Poderi Crisci - Auckland

Great eating, drinks and position. personal friendly and knowledgeable, especially the weinwartin. beautiful wise to celebrate a special birthday. highly recommended.

We booked the long lunch as we were staying a beautiful Air bnb next door and obviously needed to try Poderi Crisci! We were greeted with energy and very welcomed at the start but as soon as we declined the house Pinot Grissio (as we weren’t in the mood for bubbly) and asked for the cocktail recommendations our server said ‘I don’t recommend any of those to start’. So we obviously didn’t order any… We ended up getting a wine and a ginger beer, then the service declined for our table and we weren’t getting a wine for each course and it seemed we weren’t worth the servers time (he was very attentive to the tables around us). The food was ok, the lasagne was the only stand out dish, the tiramisu was too soggy but the flavour was good. We still spent almost $300 but it left a bitter taste in our mouth due to the service, won’t be returning, there are way too many amazing places on the island that are worth spending your time at more than Poderi Crisci.

Only giving 2 stars because the bread was good. Although paying $400 just to have nice bread plate ... many not interest many! Partner and I were walk-ins as we were staying just around the corner and this was the closest food to us. The 2 staff members who greeted us were extremely rude and snobby. They looked down on us as and it felt like they thought we could not afford to eat there... never been treated like this was strange and off putting. we had the 9 course degustation with 9 wine pairings. Food was so bland and not worth the price. Wouldn't recommend.

Our 3rd visit to this iconic restaurant last Monday. We were happily thinking that we would enjoy another 5 star lunch. Unfortunately the long lunch menu was very below par. Nothing like the exquisite artisan fare that we have enjoyed previously. I don’t believe their head chef (Antonio Crisci) was there on the day. Sorry but true. We will always give any restaurant a second chance but I fear that Crisci may have run out of steam. James and chef Sergio (Crisci) at Farina in Ponsonby on the other hand. Awesome!

Showed up at 3:05pm, 55 minutes before the advertised closing time after being recommended this spot by a local. A little disappointed, as we had just driven 20 minutes out our way, when the waiter rushed out as we approached the steps to tell us they were closed. I said we were just here to enjoy a glass of wine (and likely buy a couple of bottles), and the advertised closing time was 4pm. No good he had confirmed with their manager they were closed despite a few people clearly in the restaurant wine area. Either they don't want any babies in prams in their quaint setting, or don't want any walk ins. Would advise you call ahead to make sure they are open in future. Awaroa is just up the road and we found them to be extremely welcoming with outstanding wine to match.