close button

Baduzzi restaurant review: Metro Top 50 2019

Baduzzi is Metro Peugeot's Restaurant of the Year 2019's Best Service winner and runner-up of Best Smart Restaurant.

Baduzzi restaurant review: Metro Top 50 2019

Apr 30, 2019 Restaurants

Baduzzi is Metro Peugeot’s Restaurant of the Year 2019’s Best Service winner and runner-up of Best Smart Restaurant. To see a full rundown of all our winners, click here

As you’d hope with a name that translates to “meatball” in Sicilian, the always-busy Baduzzi is the best Italian-American restaurant in Auckland. More than anything, Baduzzi is a fun place for a meal – with a date, with your friends or with your family. The whole place buzzes; there’s a lively hum of conversation and the music and the lighting are just right. Despite its pace, the service is calm, warm and prompt. The dining room – filled with marble, oak and leather – is luxe but comfortable. The wild deer meatballs, the lasagnetta with hapuka bolognese, the crayfish bisque and buffalo curd are all close to perfect. Even the wine list slots together with all the other elements, featuring plenty of unusual Italian varietals grouped by price.

What it offers: Shared-plate options / Set menu / Good for vegetarians / Outdoor dining / Takes large groups / Good for kids

A favourite dish: Linguine with littleneck clams and chilli

?

Awards:
Winner, Best Service
Runner-up, Best Smart Restaurant
Runner-up, Restaurateur of the Year: Michael Dearth

Hours: Lunch/dinner 7 days
Bookings: Yes, for lunch; limited evening bookings
Price: $$
Chef: Benjamin Bayly, executive chef

Waterfront
10-26 Jellicoe St
North Wharf
Ph 309-9339

Latest

Latest issue shadow

Metro N°444 is Out Now.

Welcome to the new issue of Metro! The Top 50 restaurants in Auckland! What are New Zealand’s mad scientists up to? Ed Hillary and the (or perhaps a) Yeti! We catch up with the affable Jack Tame! As well as the 3-bodied Jess Hong. A studio visit with sculptor Yona Lee! Sam Brooks derides the dearth of arts criticism! What are the Take Out Kids up to when they’re not on TV? And more, much more.

Cover by Sarah Larnach

Buy the latest issue