Review La Porchetta Papanui - Christchurch

My partner threw a 30th birthday party for me there for about 15-20 people and it was great! The venue was perfect with an area designated to us which was separate from the main restaurant. Our waiter was brilliant and made sure everything ran smoothly. Great place to take the kids. Excellent service, food and value for money - highly recommended!

Lovely pizza doesn't cost much to change or add topings. Nice and clean Staff friendly and proactive with suggestions. Good pizza takes time but not much time so best order your take way before arrival. If your order size was wrong for some reason theres no issue as you get it free with your original order unless your in a hurry! ! :)

Fantastic food and service as usual. We are extremely sad to hear this wonderful restaurant that we have celebrated many family events at is closing down on Sunday and the great staff have been made redundant! Best wishes to you all for finding great jobs in the very near future

Sad to hear of the closure. Many happy times there. Another great restaurant gone. Sympathy to the great staff. Best wishes, thanks for memories and fine food!

Good for families or groups. Probably not hugely authentic italian but a good selection of pizzas, salads, and other mains.

Mothers day treat for my familiy, forgot to make a reservation, but they squeezed us in and the food was great.

Ok food quality and a great kids area

Great food, massive portions of pasta

Very filling, nice and good staff.

Good food good price...

Great service and pizza!

pizza was nothing special. But the pasta is amazing love it! Chips were good too plus the costumer service was pretty good! the only down side is that it takes ages to get you're food.

We've dined at La Porchetta on Cranford St a few times over the years, and their food seems to have gone down hill recently. We thought it was just a one-off bad night, but apparently it's quite consistently bad. Recently we had pasta dishes, so under-seasoned it was bland and tasteless. Another time I had a chicken dish, it arrived at the table burnt to a crisp (absolutely cremated, to be honest), and the seasoned veg was barely cooked at all, couldn't get a fork into it. I don't usually complain, but I had to ask the staff if the chef is qualified to cook food, it really was the worst I've tasted. We've decided not to go back, and my recommendation to others: save your money and go elsewhere

Had birthday dinner here first time because I enjoyed my last lunch visit at the Riccarton La Porchetta and was really looking forward to the pizza until they came out ! Disappointed with it, was expecting full flavour and cheese to be melted while pulling it to eat but was just average. Would rather pay $5 at Pizza Hut than here. Serving was small compared to Riccarton ! Overall would not go back.

My son and I visited this restaurant for the first time last night. From the moment we walked in, I felt completely at ease. We were greeted by a very friendly, well mannered young lady. The whole atmosphere of the place impressed me. It is fairly open plan but very very well laid out. there was a large group of young people in the restaurant and this would normally have put me off...........but not in this place. We were not at any staged interrupted by noisy diners. They were seated in a different area. The idea of having a play pen for children rather impressed me. There were several small children in with family members and they were not noisy or running round at all. NOW THE FOOD was totally amazing. The garlic bread was beautiful. My son had prosciutto wrapped chicken and he loved it. I had the seafood platter and was expecting a variety of battered deep fried seafood. What  was served up to me was absolutely beautiful. Not like anything I had tasted before. The fish appeared to be grilled and tasted amazing. My absolute favourite on the platter was the salt and pepper squid. WOW it tasted beautiful. The service throughout our visit was brilliant. I could not fault a single thing about this place. I will definately be returning to this restaurant on my next visit to Christchurch. Congratulations to the staff at La Porchetta inPapanui.

Really awful overpriced excuse for Italian food. A member of my group got food poisoning after eating here. <br/>The service was slow and pushy and staff members rude upon entry. Really quite awful.

Our experience was not that great. Our meals were completely underwhelming. One was far too spicy and the seafood in the other was overcooked. The waiter called my husband mate, which was a bit familiar. Not an enjoyable experience.

An enjoyable family restaurant I have been there a couple of times and been satisfied. I'm still not sure though when they serve you pizza are you ment to pick it up or use the knife and fork provided? The second time I went I ordered an iced chocolate from the takeaway menu only to find they didn't have the cups for it!

I have been here many times before but I was very disappointed with many things. The service from this pseudo-Italian restaurant was far from acceptable, a young woman with black hair came to our table and asked "waddya want?" I was very taken aback. The food was out rather quickly however my pizza that I ordered, a small Mexicana, was tasty but it only had one piece of salami on it however it did have a nice level of heat. I'm not sure if I'll come here again.

I'm rating this place average because honestly, what do you expect? It's large portions of pseudo-Italian fare in an open warehouse styled environment with a cage for children to be farmed into. There's nothing wrong with the food; I wouldn't accept the claim to be Italian; but in the broad context of many pubs branding themselves Irish likewise La Porchetta delivers a style of generally accepted "Italian" food. The staff have always been friendly and attentive; instances where friends have had children they seem to have enjoyed the food and experience. Don't go there expecting gourmet, rather enjoy the takeaway menu in it being a step up from the Dominos and Pizza Hutt of this world whilst still being economic.

Went for an eight year old's family birthday party (14 people) with grandparents, aunts and uncles.<br/>Took ages to take orders. Then waited a further hour and had to ask when food was coming.<br/>Then meals turned up wrong salads instead of veges and vice versa. Meals were cold. I had fish selection which was so overcooked the prawns wouldn't come off the skewer and scallops were burnt and squid rings so dry they were crunchy.<br/>Entree sized lasagne delivered for a main.Lean chicken pasta had dry pieces of shredded chicken.<br/>All in all a total waste of time and money.<br/>Manager was only prepared to take a couple of items off the bill.<br/>Certainly needs the owner to have a look at what is happening.

We just ordered takeaways.... after going through the menu online we picked two pastas and a vege pizza. Extremely disappointed!! Both pastas were overcooked, did not taste fresh and had NO flavor, we both had two bites and couldn't eat any more it was disgusting! Pizza was okay but still very little flavor an not hot! Will never be going to or getting takeaways from here again. Very unhappy!!!!

I have been to this restaurant several times and keep going back.<br/>Sometimes the wait staff are not that pleasant (especially the new ones) as I have had this on one or two occasions, however the other times service has been fantastic and has made up for it.<br/>Recently I was there I October for my twin girls 11th birthday, it was a family occasion.<br/>First time my girls had been there for a meal...I was impressed as were they with the kids menu &amp; the price was great.<br/>Decent size meals for kids and fantastic service as well. My family kept saying what a great restaurant to bring kids to.<br/><br/>La Porchetta Papanui your restaurant is fantastic and I will be a frequent customer....It does pay to book in advance so you can get a table as I found one time just popping in can lead to disappointment however they do there best to accommodate you.

Food is great! Customer service could do a lot better as the girl who took my order seemed like she didn't want to be there. I ordered tortellini but got Penne instead, I didn't want to make a big fuss about it so I just took it. Great thing about La Porchetta is that you can take away if you're not finished.

I went here today with a large group from work for lunch. <br/>We had pre-ordered our meals and emailed them all the day before to ensure quick and precise service so that we would not be late returning to work.<br/><br/>The meals took a long time to come out despite the fact that we had set a time we wanted them to arrive which they agreed to.<br/><br/>Most of our meals came out within 10 minutes but one was missed and we waited over 25 minutes, after the waiter had argued with us and the chef about it, until the meal finally arrived. Our staff member had to get it to take away in the end and eat it at work. In their defence, the meal was for no charge however they still delivered the wrong meal! She wanted a Chicken Caesar Salad with no anchovies but she had anchovies....<br/><br/>The service was SHOCKING. The staff were rude and unattentive. <br/><br/>Having worked in the hospitality industry for many years prior to my current position I was disgusted.<br/><br/>The food was okay but not good enough to want to go again.<br/><br/>Our department used to like going here for a group meal but we definitely will not be returning!!

Have been here a few times and have always found it to be really good... Yumm pizza and pastas.. always leave OVER full - awesome family place to go - neat wee kids play area... good pricing as well... love that you can eat in out or takeaway something for everyone here

We chose to gather here for my son's 19th birthday as the menu seemed to cater for all types of cuisine. We were very impressed with the restaurant atmosphere and decor, the staff were very quick and efficient - even coming out to say there was a ten minute delay for our main meals. The food was incredible - our table had a mixture of pasta, pizza, main courses and entrees and there was not enough room for dessert afterwards, much as we were tempted. They catered for special dietary requirements including lactose intolerance, and checked with the chef which dishes were suitable for this. Overall, on a Saturday night with a very full restaurant, we could not fault the service or the food. We will definitely be returning!

We have been here twice on a Sunday for lunch over a two week period, great service and the food was YUM YUM YUM! Will definitely be making this a regular. It was also great that they have a play area for the children so we can eat in peace.

We went today for lunch. There were 10 of us and everyone enjoyed everything they ordered. The staff were very kind and had a sense of humour. Will definitely be coming back...Keep up the good work!

Warning Warning Warning I would not take my dog back to this place. <br/>I have tried to get a response to a compliant I have made through their comment table which states "Thank you for your enquiry, someone will be in contact with you in the next 48 working hours" 13 days ago after writing to this business. <br/><br/>Food was uncooked not once but twice (I mean how hard is it to cook a pizza and making sure the base is cooked) is this not an Italian restaurant?.<br/><br/>The waitress was clumsy nearly spilling 3/4 bottle water over my wife without apology. Our order waitress did not really know her product that well at all .Asking "what size are the chip portions" were we were able decided on our order because of her advise, when they arrived was certainly bigger than pudding plate sizes so did I need 3 no. <br/><br/>After challenging them the staff obviously decided that they did not wish to speak or acknowledge us so it was hard to get further attention of them. <br/><br/>The Manager is obviously below par in her training as she was invisible all the way through our bad dinning experience. Is it not curtious to ask once the second pizza arrived is it satisfactory (actually any of the staff should do that) but no. <br/><br/>This was boxing day and I paid 15% surcharge for absolute rubbish service and bad cooking. I'm sorry but I work hard to earn my money and I certainly do not and will not be taken for a ride as I have with this business. <br/><br/>I'm not happy that they have hidden behind the electronic curtain to not be able to front up and for me just to offer an apology. I have eaten at this business in Australia where the service and food was excellent. I would be sure that the founders of this business would be disappointed by this I know I would be. It seems looking through other comments that people may not have experienced possibly as bad service as us, but do have compliant that this business need to front up to.<br/><br/>Won't be eating at any of these NZ franchises again. There other good businesses out there wanting my money.<br/><br/>Finally La Porchetta I challenge you to reply

Went here in July 2012 early on a Sat evening. Service was just acceptable, but pasta came out and looked liked it had been sitting for ages, the sauce had congealed around the edges and the outside was cold, the inside hotter. Didn't bother with desserts as they were mostly pre-made and sitting in a cabinet. Won't bother coming back here.

We ordered the vegetarian antipasto pizza. When asked how our pizza was by sheila the waitress, we pointed out there were no artichokes,as per menu. (the eggplant was not evident either) sheila said, 'oh we are out of that at the moment'. Later she came back and said, 'the artichokes had just come in, did we want them as a side dish? 'whether it was seeing our incredulous looks or not, she went on to say, "we don't usually put them on the pizza as most people do not like them. They are only available on request.' They are on the menu. Her comments were insulting. We were entitled not to pay our full bill. We did, but no apologies were forthcoming. Where do they get these people?

If you are with kids who are loud, perfect. If you want a good time, no luck.<br/>Too noisy, nothing special. Table beside us was empty for literally 30 seconds. They cleared it, brushed the crumbs way, replaced the knives and forks and sat the next occupants there. Within the given time. Unhygienic. Pizza better then dominos pizzahut, but not good.

visited sat night and we were very pleased with the service which was excellent and the meals (we were in a group of 25 people) were excellent as well ---there was not one complaint at all ----would certainly recommend and we shall be returning soon thanks to the staff a great night

Just went here for an impromptu dinner and found it to be Amateur hour. The service was ABYSMAL. <br/><br/>We were seated and barely had time to open the cover before the first wait person came and wanted our order. We asked for drinks and had to repeat our requests two or three times (Cider and Lemon, Lime and Bitters). And then had the wait person come back as it had got lost between him writing it down and making it to the counter. He was pushed (literally) aside by a second wait person plonking down our table number and asking for our order as well. The food was good, I had to say but generally the wait staff were all quite unobservant, odd as they all came round several times each course. <br/><br/>Simple things like a side plate for our entrees would have been nice! And something to rest my spoon on with desert.<br/><br/>It was extremely loud and most unpleasant. When we went to pay we were served by a rude wait person who definately didn't ask if we enjoyed our meals and had to be prompted for a receipt.<br/><br/>One last disappointment was watching three desserts on the counter that were sitting for the whole time we were in the queue and paying and had a succession of people (staff and customers) leaning and passing items over them, I pity the recipients.

We as party of twelve went to La Porchetta Cranford St on 12 August 2011. It was very crowded and extremely noisy. We had about four wait people dealing with our table seemingly operating on some sort of random system which meant meal were not served together and at least one not getting his meal until everyone else was finished. One couple ordered two pizza's and a bowl of chips, the chips did not arrive until 10 minutes after they had finished eating. One had a T Bone with mushrooms the mushrooms were so over cooked they were inedible. Some time later they were replaced. Beer was sold at $8.50 a stubbie, if you ordered through a wait person it was taking up to 20 minutes to get your drink. If you charge premium prices you expect premium service. If you went to the bar area to get a drink the seemed reluctant to give it to you there, wanting it delivered by a waiter. The food was average one Marinara pizza would have had 8 shrimps on it and probably 2 mussels cut up the bases were on a par with average quality cardboard. Will not recommend to friends or go again, it seemed typical of all fast food type franchises.

This is my favourite place, always excellent service, consistent and lovely service with a smile. I have often collected take-aways but on occasion eaten in. Always have I enjoyed the food. <br/>I am amazed some people have not being happy but wonder if it's happened at extremely busy times (they are that popular) and maybe after earthquakes I imagine staff may have being working under extreme stress.<br/>Give the place ago - you won't be disappointed!

Well where do I start. I have been a regular at Riccarton for many years. Following the earthquake restaurants that we did frequent are now gone. Thought we would give Cranford street a go. First time we went in March was really nice. Good food, reasonable price and nice atmosphere. Went back tonight, we did go early cause we thought we would beat the rush. I don't think there will be a rush, It was horrible!! Little kids everywhere,noisy, dirty, no service. Food was awful, both our mains where cold, I have had the salmon pasta 20 times, this time there was no capers! OMG the dish is salmon and capers! The seats were dirty the booth dividers dirty, the Maitre D was useless, I complained as you do as a paying customer, he gave us a $5 discount. We will never return. Took forever to get a drink and also someone to take our order. You should be very ashamed whoever takes responsibility to this chain restaurant. Do not go there.

First visit to the store and ordered a takeaway meal. The service was prompt and the waitress was cheerful and polite. However we were very disappointed with the food. Purchased a Caesar Salad with Prawns - according to their menu we were going to receive the following: Pan fried prawns tossed with fresh lettuce, croutons, bacon, boiled egg, anchovies, parmesan, drizzled with Caesar dressing<br/>This was not the case at all! There was no boiled egg or anchovies - the bacon and croutons were burnt and the salad was drenched not drizzled in Caesar dressing. Definitely not worth $19.90. The second meal was a "The Lot" pizza which was tasteless. However to be fair there was one enjoyable meal which was the Focaccia Ripiena Prosciutto Crudo. Overall very disappointed and would not dine there again

I ate at the Cranford St restaurant on Saturday night - fabulous yummy food as always! Service was quite slow though and some of the pizzas had to be sent back as weren't cooked properly but I put that down to a very busy night and overworked staff so not a biggie (: Would gladly eat there again!

I ate at La Porchetta in Cranford Street a few nights ago and absolutley loved it! Yes, the wait staff talked however their service was still excellence and the resturant was clean. Therefore i was not feeling neglected and was happy with the service. All the girls had smiles on their face showing that they were enjoying themselves. The food was excellent and i do not understand why others could complain. All resturants have bad nights, maybe yours was a one off. Love this place, will definatley dine again!!!

My daughter and I went to to Papanui Restaurant and I am somewhat puzzled by the reviews below...We went for lunch on Jan 7th, I could not fault the food or service by happy smiling waitresses, 2 girls delivered our drinks and pizzas , both were prompt and really friendly, Yummy Pizzas at a very good price, good atmosphere and loved the outdoor area where we sat!!! Thanks

We are regular customers of their Riccarton branch.. I love their pizzas. Every time I go there I tried one other food to gobble. Yesterday I chose to dine at this new La Porchetta at Cranford...The food tastes yummy as always...One thing I noticed though are the new faces at the restaurant..One waitstaff just passed by us twice without checking if we're alright after our meals. Then a few minutes later we were then approached by another staff asking if we're alright and if we'd like some coffees or desserts. I think his name was Lolong. He then apologizes to us if there were some lapses in their service as there were only three of them at the floor. He said one of their staff rung in sick and they can't get hold of someone for replacement. That's a valid excuse and we did understand. One suggestion though:In order to provide good and efficient service at all times, waitstaffs should be trained and be reminded of the sequence of service and how to do it well on the floor. Neglecting customers as you pass by them especially when the dishes and glasses are all empty is very amateurish. Anyways I still give them four stars for our over all dining experience.

I took my family for tea for my daughters birthday, we found the waitress to be very nice, as i was eating my pizza I crunched down on something I spatt it out quickley and looked at the piece of GLASS sitting in my hand I was so disgusted that i handed it to the waitress, she was so embarrassed she took it to the manager who never bothered coming over to me the whole time we were there, they took the price of one pizza off my bill, I will never go there again I wouldn't even give them one star as for the 21 year old manager she has no customer service skills and should look for another job.

Have been here 2 times now not sure why we went back. Really yummy pizzas but the service is so bad!!!!! Why should i have to get the attention of the staff just to have another drink and then get it when we have pretty much finished our meal! Wont ever go back again. OK if your getting takeaway

What poor service from the dizzy young female wait staff who stood out the back in full view of the restaurant gossiping about their weekend/parties and rubbish. Instead they could have been - working or even god forbid making my coffee.<br/>The only workers was a nice man called Eric who cleared tables, made up pizza boxes and took orders whilst his dizzy colleagues did nothing. <br/>Poor service - recommend going there if you not to fussy about how you are served or if you are served.<br/>But big ups to Eric - obviously has a family to support - not a weekend of partying like the younger staff.

Just went here for an impromptu dinner and have mixed feelings to tell you the truth.<br/>We certainly did find the food very tasty which is why we rated them with 2 stars.<br/>The service however was ABYSMAL to put it nicely. Never before have we had service this amateur!<br/>(The table next to us ended up getting a discount due to some mistake they made. I think they neglected to bring a steak and the wrong Pizza!!)<br/>Anyway, the waitress just didn't seem to want to be there and as a whole, they were all quite unobservant. <br/>When we finished our meal, (which again was good) we gave up waiting for a waiter/waitress and took the pizza up to the counter to pay and get a "doggy bag". Whilst waiting in line for a good 7 minutes, several staff walked right by us without even offering to take it for us and put it in a box!!<br/>The waitress at the till didn't even ask if we enjoyed our meal.<br/><br/>In summary.... We actually get much better service at McDonald's then here!! The food was pretty good but we would hesitate to dine in ever again. <br/>Should we get food from them in the future, it will most likely be takeaway!