Baduzzi

I was really looking forward to going here, I absolutely love Italian cuisine and the restaurant is rated highly on Google. When we got there, my first impressions were good. We received a warm, friendly greeting, the restaurant was busy and the decor very nice. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and good when we got him, could have been a bit more attentive though as it took us quite awhile to just get some drinks. I had the Italian Cider and it was absolutely delicious and not super sweet. For dinner, I had the duck pasta, which I was incredibly excited about. However, found disappointing unfortunately, it is quite stew like, which I wasn't expecting. The pasta itself was nice. Then came to ordering dessert. Our original waiter clocked out and then it took us a good 40 minutes or so to get the waitresses' attention to order dessert. Once we finally got to order, the dessert came fairly quickly and was absolutely delicious. I had the canoli and it was perfectly balanced, crispy and the citrus flavor devine. I'm not sure of I'd go back here, I wouldn't rule it out, but definitely disappointed in the service.

Upscale Italian restaurant located in the trendy waterfront of Auckland. The meals were tasty and well presented. I had the vegetarian pasta with pumpkin filling. It was delicious but was a bit light for size (see pics). I needed to order another bowl of bread in addition to my pumpkin pasta dish. My partner had the eggplant side dish and meatballs and was very satisfied. The “deconstructed” tiramisu was lovely, but untraditional.

When dining at an Italian restaurant in New Zealand, it’s often an occasion for a special treat. So, when picking a spot, I like to check out the menu for something unique the restaurant offers. Buduzzi caught my eye with its pappardella ripiena, a dish that’s not very typical. While I don’t have another version to compare it to, what I had was absolutely delicious. The marinara sauce was perfectly balanced with the ricotta. Personally, I’d have preferred a bit more pasta in the sauce rather than the baked texture, but that’s just a personal preference—overall, it was fantastic. For the secondi, I opted for the Vitello Perlato, and the meat was cooked to perfection. The combination of tender meat with fluffy arugula, balsamic, and Parmigiano Reggiano added such a lovely aroma and depth of flavor. If this dish were served in Italy, I imagine it wouldn’t include the potatoes (seems to be more of a Kiwi twist to have meat paired with potatoes). A special shout-out to our French waiter, who served us with great humor and made the whole experience even better. Your service was exceptional! Complimenti al chef, la tua cucina è un capolavoro! Thank you for taking me back to Italy. Buduzzi, compared to Bossi, is no match—Buduzzi is truly authentic in both its cooking style and atmosphere. It was far from pretentious and incredibly welcoming. What we ordered we thought the price was very honest.

Honestly a five star experience. Exceptional food, Michelin Star level, knowledgeable friendly service, especially with the wine recommendations (next level!), all with an Italian home-cooked vibe atmosphere. Loved the kitchen-view table and Iralian server!!

Review from our visit in June 2024 We had a mixed dining experience at Baduzzi – some dishes impressed, while others fell short: - Ginger Hero mocktail was a standout surprise – crafted at a cocktail-level standard with great depth of flavour. Highly recommend it! - Pumpkin Pasta was excellent, rich, and well-balanced, though it could have been served hotter. - Pan-Seared Line-Caught Snapper had great flavour but was on the smaller side for the price. - Beef Short Rib was a disappointment – lukewarm and lacking depth in seasoning. - Lamb Meatballs were let down by poor execution. While the sauce was a saving grace, the meatballs themselves were underwhelming – surprising, given it is meant to be the trademark dish here. There also seemed to be miscommunication in the kitchen – our plate was preheated but had cooled by the time the dish arrived, and the accompanying pappardelle didn’t come out with it, leaving the meatballs to go cold as we waited. Service was friendly but timing and kitchen coordination left much to be desired. Given the reputation of Baduzzi, we expected better across the board. Would we return? Maybe for the pasta and cocktails, but overall, it didn’t fully live up to expectations.

All food was amazing! We had an eggplant thing as a starter, a crayfish meatball, a duck pasta and a tiramisu. Staff are very friendly and professional. Will definitely come back again ;)

Ok, so this was a tough one. The menu makes the food sound fantastic but when it arrives (very quickly and only warm, not hot) it is just nice. It has flavour and is presented well, but it's just nice. The meatballs must be pre cooked and then reheated as they were warm and didn't have a freshly made look. Service friendly and efficient. Look, try it, you may get a better meal, but be prepared to be underwhelmed.

Fantastic food and service. Definitely would dine here again the staff were friendly. The food was really tasty and excellent quality. Bring your dog if you don’t mind sitting outside.

My husband and I chose Auckland for our milestone anniversary celebration trip and set up a photoshoot with a local photographer who couldn't stop raving about her favorite Italian restaurant: Baduzzi. Later that evening, we met the owner of Baduzzi, Michael, who reminded us of American Thanksgiving is tomorrow and his wife was making a pumpkin pie for the occasion. This was twice now this restaurant was recommended to us within 24 hours! The next day, we called, made a reservation, and when we arrived,Michael greeted us and seemed pleased we decided to patronize his restaurant on Thanksgiving. We were blown away by the Italian journey via food we were able to take and the endearing story of his family's recipes being passed down and recreated in this restaurant's menu and experience. We started off with barbecued shaved broad squid & cannellini beans w parsley & lemon (strong start), then we moved onto lamb meatballs with lemon & rosemary, which is as delicious as it sound, since ingredients are super local and fresh. Our first entree was heavenly: saffron & potato tortellini with goat cheese, brown butter, almonds, and figs, this arrived as 4 separate pieces, and I had to remind myself that we had to share this dish; entree number 2 was another local treat: venison fillet, sweet corn purée, asparagus with wine sauce, and it was so delicious and we were amazed how each course somehow was better than the previous! Of course we ended the evening with homemade pumpkin pie, courtesy of the owner's wife. So glad we patronized this place, and hope others are as wowed as we were!

I'll start by saying I was not planning on eating here. I went to The Grove (without a rsv) and they didn't have room for me. The kind man I spoke to happened to be the owner and told me about his sister restaurant which he was heading to. In true Kiwi style he gave me a lift over. The food was so fresh and so beautifully plated. I had the zucchini flower and the fresh homemade pasta along with some gelato. Honestly so good each and every bite. It's also in a part of town I don't know I would have seen with a great liveliness and nightlife. Thank you Michael for your hospitality and for bringing your love for food over to NZ where we can all enjoy.

Stellar service and the food and wine selection was over the top. One f the best meals my husband and I have had in a long time. We see only in Aukland for a short time but I hope to return to Baduzzi before we leave!

This place was amazing! The environment was ambient, the waiters were considerate and everything came out so fast! Every single dish was delightful and so unique and so so delicious! Strongly recommended! A beautiful place to dine and an amazing experience of wonderful italian food!

My son and I were visiting Auckland for the day and we felt like Italian food and found Baduzzi through Yelp. We were blown away by the quality and taste of everything we ordered. This is 5 star food in a small neighborhood bistro that immediately makes you feel at home in their comfortable surroundings. The Michelin star people need to give this place serious consideration! The service was also way above average, with no less than 3 different servers taking care of us to make sure we had enough of everything we wanted. If you're in Auckland long enough to grab lunch or dinner, this is the best place for it in the entire city!

Really good food and a charming atmosphere! We will certainly go back when we visit Auckland again.

Food, service and ambiance are all terrific. We came for dinner and were not disappointed. We had three plates to share, the short ribs, crayfish meatballs and Pappardella ripens with spinach, ricotta, provolone and marinara. All were excellent and inventive. We spoke with the owner, a Yankee's fan, about the Workd Series, and wished him better luck next year. We are Dodgers's fans. The evening could not have been nicer.

The food, service, and ambiance is excellent. We enjoyed the seafood. The Tiramisu is tasty. I will visit again. The drink selection is great and the mocktail drinks are flavorful.

This is a great spot, very popular and trendy. We were crazy about the staff and, apparently, the owners. Really friendly and attentive staff. The food is creative and crafted with care and was fun to eat. We got the squid and cannellini appetizer as well as the Yellowfin cannoli. Delicious! Especially the yellowfin which reminded me of carpaccio...sliced really thin. My daughter ordered the saffron and potato tortellini and I got the snapper. We shared a delicious tomato salad too. All delicious. We finished off with a very creative Tiramisu. We enjoyed every minute. If there's one slight complaint I'd say the portions were small. We needed everything we ordered. Nevertheless, the experience was great and I'd go back in a heartbeat.

Excellent food, great service and amazing staff. Thank you Michael! You were right....thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

We were really, really happy we chose Baduzzi for our night out in Auckland! The saffron tortellini was absolutely incredible. Great ambiance and delicious food. I'd absolutely go back

Absolutely wonderful dinner. Inventive menu with many, many tempting choices. If we were aucklanders we would be coming often to enjoy their well executed dishes. The restaurant has a lovely, lively vibe of guests enjoying their meal. Wait staff was excellent. Nothing more to add other than it's a must place to go.

Have been to Baduzzi a few times now and have never been disappointed. The service is excellent and the food is great. Went for a lunchtime celebration and the food was excellent. I would especially like to recommend the Crayfish meatballs. They were exceptional. We also enjoyed the Lamb meatballs and a number of other great dishes but thee meatballs were a standout. Finished with to desserts, a Tiramisu and a Chocolate torte which were worth the visit on their own. While not the cheapest of restaurants, for a special occasion you can't go wrong

This is a lovely Italian eatery. My companions and I visited for lunch on a sunny day, so we sat in the outdoor patio area. It was very pleasant. We enjoyed very good service and some nice dishes - Squid and White Bean Salad, Buttered Maltagliati (with Duck and Porcini) and Pork Rigatoni with fennel and percorino. Everything was delicious, nicely served and delivered quickly. Our meals were accompanied with a very smooth Pinot Gris. I would return here, it was relaxed, plenty of room and good for chatting.

Had one of my favorite dishes here! The owner was so nice when he saw two lost folks trying to figure out what to eat and recommended a couple dishes. He did not disappoint with any of his recommendations. The eggplant on the flat bread dish is now on my top three favorite food list. Trust me when I say you HAVE to try it. He also recommended the crayfish and I will preface that I don't like seafood but I hate shellfish. I was hesitant to try but the owner told me to trust him and wow. The sauce was delicious and the crayfish has the most beautiful buttery texture to it. I still won't be eating shellfish back home but I'll have crayfish anytime at Baduzzi. We had the maltagliati with duck and the seafood ravioli as well. The texture of the pasta was perfect and it was so good. I could eat the pasta all day.

Definitely in my Top 5 of "MUST TRY Restaurants" in Auckland! So lets get right to it... = Ambiance & Atmosphere = Every time I've walked by Baduzzi, it was always packed. I recommend calling right when they open at 11:30am to make a reservation. Luckily, I came here on a weekday, and scored a table right away. The weather went from cloudy to clear, so a table out on the patio was perfect. The tables were wooden and simple, clean and classic! First date kinda place? Yes, indeed! + = Polpette & Primi = + Now lets start with the Fiordland crayfish meatballs ($19 nzd)... A foodgasmic introduction at it's best! The soft texture and filling were just wholesome! An appetizing treat of delicately sweet tasting crayfish, and being complimented by the marinara sauce which went quite well. The balls were simply luscious and should be eaten slowly. Why? Because you'll wanna eat them at the same time you have your meal. Don't ruin the fun by devouring them. Just my two cents :) Oh yeah, and perfect with my glass of soft tannin Mesa Primo Scuro ($14 nzd). ~ Buttered maltagliati pasta with duck pieces and porcini ragu ($26 nzd). Another winner! And probably one of the best ragu's I've ever tried! A savory explosion in my mouth with every bite. The duck pieces were tasty, and the sauce was simply exquisite. The pasta was light, and had that fresh home-made taste. I truly enjoyed this dish, and highly recommend it. ~ Ricotta cannoli with citrus confit ($9 nzd): Hooo man, what a treat! This was the perfect dessert for a perfect meal. Kinda threw me off with the ice cream on the side, but made who doesn't love New Zealand ice cream? Can't go wrong with ordering a cannoli, but next time I'm trying the tiramisu. = + = Service = + = I forget if her name was Rose, but I did receive excellent service right from her right from the start. Even when she went for a break, she introduce another waitress who would assist and serve me the goods. Water glass refills, no issues. Overall, if you're thinking of going here, don't think just GO! Or at least set a reservation for it. Dress appropriately and you'll fit right in. An admirable choice for some fine dining. Take a date, and she'll fall head over heals for you!

Overall a great experience. Food. Wine. Service. From previous reviews it is clear they change their menu regularly so little point in giving Yelpers a detailed description of our dining but highly recommend asking the wait staff for wine reccomendations as they are eager to find just the right one for each person. Highly recommend giving the Vego options a try as they are particularly good and I'm an omnivore. See my pics for examples.

Good food subtracted from by incredible noise and a table placed in a walkway. We made the wrong decision to take the table rather than wait 40 minutes. Take the table for a drink but wait to dine at one where people don't walk by every minute. Wait staff were good.

I honestly can't remember visiting a city where I had as many five star meals in such a short period of time as I've had here in Auckland. Baduzzi is absolutely brilliant from their menu to their service and execution, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? Having had a bit of a panic attack upon arriving in Auckland and realizing that Baduzzi, which was atop my culinary bucket list for the city, was closed every day but my final day in the city for the holidays. That being the case, I near sprinted to the restaurant around 1800 on a Tuesday evening to find that it was not surprisingly packed to the very gills. Fortunately, my brilliant server (Josh I believe he was called) got me seated on a small high top table and took care of everything from prompt and attentive service to some great recommendations. The atmosphere at Baduzzi is excellent, with the standard hybrid indoor outdoor seating arrangement that's very Auckland while maintaining some Italian flair. Excellent. Star Granted. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? Like so many other places in the city, I expected some knock out high prices here at Baduzzi given the restaurant's popularity of late, but I was more than pleased to find that my pasta main came to only NZ$26.00, which was a real bargain given the portion you can make out in the pictures below. I'll admit that the NZ$16.00 trio of meatballs also pictured were a bit overpriced as I see it, but that pasta is what counts no? and meatballs are meant to be shared anyway. Nonetheless, there's some good value here at Baduzzi. Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? Goodness gracious how good was this? First off, my Lamb and Wild Thyme meatballs were an excellent starter, with gamey and flavorful meat offset nicely with moist fillers in a splendid spiced red gravy of sorts. Even when the meatballs had been claimed I sat there and dipped my fork in the sauce I kid you not. The Buttered Maltagliati with Duck and Porcini Ragu, Buttercup & Pickled Black Walnuts was as good a pasta dish as I've had, with fresh handmade pasta coming together with the perfect portion of Duck and flavorful porcini mushrooms in a buttery sauce that had me wishing only that I had to stomach capacity for more. Marvelous. Dual Stars Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? Absolutely. While I'd admit if you held a gun to my head that Baduzzi still doesn't dethrone my all time favorite Italian restaurant East Mamma in Paris, this was one of the best Italian culinary experiences I've had, and I'd gladly come here daily. Star Granted.

I've only been once but I am going to go out on a limb and put Baduzzi straight onto my list of must try restaurants in Auckland. Owned and operated by Michael Dearth (The Grove), this is Modern Italian at it's best. The menu at Baduzzi is divided into four sections - Piccolo (small plates), Polpette (meatballs), Primi and Secondi and even though my dining partner and I were sharing we still found it hard to narrow it down to a justifiable amount of food. Just to cover all our bases, we ended up ordering a dish from each section - inslata of squid and cannellini beans, chicken and veal meatballs, beetroot tagliatelli and pulled milk-fed goat with polenta and grilled lettuce. Our favourite was the definitely the tagliatelli which was beautifully delicate and came with a perfectly runny quails eggs and fried paua. A close second was the meatballs, which were tender and moist and came in a rich, tomato and green olive sauce. Our only criticism was that we found the squid dish to be a little overcooked and under seasoned - all either of us could taste was lemon! Given we went on their second night we were also amazed by the level of service. The Maitre D was fabulous and checked on us several times throughout the evening and our lovely spanish waitress really went the extra mile. Not only did she ask if we wanted a fourth meatball for ease of sharing but she also happily brought us out bread to mop up the jus from our pulled rabbit. As if you weren't already sold, Baduzzi is also affordable - all of the mains are under $28 and the entrees around $15! Seriously... G E T . H E R E . N O W !

What can I say, this place was impressive. Went for lunch on ANZAC day and the place was pleasantly quiet and had a lovely table in the sun where we were doted on by the staff. The atmosphere was warm and pleasant and the food magnificent. We started with the squash flowers and HUGE prawns, both I would highly recommend. This was followed by the wagyu beef meatballs, and venison meatballs, which again, were born delectable and melt in your mouth delicious. How the real cherry on top was the dessert. My favourite was the pear tart with fejioa gelato and fresh raspberries, but the terimasu was one of the best I've had in Auckland (though haven't had many, this was amazing). All and all, this is a must go to for a meal in Auckland and I will certainly hope to be back to try more from their menu.

Baduzzi definitely has 'WOW' factor. For a Monday night, to be fully booked (without a reservation) is impressive in Wynyard Corner, on a wintery Auckland night. The experience starts as you enter with a 'cloak-room' styled space to your left, as you open the main door. The maître d guides you to the bar, as he listens to your dining request. Vibrancy, electric ambience and refinement fill the space, that is immediately satisfying. The Italian menu is overwhelming with choice. I settled on the snapper with delectable green-lip mussels and my friend had the exquisite tortellini with scampi. No dessert on this occasion, only a long black, after a few gin & tonics...just LOVED this restaurant.

That night, I thought I finally came to heaven. A heaven of dessert. Baduzzi's tiramisu (15) was so shockingly good that I forgot about all other dishes we had here. Custard and ladyfingers were wrapped in a perfectly round crispy biscuits. What's more, this was topped up with the most delicious chocolate meringues which were light and crunchy. Jesus. Rest of the food was rather disappointing. Tortelloni w scampi & scallops (9 each) were too fishy, Clam linguini (18) was overcooked and a touch mushy. Crayfish meatballs (18) were the best out of the three but all these dishes were too salty to my liking. I wished we had ordered bread or something to balance up the saltiness. The price is on the high side as all portions were tiny except for the Tiramisu.

Date night with bae! No, not the Fat Panda, but Tracey M. This place sells itself as a modern Italian restaurant. It's in a trendy location in Auckland on a street block shared with other popular restaurants. The interior was dimly lit and had a very nice atmosphere. Popular amongst yuppies like us. To start, Tracey and I ordered their Italian soup and their popular crayfish meatballs as appetizers. The Italian soup consisted of mini cheese tortellini in broth. It was incredibly salty! So much so that I could only eat the tortellini. Not a fan. The crayfish meatballs were very rich and tasty. Too bad they were served lukewarm. My friend had a seafood pasta and I had their beet pasta..which was surprisingly delicious! If there's one thing I've learned, New Zealanders love their beets and they put it in everything: salad, burgers, side dishes and now pasta! Overall, interesting dishes that may make its way to Hawaii in time. Not the best Italian that I've had, but potentially worth going out of your way for if you're craving finer dining in Auckland (which can be hard to find).

I love the idea of a walking degustation. Working out South and living on the Shore, I don't always go out to town to eat. So when I do, I find myself going to at least three places - one for a meal, dessert, and drinks after. Wynyard Quarter can be a bit of a walk from the central city but on a gorgeous day, it's a good excuse for a stroll across the little bridge. The restaurant itself is gorgeous - warm rustic hues and overflowing greenery. There's a variety of different seating options with beautiful round sofas for more intimate group dining. As I've started playing with cakes and decorating, I've started opting for desserts that are less sweet with a more mysterious element. The tiramisu with Baileys and chocolate cream hits all the right spots for me. Rightly meaning "pick me up" or "lift me up" in Italian, the coffee taste wasn't too strong but mixed well with the dreamy mascarpone. It was a pleasure to crack into the shell case and use it to scoop up the cream. I prefered it over the Valrhona torta caprese (chocolate almond cake) with raspberry sorbet. It was a work of art when it came and no doubt would be a favourite for any chocolate lover. It seems to be a given that most chocolate desserts are now made with Valrhona chocolate and the quality shows. The sweet and sour combination was very punchy and energising upon every mouthful. Thumbs ups for the dessert experience. Being an Italian restaurant, I'd love to go back to try their wagyu meatballs and handmade pastas. A peak at the menu also shows an extensive vegetarian menu so it could potentially tick all the boxes for group dining needs!

As a vegetarian, I wasn't sure what to expect. There are a lot of Italian words on the menu but our waiter was very happy to translate. I had the Melanzane and Burrata cheese, and the Saffron Gnocchi. For dessert I had the Cannoli with ricotta, citrus confit and chocolate chips. Everything was beautifully presented and tasted amazing. The combination of flavours was perfect. My family were all very satisfied too - they enjoyed their meatballs and everything else. Our only complaint was that the prawn risotto was too salty. Make sure you save room for dessert. Great service. Very professional, helpful and friendly. We each had three courses. Including drinks, our total bill between 7 was $475.

Best meatballs in town ~ might sound boring but they definitely aren't! Great view and tasty tasty food. Fantastic views of Auckland Harbour too. But it's a must visit if you're in Auckland. Not a cheap eat but you've got to treat yourselves sometimes!

The food here was so good that my co-worker and I came a second time for dinner during our one-week stay in Auckland. The tomato carpaccio salad and the risotto with prawns were perfect, both times. We also tried two different types of meatballs (one deer, one beef) that were outstanding. The figs were also delicious. I would be remiss not to add that the location is beautiful, and the wait staff were super friendly.

This was lovely little find in Auckland and shouldn't be missed if you love Italian food. I have dined a lot of places and Italian is one of my all time favorites and this was easily in the top 5 Italian restaurants I have ever been to. This place was recommended by the Sofitel as well as a few locals and it did not disappoint. The menu is very inviting and has a lot of amazing choices. I wish I could of ordered more after dining here. I started with the pancetta wrapped prawns which where wood-fired grilled and wrapped in pancetta served on top of a parsnip puree. This dish was full of flavor yet light and perfect for an appetizer. The prawns were huge and decadent and could be ordered individually or as many as you wanted at $9 NZ each (well worth the cost) The next dish I tried was the red venison meatballs at the recommendation of a server . I had researched this place before dining and read a lot about the lamb meatballs and crayfish meatballs so this was a pure gamble. Again it did not disappoint. The porcini mushroom sauce was decadent and full of bold flavors that complemented the meatballs nicely. Overall a nice balance of flavors and the meatballs were cooked to perfection. My main entree I wavered between the linguine with clams and their signature dish ; the duck pasta .I ultimately decided on the duck pasta and was pleasantly surprised at the combination of flavors that were married together but delightful to a foodies palate. The flavors were amazing and unlike any other pasta dish I have experienced . The pasta was handmade and cooked perfectly . The duck was perfectly cooked and the flavors just went perfectly together. I can see why this place was named top 1000 places to eat worldwide . Best Italian food and locally owned and operated. The little nuts served with the pasta added a nice round flavor. Lastly I had read so many good things about the tiramisu dessert and being a tiramisu lover I had to make room to try it. This was again one of the best tiramisus that I have had. It was so delicious and yet very light. It was deconstructed version of tiramisu but the flavors and combinations went well together. It was beautifully presented on the plate. The chocolate mousse was so delicious and yet so light. A high quality chocolate infused with baileys was a nice palate teaser and was a welcome addition to the dessert. I could of ordered The lady fingers had a nice taste of alcohol within the creamy custard. Overall this is a dessert NOT to be missed if you adventurous, love traditional Italian with a modern twist. As for the service and hospitality I overall had a pretty good experience and had several people waiting on me. The service was a bit slow at times but it was a Friday night and they were extremely busy. I actually ended up sitting in one of the high top tables and asked to move to a different table half way in between the meals. Overall , 5 stars across the board and if I know of anyone traveling to NZ this will be on my list for sure. Hope to come back during the second stop over in Auckland on the way back to the USA. Keep up the amazing work and thanks for providing Italian love in NZ.

Delicious! We started with meatballs- crayfish and also red deer. Followed by agnolotti stuffed with lobster and snapper, followed by very rich saffron and potato tortellini. Delicious and very nice! Lovely waitress.

Baduzzi is the second creation of award winning chef Ben Bayly. Serving Italian influenced food, they also focus on serving the finest handmade meatballs. Originally I was hesitant about Baduzzi as I had heard mixed reviews and when I got a small taste of the goat sandwich at the Auckland Taste food show last year- it didn't go down very well - after finding a huge bone in my sandwich. We came early on a Monday night and it obviously does well because the place really filled up, mostly the corporate clientele, which obviously is due to the location. The wagyu meatballs were the most attractive option on the menu due to be served with an onion gravy. They were incredibly flavoursome and it was great being served medium rare. Again the crayfish meatballs were tender and juicy but they have pork meat mixed in with the crayfish giving it the fat it needs to avoid a dry texture. The linguine with clams was nice but didn't wow me and clams were slightly over cooked. It just didn't quite stand out as much as the meatballs. However I am always inclined to try hand made pasta. Again the restaurant offers an Italian influence which gives room for The service was interesting. All the staff were attentive but maybe a little too much. They keep your water topped up but it was getting to the point that its a bit over bearing and unnecessary when they are interrupting your conversation. Don't get me wrong they were friendly but just a little too in your face. Overall the restaurant brings a chic and warm atmosphere with warm hearty meals. Rating Food: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Value for Money: Good Cnr Jellicoe Street and Fish Lane, North Wharf Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 1130am-Late

Delectable dishes and sumptuous wines to be found here. We've found several lovely places in Wynyard but Banduzzi is our favorite. We so enjoyed meeting the talented staff -Tan, our knowledgeable and charming waiter and Josh, the warm and welcoming manager, make the dining experience complete. So grateful to have found Banduzzi on our Auckland visit

We've been twice and have not been disappointed yet. Each time we shared a lot of food and left feeling full and satisfied. Meatball selection is good (we loved the venison ones) and we split a pasta each time (my vote's for the duck pasta). We shared eggplant parm both times as well. A nice selection of wines too. Can get busy but we didn't have to wait too long either time. We'll be back!

Amazing! Can't say enough good about the homemade pasta and the meatballs were beyond. Everyone else at the table also enjoyed their food and drinks. Worth the walk to the North Wharf.

After a recent trip to Italy we were craving Italian cuisine and Baduzzi was at the top of the yelp list so decided to try it. It was a Monday night and surprisingly it was busy but service was prompt and waiting time wasn't that long at all. Our waiter was very knowledgeable with the menu and as we were indecisive we asked him to choose for us, in the end we got three entrees which came out one by one. I looked at my partner like what did we just order? Our waiter did repeat himself (he was Chilean so was hard to understand) we just nodded but on the positive they were delicious we wanted to lick the bowl. We both ordered a main course and we wished the portions were bigger but I guess with Italians quality over quantity. Would come back again but for a special occasion.

Probably the least impressive meal we had in Auckland. Food was very average, nothing special at all. Nothing bad, but nothing good. Average at best.

I'm giving this place five shiny Italian pasta ladles! I can hardly contain myself but I'll do my best to be objective...God knows it has taken me long enough to calm down since my last experience! To be honest, I don't give a damn if everyone, including Mr. Darcy thinks I'm a raving lunatic for how I feel about this place. But if you care to read on you'll see what I'm raving on about... I'm awarding my first shiny Italian pasta ladle for the classy fitout. I love the big red door at the entrance, the lush leather banquettes with white marble tables and the strategically placed wall mirrors. All-in-all, Baduzzi has a certain je ne sais quoi to it, that I really like. My next shiny Italian pasta ladle goes to the staff; take a bow ladies and gentleman because service doesn't come any better than what you offer! ;) The third ladle is for offering a damn fine wine list, the top-shelf whisky and the cocktails. I'm a big fan of the de-constructed Negroni and the sexy Chocolate Martini! The forth and most important shiny pasta ladle is awarded for the food! Food, glorious food! Best meatballs on the planet and the pasta is likely to make you moan with pleasure too! Basically, the food is simply exquisite and everything is beautifully presented. Last but not least, a fifth shiny Italian pasta ladle to Baduzzi for offering such incredible food at reasonable prices. Seriously, it would be an insult to serve these dishes for any less: Wagyu and Harmony pork rillette, charcoaled octopus and salsa rosa $17 3 Fiordland crayfish meatballs $19 3 Wild red deer meatballs $16 Buttered hand made maltagliati with duck and porcini ragu $26 Enough said!

This place definitely took a while for me to find and I'm definitely glad we found this place while I was searching for things to eat in Auckland! As our first stop to eat in Auckland, this place definitely left a good first impression. To start, we had the Wagu beef tongue with bone marrow ($17) - it is definitely different from the beef tongues I'm used to. Thinly slices of beef tongue topped with chunks of bone marrow and pine seeds. The best way to eat it according to the server? Roll it up and enjoy. The duck pasta was amazing ($26) - the pasta was very thin and had a chewiness to it that just screams handmade. The pieces of duck with sauce just meshed everything together wonderfully. The rump ($33) also tasted great as it was perfectly cooked to order. The mashed that came with dish was silky smooth. To wrap everything up, we ordered the tiramitsu. It is definitely a dessert you shouldn't miss if you still have room in your stomach after indulging in all the other dishes. Their take on the dish is a bit different from other places in terms of presentation. It tasted really light and that sweet - which is something I really enjoyed because it wasn't overwhelming.

Really enjoyed my time here albeit brief. The place is welcoming and the staff are well trained and attentive. I had heard good things about the meatballs but they are not a main course. Or are they? Waiter happily arranged for an extra meatball along with side of delicious fresh pasta and fresh bread. Everything was absolutely stunning to eat, full of flavour and texture, a real pleasure. Sadly this was a flying visit as a single diner so I didn't hang around for pud but anecdotally from what I saw being delivered to other tables they looked amazing. Great place.

Would highly recommend dining here. DIVINE. The venue itself is absolutely stunning, service is great and the food came out quickly, was fresh and scrumptious! Tiramisu wasn't the traditional but instead a modern take. It was stunning also and I'm particularly fussy about that. I had the spaghetti linguini (with clams) and my husband had the duck pasta dish. They were both to die for. Only thing I would comment on is the price of the cocktails. I had a Mojito think it was $20 and it was really nothing special.

Oh it's a doozy all right , and not bad either ! Go for the crayfish meatballs also get the slipper crab agnolotti , don't pass on the risotto with prawns , peas and lemon . You could give the tortellini a miss , not enough sauce for me . If you get dessert and by this I mean yes get dessert , get the cannoli filled to the brim with a not too heavy citrus ricotta cream and chocolate . Drinks ? have a negroni ! Good service and a busy place on a Wednesday night with great decor .

My partner took me for a surprise lunch at Baduzzi this week and I'd rank it amongst my all time favourite dining experiences. We were greeted with genuine warmth and I immediately felt at ease. I always appreciate good service since I know it really does take some effort to provide. The warm welcome was well received and set the tone for the afternoon. After sitting down and getting comfortable we were offered water and any additional drinks - we both got some well poured ice cold Peroni. Wait staff approached us with comfortable intervals in between so we didn't feel pestered or ignored. Each interaction with the various staff members was a joy - creating a feeling of familiarity and hospitality rarely found outside family dinners. We ordered an entree and mains at the same time, but the waitress thought to ask if we wanted them separate or apart (options I'd not considered). We chose to have entree first and the fried Zucchini flowers stuffed with goats cheese we got were tantalising, leaving us very excited for what was to come. Next our mains arrived - Duck & porcini pasta and stuffed, burnt butter gnocchi. They were elegant and satisfying, but very well priced too. Last but not least we ordered a 10 year Port (the waitress split the port between two glasses which was very considerate) and Tiramisu to share. It was incredible. Such a stunning way to end a gorgeous meal. If you've not yet been, I highly recommend dropping by this fantastic restaurant - it's one of the best Auckland has to offer.

I had high expectations going into Baduzzi, yet it still exceeded what I imagined. The food was brought to us promptly, with wait staff checking in just the right amount. As soon as my rosé prosecco was finished it was replaced with another glass - talk about great service! We ordered hen terrina, and breaded courgette flowers to start with. The terrina included a chutney to die for, and the goats ricotta in the flowers was absolutely perfect. The combination of flavours in that dish was heavenly, and was so easy to eat. We then had the coromandel crayfish meatballs, and beetroot tagliatelle. Not being a fan of crayfish I was apprehensive but extremely glad I was talked into it! The sauce along with them was divine, very Italian. I liked the fact you could specify how many meatballs you wanted - makes it perfect for sharing. The tagliatelle came with striped beetroot, which has a wonderful flavour. The addition of oyster mushrooms worked well. We ordered the dessert special of the night - a decadent apple, creme fraise and hazelnut praline combination. There were so many flavours and they worked really well together. We both liked how it wasn't too strong or too sweet, as often big fancy desserts can be at places like this. It was pretty big between the two of us and we weren't sure we could get through the other dessert too, the chocolate torta caprese. But after a waiter told us it was his favourite on the menu we knew we had to order it. It was like heaven served on a plate. There are no other words. It had the amazing flavour of a supreme brownie, but not as dense, a great change! The amaretti went perfectly too. Overall we were extremely impressed by the evening at Baduzzi. We paid $150 for the 6 dishes and 3 glasses of prosecco. We didn't realise there was a slight problem with the bill but the manager quickly sought us out as we were leaving and refunded us. All the plates were presented beautifully, and the service was great - the staff are personal and very friendly, and they really know what they are talking about. The menu has so many dishes that sound incredible, so it is very appreciated how flexible they are with making it so easy to share. Even being a Thursday night the place was pretty full. Outside diners were brought blankets, and music set the atmosphere as it started to get dark. Clearly a lot of passion had been put into the restaurant and its staff. (Even the toilets are impressive - they have their own printed wallpaper, and luxurious hand cremes!) The setting is great on the North Wharf, and the whole area is only going to get better. It makes for a short after dinner walk. A superb night, definately will revisit soon!

Great meal to cap a week in New Zealand. Scrumptious appetizers and pasta entrees. Decadent and spectacular desserts.

It takes Baduzzi to open yet another Italian restaurant in Auckland. What's so special about this one? It's pedigree to start (cooked up by Ben Bayley and Michael Dearth of the Grove). Then it's location, by the waterfront at Wynyard Quarter. Even the bespoke wallpaper in the bathrooms makes you feel as though you are visiting a club for affluent ragazzi. But most importantly, credit belongs to its menu. Melt in the mouth venison meatballs, duck ragu, calamari and burrata (a soft cheese like mozarella) are decadently and traditionally flavored. Most of the menu can be shared with like-stomached companions in true italian fashion - lazily and over expansive conversation and a delightful selection of old and new world wines. Breaking with tradition, the tiramisu is a tad experimental, but overall any orchidometer would be impressed!

Been here a few times for dinner. One of our favorite Italian restaurant, amazing pasta and interesting meatballs..must try their tiramisu! All their food ate designed to be share, so sizes are quite petite. And their menu is the same through out the day.

Not a bad spot for a Friday lunch. :) The place was buzzing from midday on. I went for a lunch with a group of 7. We all shared many plates..meatballs, stuffed corguette flowers, crayfish meatballs, lamb & thyme meatballs, lamb cutlets, snapper & lobster stuffed ravioli and some really delicious desserts - tiramas, chocolate torte and something strawberry/meringue perhaps? My friends enjoyed lots of wine and I had tall glasses of peroni - not my fave but hey, sometimes you can't get everything you want. :) The service was pretty slick and the wait staff seemed well trained on the menu and how to be there when you need them and invisible when you don't. The vibe is busy & noisy but in classy way. The decor was also classy and the seating well thought out. The end result price was was up there - about $100 a head for lunch split between 7. A nice addition to Wynyard Quarter though.

Baduzzi is superb. But first, I'll start with my minor gripe. If it's a windy day, don't choose the table right next to the front door, because the privacy curtain blows up like a yacht spinnaker every time the front door opens. Its annoying to have it hit your back repeatedly during the meal. I did consider requesting a new table, but by the time we were settled the crowds had come in and tables were scarce. But aside from that, Baduzzi is a gem on North Wharf. As Auckland Italian restaurants go, this is in the top cohort, possibly the best. The service and charm matches the quality of food. Our family of five ordered a selection of tasting plates for an entree, with the sardines, crayfish balls, squid salad and the zucchini flowers. It's all great, though be aware the portions are small so make sure you specify a meatball per person or someone will be disappointed. And disappointed they will be because it was all delicious. I had the Wakanui rump steak, grilled over woodfire, which was excellent. My wife chose a small pasta (and they are small), but she said it was fantastic (the snapper and lobster agnolotti, which is a bit like ravioli), served in a lemon butter sauce. The children had chicken schnitzels and chicken parmigiana, which were all well liked. What really made the night though was that the owner made a point of fussing over our table, making us feel very welcome. After ordering dessert, the boys were escorted by the owner to the dessert section of the kitchen (you can view from the dining side), and could see their desserts being made. That was a nice touch, making the boys more involved with their meal. My wife loved her tiramisu which she described as one of the best she had. I ordered a selection of cheeses, including a particularly pungent Gorgonzola blue that was a few days away from causing hallucinations. I might yet have weird dreams tonight. Yes, the cheese was that complex and delicious. So in summary, Baduzzi is a charming and welcoming quality spot on Auckland's Wynyard Point. It was deservedly busy, with very good service, a welcoming and charming owner, and most importantly great Italian food. Just avoid the table by the front door or you'll find yourself getting angry at every group that arrives as they fling open the door and cause the curtain to swell up over your chair. It's very good value for excellent quality food and service. I'll be sure to come back.

We had bit of everything. Zucchini flowers with goats ricotta beautiful and delicate Crayfish polpetti is worth trying well balanced favours and just correct seasoning . Market fish is divine perhaps to my personal opinion portion size was bit towards smaller size but composition of dish and flavours is beautiful . Service is very warm . And it's quite healthy on pockets