First drinks: Were suitably Italian - one Aperol Spritz and a Peroni, the only beer served on tap. There was a bit of confusion around where and how to order but we were soon taken care of by an efficient waitress, who insisted we sit down and she would sorteverything. Buono.
The vibe is:
The closest you'll come to Italy this side of the Pacific. It has a tendency towards chaos, particularly on a Friday night. But it's fun and inclusive, which is what we like in a bar.
It smells of: Mouth-watering pizza and other delicious morsels, including free arancini (risotto balls), which they pass around the bar throughout aperitivo (cocktail hour to you and me).
On the stereo: Depends where you choose to sit. The front bar serves a variety of chilled lounge music, but the back bar is rather rowdier. It's a favourite with Parnell's advertising crowd, who specialise in rowdy.
Room for improvement: The service can be hit and miss. Though one waitress was all charm and efficiency, another was vague and harassed. It's a popular spot and sometimes the staff crack under pressure.
The perfect spot for: An Italian date night. Aside from the excellent food and drink, the people-watching is first class and always provides an interesting talking point.
Most redeeming feature: The Italian courtyard, which really is the best outdoor space in Auckland. Equipped with retractable louvres and a roaring fire, it caters for all seasons.
