“IT’S CLASSY, IT’S BEAUTIFUL AND IT’S SO MUCH MORE THAN MEATBALLS”
For their second restaurant, Michael Dearth and Ben Bayly have parked their fine-dining prowess at The Grove and produced and American-Italian meatball restaurant. Sort of. Forget any thoughts of little old New York corner shop. At this hospitality powerhouse they have aimed far higher, and that is obvious in the decor, the menu and the way things are run. It is classy, it is beautiful and it is so much more than meatballs. Grilled mackerel (in place of sardines) is a highlight, as is the saffron gnocchi with goat curd – the pasta is sublime. The crayfish meatballs are very, very good; the wagyu ones – we argue about this – could be even better. A favourite dish; Buttered maltagliati pasta with duck and porcini ragu, buttercup, and pickled black walnuts.
2 HATS
WINNER – 2014 Chef of the Year
CUISINE NZ GOOD FOOD AWARDS
2 HATS
WINNER – 2014 Best Specialist Restaurant
CUISINE NZ GOOD FOOD AWARDS
WINNER – 2014 Restauranteur of the Year
METRO
RUNNER UP – 2014 Best Upmarket Bistro
METRO
FINALIST – 2014 Best Chef
METRO
FINALIST – 2014 Best Mid-size Drinks List
METRO
SILVER – 2014 Small Brand Identity
NZ BEST DESIGN AWARDS