Review Piccolo Ristorante Italiano - Christchurch

The food is beautiful, and the service is friendly and warm. The spicy pasta dish really set it off on a winter's night, and the pizza had an amazing crust with the right balance of texture and crispness. The tiramisu was spot on, rich yet not overly so and so moreish.🤤 Will be back!

We thought we'd try out Piccolo aa it is one of the closest restaurants to our place in Westmorland. Well, we were amazed at the quality and tastiness of the dishes, the rustic, quaint atmosphere and the reasonable prices. My fettuccine gorgonzola combined two of my favourite things - blue cheese and mushrooms - and was cooked to perfection. There was just the right amount of blue cheese sauce i.e. unlike typical kiwi-style pasta, it wasn't smothered in it. And heaps of mushrooms! My partner also really enjoyed his venison ragu special. The crispy garlic pizza bread to start was delicious, with a doughy kind of base that you could let your teeth sink to. And desserts - well, the tiramisu was to die for: light, fluffy and melt in the mouth. We had a bottle of Nero d'Avola from Sicily, reasonably priced at $42. You can also ask to see a selection of Chianti. Piccolo doesn't try to be anything it's not; it knows what it's about and it does it very well. It has only 8 or so tables, so remember to book. It also does takeaways (pick up only). We'll be regulars I think 😀

Delicious quality food, friendly welcome people/service....a small city’s gem...defently we coming back

My favourite place to get Pizza. Always tastes the best. The Anchovies are really nice.

We came here for the first time two weeks ago as a party of 10. I had to leave early with my son and daughter in law as she started to go into labour! But I did managed to have some of my main course (mushroom & blue cheese pasta) and it was yummy. Everyone enjoyed their meals. My husband and I went back again last night and we had a lovely time. He had the fettuccine and I had the carbonara and we had the garlic bread. This place has officially become our favourite and we will be going back many more times. Thanks for the amazing service and food. See you again soon xx

If you are after a lovely, quieter place to have a great dinner, this is the place to go. It's a smaller restaurant with great Italian food. The staff is lovely and you don't have to wait long for your dinner to be served. I highly recommend you to try there garlic bread. Yum. Prices are reasonable and parking is fine.

This is a great little local restaurant, the food is always excellent and the service is friendly. Byo is truly a bonus these days being able to take a bottle of two of your favourites, and they have a few to choose from if you run out (and beers) Can recommend to anyone that likes good Italian food.

Immaculate vibes and wonderful food, staff were lovely, would definitely recommend. However it's not an accessable building unfortunately, and with all the people in there it was very loud so not very sensory friendly. Made conversation a little tricky at times but in some ways that added to the vibesss

Been here twice and it's been great both times! Pasta is incredible, only topped by the tiramisu and Chianti. Server was super helpful and polite

Brilliant food and surroundings. Great service good menus and pricing. Limited wine list but it is by. Not ostentatious. Very simple surroundings and decor, fits perfectly with a suburban eatery. Pizzas and pasta. Both amazing choices.

What a great Italian Restaurant, amazed at the taste of the food, had an entree smoked chicken with mushroom and cream was divine, then shared a pizza which had a thin crispy base, yummy. I shared a tiramisu wow, the food was just so good, oh yea we had a garlic pizza bread to start, nice. Love this place.

One of our favourite restaurants. Great Italian food served by friendly staff in a pleasant and relaxing space. Not expensive but always enjoyable.

Since my earlier review we have since dined here several times and found Colin and his staff very courteous and obliging. The food second to none and all up worthy of a five star rating.

Beautifully cooked venison on the menu at the moment. Thanks.

Great atmosphere. Best pizza in Christchurch, would go back again

go often to Piccolo...never been let down..

We were a group of six adults who had exceptional service and great food following on from two of us adults being there the previous week! Started with wonderful hot bread followed by three of us having the specialed salmon dish, two different dishes with gnocchi and one pizza. It was so nice to be able to take our own wines for the price of corkage. Spent about $40 per head. We will be back again!<br/>

We had a takeaway from here a pasta and a pizza.<br/>Extremely disappointed- pizza was stone cold when i got home- only live 5 min away.<br/>VERY very overpriced for what you get. If you order a medium pizza - you are getting a childs size.

Small quant restaurant I've driven passed a dozen time but finally showed up without a booking randomly and it was such a lovely place. The waitress was so pleasant and just looked like she loved her job, made us feel real at ease never being here before. We ordered the garlic Pizza, Ravioli, Green Lip Mussels and Spaghetti meatballs in Entrée sizes. They were perfect for us, tasting and sharing our plates. The Ravioli I would recommend. Loved the flavours in it & mention the meatballs had a nice flavour to them. Had a simple ice Cream Sundae was very pleasing to see something classic and simple on a menu.

Awesome food in a cozy environment went out with a group of 8 a few weeks ago, pleasant waitress and the food was delicious reasonably priced and BYO .. yes will be back and have been spreading the word.

I love this restaurant! It has great character and ambience, and the service is fantastic. No pretences, just fantastic food at a really good price.<br/>We have had both takeaways (ready quickly and delicious) and dine-in experiences. <br/>I especially appreciated the info in the answer phone message advising us of availability over the next few days - a great idea for efficient booking!<br/><br/>My new favourite!

Visited this restaurant last night for my birthday with my wife. We've been here probably about half a dozen times in the last six months and really like it. It's small, unpretentious and excellent value. <br/><br/>The service is prompt and the menu varied.<br/><br/>I'm sometimes disappointed with Italian restaurants as I often think I could have cooked a better dish myself. This is never the case with Il Piccolo. <br/><br/>Excellent value, tasty and well presented food and good service.

We were first time diners at your restaurant last night. It was our anniversary and we have been wanting to try your place for quite some time now. The wait was definitely worth it. The Garlic flat bread had oodles of delicious garlic on top of a beautiful base. We shared a pizza and a pasta. Again the food was delicious, the sauce on the pasta was so delicious I was tempted to use my finger to get every last drop. The pizza was so tasty and the amount of toppings was perfect. We loved the quaint and cosy atmosphere.<br/><br/>Only one 'fault' and that is that you tables are small and we couldn't fit it all on :)<br/><br/>Great meal and we will most definitely be back again. <br/>Thanks

Possibly the worst meal we have ever had! Followed closely by the lack of service! 40 minutes from giving our order to delivery, no offer of bread, (when we queried the lack of bread we were told it was available to order, however was NOT on the menu - work that one out!), only a half carafe of water on the table and NOT refilled, and I opened our bottle of BYO wine AND poured it, and for that they were prepared to charge $8.00!! When we informed our waitress that the food was tasteless she told us that the 'chef' didn't use salt and pointed to the salt shaker on the table!<br/>Other reviews have been favourable, up until mid 2013. It appears they have changed their 'chef', (I use the word VERY loosely) - BEWARE - Christchurch deserves better, and good, simple Italian food is NOT hard, neither is SERVICE. You just need to care about both!<br/>Piccolo - An absolute shocker!!!!!

6 of us had a very pleasant meal with good service and great food a fortnight ago when the snow was brewing. Relaxed venue and an excellent night!

Just enjoyed another meal at Ristorante Italiano. Took my brother and his wife from Auckland, my son, and my partner. We all ordered something different, they came out promptly and were delicious. The men wanted beer, my brother wanted shandy, and honestly nothing was a problem for them. Had a lovely dining experience and I expect I'll be back when my sister visits from Ash Vegas.<br/>Thanks Ristorante Italiano - love that you are becoming my local eatery!

I've just got home from dining at Ristorante Italiano and I'm so glad I went. Fantastic food, charming service, excellent hospitality. Having lived and worked in Europe I can testify that this restaurant has a authenticity that is often not found in New Zealand. The thing we loved most was its lack of pretentiousness... it was plain and simply great food, great service. The host even shouted the ladies at our table some of his delicious limoncello! My mouth feels so good I won't want to brush my teeth for a week :)

We were a small group from Taipei, and had been told we should go to this Italian restaurant when in New Zealand Christchurch. We enjoyed the pizza, and pasta, we try tomato type pasta and very good. As we are restaurant people in Taipei, we are very happy. Two people in group say it just taste like when in Italy.

What an amazing place, good staff, good food and an interesting clientele...staff very well mannered and a very friendly operator. Nice thin base pizza with at least 12 or so to choose from and a very good pasta menu.<br/>Talk to Harry for an update on youth affairs- he seems to know it all; the Italian waiter is quite a character and the female staff are very efficient. <br/>Shall return again.

Last night we visited Piccolo Risorante for the second time in recent months. Once again we found the service excellent, the staff friendly and obliging and the food great. Would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone wishing to try good quality Italian cuisine in a friendly casual atmosphere. Would recommend booking as this little restaurant fills up very quckly.

I'm writing to show support for the group abused by the chef at Piccolo's some time ago. I know nothing of their experience personally, but the group I was dining with there in July was also screamed at and abused by the chef. We (30 of us) had booked out the restaurant for a 50th birthday, and had had a pleasant time until the time for closing; their liquor licence requiring this at 11pm. Perfectly reasonable, and most of the guests were out the door as the bill was being paid. A handful of chatterers had to be reminded by a waitress (looking nervous....clearly she knows her boss....) that the restaurant WAS closing, and as they stood to leave, the chef erupted from the kitchen with a torrent of foul mouthed abuse - leaving our entire party inside and out in disbelief. I must add that no one was drunk and no one had done ANYTHING to incur his wrath other than half a dozen people being slow to pick up their handbags! I might add that the host was still in the process of paying the bill at this time.<br/><br/>I write this in order to show that the much maligned group in earlier posts is not alone in their experience, but also to express my disappointment. I'm a local and have eaten at Piccolo's several times supporting a local establishment. We have always enjoyed ourselves and hoped to continue, but we will never return sadly. One of our members joked that 'maybe it was the Italian temperament!', but another (also a chef) knew of him as a Kiwi chef from Queenstown whose business there had failed. Hardly surprising. Perhaps a course in anger management would be of assistance to him.

Hi there. <br/><br/>I come into the restaurant quite a bit and it's fantastic! The pizzas are great with a thin base and lots of choices. The service is also top notch. When I go with my family and friends we are always greeted by two young lovely waitresses. Love the tiramisu as well!! Good food, great service and relaxed atmosphere!!!

Am finally getting around to reviewing this handy wee neighborhood bistro that we go to quite often. It's unpretentious and very authentic in style. Many New Zealanders may not know that about an Italian Bistro. They do pizza and pasta and that's it. The sauces are all simple and fresh and the pizza and garlic bread is all obviously done in a brick oven. They serve authentic Italian wines, including something really special that is from the Cashmere neighborhood! Cracroft Chase make (as in grow and bottle) an Italian style Pinot Gris and it's FAB! It's grown just up the road in the Cracroft Valley! Go and see the winery in summer and meet the Italian owners! But anyway, back to Piccolo, yes the chef is a colourful character who isn't Italian, but maybe should be! We love the young staff, especially the young Italian guy they had in there for a while - he added to the whole atmosphere. I have worked my way through the menu and liked everything I've had. The prices indicate that this is bistro quality, not fine dining. The table salad is basic but fresh and everything else is like 'Mama' would make. We love the place and we hope like heck it stays around.

First went to this restaurant when it opened - no liquor license at the time which wasn't a problem but never offered anything else to drink, food was average and service reminded me of Faulty Towers! Not sure why we decided to go back but thought We would give them another try - especially being close to home and being huge Italian foodies!<br/><br/>Not sure why we bothered - Food was very average - pizza bread for starters - well manufactured (if u know what I mean), lasagna tasted like it was overheated in a microwave and lacked flavour, my partner had a pasta dish which tasted like a tin of tomatoes tipped over some pasta - not good. I must say on a positive note the tiramisu was good which we shared.<br/><br/>We dine out alot and like to support our locals also - but come on - if you are going to survive you need to pick your game up - we won't be back unfortunately as much better options to dine at in chch.

I went there last night and thought it was great! Food was good, service good and a nice atmosphere. Good pasta dishes, simple but good wine selection and great dessert -- and even the green salad was good -- fresh and simply dressed. We'd ordered take away pizzas before but this time ate in. Very please.<br/>Felt we had 'value for money'! We'll be back.

I have worked in professional kitchens all around the world and know the pressures of the job. It is bloody hard, chef, keep calm.<br/><br/>Saying that I am still trying to picture the behavior of a "Professional Insurance Broker"... Really is there such a thing in Christchurch?

Piccolo rocks. Isn't it funny how the group of "professionals" need to list their jobs like that excuses their atrocious behaviour. 7 "professional" adults on to one 61 year old chef, please. We look forward to dining there again, go Chef Cinderella!!!

Will be visiting this week at some stage while I am in Chch. very curious after all the publicity surrounding the place.<br/><br/>I definately think food is the main factor to be reviewed upon, however service definately does make all the difference. I will be going in with an open mind and judging solely on my experiece! I'm sure they will lose some customers over this but they will also gain a lot of the curious like myself.

Surely the punters will decide by voting democratically with their feet, taste buds and wallets. Some won’t bother to even try based on what has been said and fair enough but others will go because they want to at least say they have been there, done that - survived and enjoyed the experience or otherwise. <br/><br/>The proof will be in the pudding....or should I say the Tiramisu that this place lives to fight (no pun intended) another day. According to some, it won’t and only time will tell. <br/><br/>I have been there a few times prior to this incident and once afterwards. No complaints either way as I have always enjoyed the food, the BYO wine, the setting and the company. <br/><br/>We often eat out and like to try new restaurants wherever possible but there isn’t too many choices in Christchurch so we do have our favourites - and this is one but it’s still a choice. <br/><br/>Everyone has a bad day at the office now and then.....and I will return but keep my mind and options open.<br/><br/>Finally, one thing is for sure - they make a great flat white - I wish a few others out there could do the same for me each day - but my lips are sealed but you know who you are

Firstly - never been there either &amp; now never will. BUT I do know the table involved, and this is for these idiots..<br/>G.F. Ace, Lexibelle, Courts, Don C. <br/><br/>The group consisted of...<br/>ICU Nurse<br/>Hospital Dietician<br/>Accountant<br/>Electrician<br/>Pharmacy Tech<br/>Insurance Broker<br/><br/>They are aged 40+ to 60+, not young hoons looking to get into a fight, munted, wasted, stoned etc, just a nice night out.<br/>No patches, not skanks, white trash, gin swilling alcoholics, just normal people - who would NEVER get into trouble.<br/><br/>I wasn't there as I'm the rowdy one, and don't like quiet nights out. I call this group my friends, and I will stick up for them! They haven't posted as they want to forget the shambles. I'm not wanting to sound high &amp; mighty because I'm not, but to read these posts saying my friends were drunk ageist trouble makers p1sses me off.<br/><br/>As posts from patrons at other tables WHO WERE THERE - the chef flew off the handle, starting the whole thing, just as my friends have stated. Perhaps they were drunk too? - yeah right.<br/><br/>SO WHAT if someone complained that the order was AGAIN wrong - thats what customers are entitled to do!<br/><br/>Could my mates had handled it better - quiet possibly, but how would any of you know how you would react when a chef comes at you swearing and pushing you around. I doubt anyone would accept your lady's hair being pulled - so what if "she was in the way".<br/><br/>FFS, all you hospitality type all bandying about the 'poor old honest chef', labelling my mates as drunk trouble makers - boils my blood, shame on you. Perhaps you are related to the chef, or perhaps being in the industry this is what you have all secretly wished you could have done too?<br/><br/>The owner should offer an apology for ruining not just my friends night, but the other tables too.<br/><br/>Sorry if grammar and punctuation etc are not up to Oxford Dictionary quality.

I’ve been here twice and had takeaways as well. The food has always been great but I have never experienced such poor behaviour, here or anywhere for that matter.<br/>Here are the facts: <br/>1. Wine appreciation group that meet each month. All seven are over 40 years of age and drive; they have a self-imposed 2 drink limit. They recently moved venues due to the earthquakes.<br/>2. Entrée order for one of the woman at the table came out incorrectly, twice. First time it was wrong and the second time it included specifically excluded mushrooms. She sent it back both times.<br/>3. Chef returned the second attempt at the entrée himself, he abused the woman. Ask any of the Customers there that night.<br/>4. He then swore at the rest of the group and assaulted other diners at the table including one of the other women.<br/>It is a shame that this event has been sensationalised and there is support for the Chef’s violent outburst. He abused and assaulted customers. For whatever reason, the Chef lost his temper that night plain and simple. He should be embarrassed by his uncouth, unprofessional behaviour. <br/><br/>

Firstly Never Been, but would love to see this place, and to have worked in a restaurant, i could only imagine a bunch of Muppet's coming in thinking they are above everyone else, and demanding their orders, <br/>Good on the chef and when we are down there, i am going to go and try it, <br/>Thanks to the table of clowns who have given such great publicity for the place!

I have worked in the hospo industry - front of house for over 20 years. This does indeed seem an extreme case, however I have personally experienced probably about 3-4 'groups' like this in my career. I have read all the reviews right down to the start and it would seem that the Chef is not usually known for this behaviour... Even other possibly critical reviews did not experience violence and abuse. I can only imagine how this group must have behaved to get the chef to leave his kitchen in the middle of service and personally come out to deliver this dish to their table. He was obviously wound up by something and probably on reflection should have stayed back there and left it to the wait staff to mange.<br/>What irks me however is inevitably the group who all say they did nothing to provoke or incur his wrath.. I mean - come on! <br/>It is a classic case of a group - all having a merry time and lots to drink, not giving an objective story and now outraged at the consequence. <br/>Certainly no one could possibly say the Chef handled this well - in fact he handled it very badly, but PLEASE put your hands up and be fair - you must have been a really difficult pain in the butt group to have made him spark off like that!<br/>At the end, this publicity will hopefully give this little place a good lift in business.<br/>Chef, leave it to the front of house team and throw a few pots instead!<br/>( I have rated it 3 stars to be fair to all)

I wanted to briefly comment on this issue. I have performed, worked and run businesses in the arts for almost 20 years. We have a simple policy in regard to unwanted patrons...we just ask them to leave. No-one has a birth-right to be in a restaurant or theatre-- they have to behave and be welcome. I have no doubt this chef was highly provoked. After reading the 'professional's ' review I can only say her level of English grammar would not enable her to work as a 'professional' in my business. I also sense an ageist attitude in her call for him to 'retire '. Having not been to the restaurant ( but I hope to ) I have given it a middle score of 3 stars.

I wouldn't take the word of the so-called "sober" customers. From the outburst, it does seem that the customers did antagonize the chef. Good on ya mate! Good publicity too. Am gonna check this place out when I am down there at Christchurch :D

I agree with Don C. I work in customer service and a large majority of customers think it's their god given right to act like farkwits for no real reason other than they think being a customer makes them royalty. Really they are just idiots.

Just read the article. Good on the Chef. Good bit of publicity for him too :P<br/><br/>I only wish I was there to back the chef up... someone should have smashed a chair over those idiots heads.<br/><br/>In his 60s and defending himself against a group of much younger men... Good sh*t!! Gutless f*cks.

First of all,let me state that I have never been to this restaurant nor do I know any of the people concerned with this matter below. I have been in the restaurant business for thirty years and have seen this happen before,all most always the customers fault. We are here to serve people but not take abuse. Think about it. Something set this man off and I do not for one minute believe it was because of a wrong order. Maybe some smart arse comments from the guest?I think that maybe the fact that it got this for out of control reflexes back on the customers who had the option to just leave if they weren't happy. Remember, you are a guest an not a mob. A 61 year old man taking on 6 or 7 unruly people ! GOOD ON YOU CHEF!! BEST OF LUCK!

I would say to be honest these professionals who think they can handle their alcohol after a hard day at work are joking. If you cannot handle the alcohol dont drink period. And to think that customers are always right is not in my books. I suppport the chef and management for standing up to these middle class hooligans. I work in retail and I know what its like with customers that they think the world evolves around them. But they will never get pass me for sure. Good work Picollo Ristorante Italiano because customers will realise that they need to show some respect too. And to those who gave negative reviews, youre just a one in a million so get over it. And yup obviously these are all middle aged arrogant idiots who dont think of anyone else but themselves and their precious little career conversations how boring.. Owner and chef please do not let your guard down and give in to the demands of some of the reviewers on here to apologise. These 40+ lowlives should apologise to you guys instead..continue the good work:)

0 Stars - 1 is too much.<br/>I was 1 of a group of 7 adults (40+) who was at the centre of this atrocious behaviour by the chef/owner?<br/>We are all professionals and were NOT drunk - and had been there about an hour, hoping to enjoy a nice meal with good friends.<br/>We are all stunned and shocked (still) at the appalling treatment we received by the chef/owner.<br/>My friend sent back her order twice - as they kept getting the order wrong. I'm sure order mistakes happen from time to time at restaurants - normally no big deal. <br/>The chef came out and slammed the plate of food in front of my friend, telling her that if she had problem with his food she could just F#$k off. She left, we were stunned, especially once he told us and other patrons that we could all F@&amp;k off to if we didn't like his food.<br/>The chef aggressively slammed the table at my mate and grabbed/shook his chair.<br/>Things escalated, with plates/wine smashed on the floor. My female friend was in tears as he pulled her long hair - not letting go. My mate tried to stop him but got punched in the face. The waitress was aghast, and kept apologising as he rampaged.<br/>The review by the guy below must be related to the chef/owner, and couldn't of been there - as any reasonable person would not think the chef handled this well.<br/>I have only now composed myself to even write this - as I need to warn everyone about this madman.<br/>Patrons - Avoid Avoid Avoid.<br/>Owner - Anger Management course and retire.<br/>CCC - close down this crazy man.

Having read the most recent review I'd have to say the guy must be related to the owner! No one in their right mind would think he handled the poor customer's complaint well! My partner and I were shocked and disgusted with the owner's language and telling everyone "if you don't like your meal just F**k off!" The group didn't appear drunk or loud as they hadn't been there long. We certainly won't be going back and I advise others to stay well clear of this Gordon Ramsay wannabe!!!

Hi<br/>3rd time I have been there and twice this weekend / were there last night when a table of troublemakers caused a scene obviously couldn't handle the drink and when management asked then to leave they caused a scene but was handled well by management/staff so I took my parents back tonight as it's a great place and the food is just out of this world - good vegetarian selection which not seen on alot of menus and the desserts are to die for mmmmmmm / great outdoor area also.I would recommend casual dine or to impress some friends / just great well done guys and thanks<br/>************************************************************************<br/>Just got an email from a media organisation and here is my reply<br/><br/>Hi<br/>I did put my comments on the website as you can see above and other than that from my dining experiences over the years I have never seen a waiter or chef have a plate thrown at them or kicked at as the customers leave - Ask yourself? Maybe an idea to look at all 16 reviews - 10 of them over 4 star plus and the 4 bad reviews are from this group - Maybe ask the others who have put a review and rated it as i did<br/>Thank you<br/>Regards<br/><br/>Anthony<br/>

I've had the most shocking night! The chef/owner of Piccolo went crazy! A woman had complained her order was not right. He came out and starting swearing at her....'You can f*** off then! F*** off!" He then starting swearing at others at her table telling them to f*** off too. Then he grabbed their plates. Some smashed on the ground. A wine bottle smashed and spilled on the floor. There was almost a stand-up fight. It was terrible. <br/><br/>Food's great but dine at your own risk!

OH my goodness, just left this restaurant without finishing the meal as the owner? Manager? lost the plot. He swore at a customer for complaining about their meal that was not what she ordered. The when other customers complained about his behaviour, he tipped tables over and told everyone to F### off. <br/>This is the second time that I have eaten here and was happy with the place or though the service was average, but after this experience I WILL NEVER cross the threshold again. I would recommend others to avoid also. <br/>Still shaking, can't believe that people behave like this.

This is a fantastic little restaurant, which i would have given 5 stars, apart from a couple of minor things. <br/>The tomato based sauce was not very spicy and a little watery for my liking. <br/>Also I got 2 entrees and my partner a main and dessert. I ate one entree alone and she ate her dessert alone. This just made us feel a little awkward. The other dishes we had were fabulous, and of top range. <br/>My gripes aside, you really should try this delightful little place.

What a great place! Went last night with 7 friends. Called a week prior to book for 9 and the manager wasn't sure they could do it but took my number and got back to me a day or 2 later to say he'd done some jiggling and we were all good to go. We recieved a lovely warm welcome by a chatty but not 'in your face' waitress who was great at getting us going with the food (typical women we were too busy chatting!) - 'can I get you some bread while you have a read of the menus?' Of course you can! Delicious garlic and herb breads soon arrived. We ordered a range of mains which everyone was impressed with, good size, nice flavours, genorous amounts of fresh parmesan. I had 'The Lot' Pizza and is was crispy and tasty and big enough to bring home leftovers. Dessert was devine, only bugger was they only had 2 tiramisu left (we didn't go till 7.30pm so other diners beat us to it) but the lucky recipients happily shared with the rest of us who enjoyed cassata and affrogato (which they were happy to make without liquer and with hot chocolate for me). Will definately be back for another casual and lovely dinner.

What a FANTASTIC place! I saw the recent review that didn't recommend the restaurant highly, so we didn't expect a lot, but since we had already booked in, we thought we would still give it a go. I'm so glad that we did! We started off with a large garlic/herb bread to share between four of us, and it was DELICIOUS! There was a large and appetising selection of pizza and pasta to choose from. In the end, we ordered a large Margarita pizza, a lasange, fettucine smoked chicken and the spagetti arrabiata. They were all presented beautifully, and tasted AMAZING! The pizza had a great thin base and the tomato sauce on the Arrabiata was superb, and we could tell that the ingredients were of high quality. Somehow, we managed to fit in desserts! The tiramisu was to die for! But it is a case of 'first in first served' as it is in such high demand. We also got a Cassata Ice-cream and an Affagato, both of which were very pleasent, with a good amount of dried fruits in the cassata. The meals are very well priced, $20 for each main, and reasonably priced alcohol (even though we brought our own, we couldn't help try the Italian House Red!) We had two lovely girls serving us, who we found to be very friendly, helpful, prompt and professional, just lovely!. They even laughed at my husbands bad jokes! They looked like they were in control of all the tables, while catering to everybodys needs. Overall, i would highly recommend this restaurant, whether dining in or for take away, but make sure you book as they are they are very popular with the local community! 5 STARS!!

Fantastic pizza. Beautiful authentic pasta - especially the mushroom tortellini! Friendly host and the service was prompt and efficient. We took 2 children who also enjoyed the experience. Would certainly recommend. Delizioso!

We went to to this Restaurant in hope to find a new local however we were greatly disappointed in about everything about this place.<br/>We had made a booking the previous week and turned up on time. <br/>There was no smile and welcome we were just shown to our table without any pleasantries.<br/> The waitress who appears to be the daughter of the owner/chef was thrown with some problem they had with the booking and spent the next five minutes ignoring her two tables with guests focusing on her bookings. When we told her we were ready to order we were told we had to wait? We asked for still water for our daughter but there was none to be had due to health concerns with drinking Christchurch tap water at this time. It is certainly a restaurants duty to have water for their customers.<br/>The meals turned up reasonably fast, the pasta was served on flat plates (this is a first) and the presentation was terrible. The sauce of the Penne Arrabiata was watery and made from poor ingredients and the pasta was overcooked. The pizza was OK but just that.<br/>There was no pepper or Parmesan to be seen. As a lover of Italian food this was overall I very disappointing experience and I doubt these people have any affiliation to Italy at all. I would like to add that we did not have unrealistic expectations, we hoped to get friendly service and well cooked food presented in a nice manner.<br/>We would certainly not recommend this place as we thought the service was poor and the food was average and overpriced.

Well, maybe we got a bad night. There was no alcohol available (liquor licence pending), but we were not offered anything else to drink. Service was patchy. The pizzas were overpriced for what we received. Poor quality ingredients. The tiramisu was OK. The cassata should have been called something else. It was layered boysenberry and vanilla ice cream with 2 raisins between the layers.

It's great to have such a great little restaurant just down the road. Four of us shared a pizza and each had a different pasta dish + a bottle of red(Italian)We all agreed that the food was delicious, fresh and hot and that the portions were just right. For all that and the great service it cost us around $30 each. We will be back!

My partner and I had heard about a new Italian Restaurant opening in our area so were keen to check it out, so booked ourselves in for dinner on Saturday night.<br/>The building is very quaint and only seats 26 diners so quite intimate. The owners are working on doing up the garden area which will be lovely on a Summers evening.<br/>We were both very impressed with the meals and the food was reasonably priced. The Tiramasu was fabulous.<br/>We can't wait to go back!

This is an exclusively-sized restaurant with great ambience. Christchurch has few authentic-style Italian restaurants (pizza chains do not count!) and this one is really fantastic. Very tasty food and great service. Don't forget to book - it was booked out the night I was there.