Romulus & Remus

In Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand, Romulus and Remus channels the convivial rhythm of Italian dining: generous, unhurried, designed for good company. The name hints at kinship, and the experience follows suit, with dishes arriving to the middle of the table and conversation unfurling over the clink of glasses. The mood is relaxed yet assured, reassuringly classic without fuss.

The opening act favours simplicity done properly: warm focaccia scented with rosemary and sea salt, and burrata loosened by smoky eggplant, olive oil and a brush of balsamic. Pizzas lean from the timeless margherita to a zucchini and prosciutto number, lifted by whipped ricotta, rocket and a wisp of chilli honey — a sweet-savoury wink that lingers.

Heartier appetites gravitate to osso buco, slow-braised on the bone with gremolata over saffron risotto, while chicken diavolo brings garlic, chilli and cavolo nero together with shards of crispy polenta. To close, tiramisu keeps tradition alive, and Italian profiteroles arrive with chocolate ganache and pistachios for a little theatre. After dinner, the ritual continues with a glass of Vin Santo or an Amalfi-style limoncello. Gather the crew, book in, and let Grey Lynn meet la dolce vita — when in Romulus and Remus, do as the Romans do.