Baduzzi

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 décor.

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 décor 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.

Critically acclaimed and deservedly so. Having been to Baduzzi on a number of occasions now over the course of a year it is safe to say that the food is consistently of a high quality and absolutely delicious. The staff are friendly and attentive and although it is popular with corporates the setting tends towards the casual with a certain air of «not in Auckland anymore». Do not leave without trying the crayfish meatballs. Would also highly recommend the duck maltagliati and saffron tortellini (formerly gnocchi).

We went to Baduzzi. Its an unfortunate name as it starts off with BAD. Some restaurants you go to and you wonder is this going to be good? As the meal progesses the trajectory is up to the point where as you leave you are thinking that was awesome. Baduzzi has the opposite effect. You feel kind of grateful to get a seat thinking this is going to be awesome. As the meal progresses and you suffer a few body blows like a barely visible main course and a weird tiramusu your initial elation wears off and you end up feeling well disappointed and hungry when you leave. We wont be going back. Its impossible to get a real meal.

Food is quite good, love the way they make pasta, a little disappointed by the Turamisu maybe because I was expecting the traditional one but I got a hard tart!

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.

Baduzzi won 2014 Metro’s Restauranteur of the Year (and many other accolades) and after an experience here you can easily see why. It’s an Italian-​style restaurant sitting in the hip Wynyard quarter with a beautiful menu matched by a high-​class interior. Immediately fell in love with it’s huge red door entrance– like a home and immediate coat check at the reception. Never really noticed before from the outside but their main walls are basically a large window– made up of large window panes that I’m sure are great during the day for natural lighting. We were seated in outdoor section with makeshift canvas walls where there were woolly throws on chairs and heaters to still keep it cosy. Loved the interior with it’s dim lighting, leather banquet seating, dark wood and large hanging lights. Very cool Baduzzi-​unique printed wallpaper in their bathrooms and a highly rustic wooden drawer that looks like it spent years ageing away during interesting periods of history.
The best way to eat is to order different things and share so you can fully understand and experience what Baduzzi is all about. Thankfully the waiters are there not only to wait but also translate the menu, if you aren’t an Italian reader. And best of all you don’t have to wait long for the plates and bowls of exquisiteness to come out after you order.
For the vegetarians– the saffron gnocchi was delicious albeit small with a sweet sauce on the side that just made it. The beetroot pappardelle was delicious with it’s extremely finely shaved paua. You definitely couldn’t go wrong with the buttered maltagliati which is one of their notable stars that came with duck, a slick porcini sauce, interesting crunch from black walnuts and buttercup.
We knew for dessert we had to get their famous, creamy tiramisu which was sat beautifully on a gorgeous speckled black and white plate that I wanted to take home with me. Always curious what a cannoli looked like, we ordered it and it came stuffed with chocolate chip ricotta with a side of divine pistachio ice cream. The perfect winter dessert was the warm, buttery-​pear crostata with amazing fresh sorbet.
Next time, drinks menu and meatballs– can’t wait.

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 né 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!

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.

Never fails to impress. Fantastic dining experience in a great casual environment — If you like Italian, then this is the place to go. Their speciality is meatballs, and they are all incredible (particularly the crayfish ones). Chef Benjamin Bayly has created a unique addition to the Wynyard Quarter that is definitely one of the city’s best restaurants.

After having heard absolutely rave reviews about Wynyard Quarters very own modern Italian cucina, I finally got myself down to Baduzzi to try it out. Oh what a night! The décor is definitely more of a nod to Manhattan than Milan, with its super chic mix of eclectic light fixtures, hanging plant displays and luxurious leather booths for seating. The menu was sensationally foodie driven, with an outstanding range of meatballs (we loved the organic lamb and wild thyme!), handmade pastas (such as the wonderful buttered maltagliati with duck) and beautifully cooked wood fired meats. The dessert menu is also simply inspired, pictured above is the Tiramisu with Baileys, Amaretto Ladyfingers and Chocolate Cream which was to die for! A picture paints a thousand words, and the only way I think I could do justice to the flavour here is to let the picture speak for itself. Definitely highly recommend this place for all other people looking for some big city escapism in our little city. Top notch effort Baduzzi.

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.

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 entrée 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 entrée 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 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!

Great place to share amazing Italian food (especially if you’ve got a hankering for it!)
To start we had three great contrasting dishes grilled squid w white beans, lemon juice & parsley, Shaved wagyu tongue w charcoaled octopus and Wild red deer meatballs, portabella mushroom, parsnip crema. I officially love red deer meat after tasting it here but the wagyu tongue was the stand out dish for me here.
We also shared our Buttered maltagliati w duck & porcini ragu, buttercup & pickled black walnuts main dish which was an absolute knock out. (I would come back just for this dish!)
We finished it all off with a decadent Valrhona chocolate «torta caprese» w raspberry sorbet & vanilla espuma with a hot Mocha, a perfectly incredible way to finish any meal.
The general atmosphere is quite pleasant as the tables a nicely spaced out. Who am I kidding, no doubt, I would come back plus the service was very attentive and nice

The atmosphere here really sells it as soon as you walk in. It has a buzz with heaps of people and a good sociable hum.
We ordered a variety of stuff but I can wholeheartedly recommend the crumbed zucchini flowers filled with goats cheese (incredible) and the fresh, summery risotto with fresh peas, beans and crème fraîche.
We also tried a variety of the meatballs which were all beautiful!
I will 10 000% come back here. I love the atmosphere. And want to save room for a dessert haha
Be warned, there are no reservations as far as I could tell, but if you don’t get a table — try try again every night until you do

Deserves a four star, I’ve been three times now. Like the mix of indoor and outdoor seating and the décor. My advice is to order lots and share so you get to taste several things. The meatballs are great and I especially liked the flat-​iron steak this time with peppery rocket and a balsamic reduction. On the dessert side — the cannoli was good, but I’m still on the search for the best tiramisu in town.

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!

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

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.