194 Jervois Road,
Herne Bay
Auckland,


(09) 378 7811

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4 out of 5 stars

Andiamo is an old favourite which seldom gets things wrong.

And this isn’t just my opinion, this is Auckland’s opinion. For over a decade - or is it nearing two now? - Andiamo has impressed, delighted and teased. There are some regulars who can’t get enough of the modern bistro which continually adapts itself to the latest fashions, both in the cuisine and dining experience domains. Then there are those who prefer to savour Andiamo for special occasions only.

I’m hardly a regular but I’m not sure I fall in to the special occasion category either, because it wasn’t a special occasion when my partner and I visited, but then again it was Valentine Day eve so perhaps it was a special occasion after all.

Regardless, we arrived grateful for booking in advance to a busy restaurant and bar area which had already spilled out on to the footpath this particular Friday night. It’s no exception; Andiamo is usually packed and without a booking be prepared to wait for a table.

On a pleasant night the outside tables are preferable, where you can sit and watch the shiny black vehicles with tinted windows whiz by on Jervois Road wondering who might be inside, but being inside Andiamo isn’t necessarily a bad thing either.

As the evening wears on the lights are dimmed and the tea candles on the tables flicker in the homely dining area. On the other side of the wall in the ‘other room’ bar staff working the New York style bar are busy flaring cocktail shakers to keep the drinkers happy while we peruse he menu.

The staff are terrific, there when we need them but go unnoticed when we don’t need them. After a quick menu description clarification we order our mains, confit chicken risotto with cepe and field mushrooms ($26.50) and panco chicken breast with tomato, prosciutto and warm Mediterranean vegetable salad ($32).

Before our meals arrive I’m a little dubious about the servings, I’ve been duped on risotto before at similar standard restaurants where its three mouthfuls gone, but I needn’t have been worried. Andiamo would never be so frugal. And the chicken breast was equally as impressive, both in presentation and mouth watering ability.

It’s clear to see why Andiamo has such a terrific reputation and has won so many awards over the years, particularly for its impressive wine selection. These awards include the 2008 and 2007 Wine Spectator Magazine award of excellence and winner of the Laurent Perrier outstanding wine list award in the Lewisham Awards, 2008.

Not long after our mains my mind wanders to sweeter things. I probably shouldn’t have ordered the vanilla bean pannacotta ($12.50) for dessert, but I couldn’t help myself. And it came recommended so I had too really.

As my partner excused himself, the waiter delivered the pannacotta with a cheeky smile and two spoons. ‘’Quick,’’ he encouraged. ‘’Before your boyfriend gets back.’’ Dutifully I heeded his instructions and didn’t even feel guilty.