20 Williamson Avenue,
Grey Lynn
Auckland,
1021
(09) 360 0263
The ViewAuckland Review
Pane e Vino, Grey Lynn - Restaurant Review
I've had a bad run of Italian restaurants in Auckland recently. Would Pane E Vino break the trend?
Food
We've been a couple of times to Pane E Vino, the first on an amazing daily deal (ridiculous really when the food is great value as it is). We kicked off with the bruschetta which was delicious - lots of garlic, tomato, oregano and olive oil. A prefect starter. We also tried out the polenta pasticciata (over baked with mixed porcini mushrooms and zola cheese) which had a great mix of strong flavours. The variety of mains we tried over the two visits were a bit mixed - the Gnocchi di Spinaci and Ravioli Verdi were both fantastic, the ravioli in particular singing with the addition of lemon. Less successful was the Cannelloni di carne con funghi. It's not that it wasn't good, it just didn't reach the great heights of flavour that we experienced on our first visit. It says something though that we want to go back as soon as we can and explore more of the (huge) menu.
Drinks
It's BYO which is always welcome but we went with the 1 Litre jug of Montepulciano Red. It was great - not the most sophisticated wine by any stretch of the imagination, but utterly drinkable and looks great on the table in the branded white jugs. Beats a glass carafe any day.
Vibe
Loud and full of energy but in a natural way, it's a perfect Italian restaurant in that respect. The slight scruffiness is welcome, though try to avoid getting a table out the back - you lose the atmosphere.
Service
Italians! Woohoo! It's always a good sign when the wait staff are authentic. Service is quick and efficient, and they know what they're talking about so make sure you ask for suggestions (especially as the menu is enormous).
Highlights
The carafes full of Montepulciano Red. Cheap and perfect.
The Bottom Line
Remember what Gina's used to be like before it fell off the cliff? That's what Pane E Vino is now. It's a bit scruffy and you really want a good table, but it's everything you want in an Italian restaurant - loud, chaotic and delicious.
Pane e Vino has been reviewed by 7 users