENTIC. There isn’t an excessive amount of drinks to choose from but the selection is AUTHENTIC. Great Italian restaurants are hard to come by in Auckland, but I think I have found my favourite one so far. The food we had in the photos were amazing and… you guessed it, authentic. The mozzarella in its purest form was such a delight, and the pasta was perfectly prepared. I discovered the deep fried pizza which has now become one of my favourite dishes! Great food accompanied by exceptionally kind service? I can only say “Grazei, Monzu”.<br/><br/>Food 5/5<br/>Service 5/5<br/>Look & Feel 5/5<br/>Value 5/5

The menu is short, same with the all Italian wine list, but there was plenty to like. We started with the classic antipasto, which was generous. Roast peppers, buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, very yummy. I had the slow cooked lamb, which was very tasty with a bit of light heat, although it was not what I expected. Rather than a full piece it was more stew like in pieces, still enjoyable. The pasta was the star of the show in my opinion, but you'll not find Bolognese or lasagne here. The slow cooked pasta with peas was lovely and creamy almost risotto like, and the spaghetti with truffle and soft fried egg was the ultimate comfort food. We finished with a shared plate of the three desserts on offer, they were nice enough, but for me it was the pasta. I would like to back to try more. 4.5 stars<br/> <br/>We went back again, and ate off Gaetano's impromptu menu.  The evening was ridiculously good, food and service was easily 5 stars!!

Great food. I've had Gaetano's cooking a few times and it never disappoints me. His food is rustic, delicate and perfectly balanced. Good work ✌

Monzu..!!! This is a place of heaven. <br/>Never in my 16 years in New Zealand have I been treated to Italian, or any other style neither, food to this level. <br/>Twice now in two weeks have we had the degustation menu and none of the dishes were the same but each one of them sublime. Our 11 year old daughter Emilia even ate and loved every dish that Gaetano had created. Wow!!!<br/>Thank you Gaetano and Flavia for a wonderful evening again. Impeccable. <br/>Kim

Enjoyed a lovely evening at Monzu - great menu and all the pasta dishes sounded amazing. Very rich and flavoursome food, done well and presented beautifully! Just like we were back in Italy!

My brother, his girlfriend and I went to Monzu last night after discovering that Gaetano and Flavia had (formerly O'Sarracino) had opened this new restaurant. We couldn't contain our excitement as we were loyal lovers of their food (and super sad when O'Sarracino closed!). <br/>We weren't super hungry so we shared one antipasto platter to start. It was the perfect appetiser: beautifully marinated Mediterranean vegetables, mozzarella, etc. - our favourite bite was a thinly sliced, crumbed and fried eggplant. <br/>Then we had three different pasta dishes (homemade 'gnocchi' with fresh seafood in cherry tomato sauce; orecchiette with Matakana pork and fennel sausage, provolone and coppa; short rib ragu O'Piatt'e maccarun, see photos). The pasta was beautifully al dente, and OMG the sauces - so flavoursome, complex, and delightful. And SO reminded me of how much I had missed O'Sarracino! <br/>I was too full for dessert but my brother and his girlfriend had aponge cake soaked in cointreau with chocolatey goodness, and puff pastry cannoli with lemoncello. Overall we left the restaurant absolutely satisfied and can't wait to return again for our next treat.

Top notch food with creative twists on traditional Neapolitan fare. Turn up to the restaurant (bookings obviously recommended), and put your dining experience in the hands of the great staff and chef Gaetano. In fact, forget the menu, let Gaetano choose for you and you will have an amazing meal.

Amazing service, delicious food & good beer! Would highly recommend this very authentic Italian restaurant for a romantic experience for you & your loved ones

Though our group had made a reservation, the restaurant was unprepared for us when we arrived. Hopefully these kinds of issues will clear up as the restaurant settles in. In our case, our group ended up eating elsewhere.

Went there for our Wedding Anniversary and found the whole experience to be fantastic. The food was amazing with so much care taken with it, exceptional service and the owner was often out in the restaurant explaining the menu and making sure everyone was comfortable. I have a food allergy to one of the foods on the starter yet the owner quickly replaced this with no fuss at all. We will definitely be back.

Very average for an italian restaurant. Our pasta was under cooked and taste was nothing extraordinary.....i wouldnt call this fine dining. Booked us a table for valentine's day, thought this would impress my partner but the whole degustation experience was boring.<br/>I would not pay for 90 bucks per person for an "italian degustation" at monzu....not worth it.<br/><br/>Food: 1/5<br/>Environment:3/5<br/>Price: 1/5<br/>Taste:1/5