Piatti Italiani Restaurant

In Waiake, Auckland, Piatti Italiani Restaurant invites diners into a warm, family-led embrace where tradition meets quiet artistry. The welcome is relaxed and genuine, the sort that sets the tone for an evening shaped by Italy’s comforting rhythms and spirited flavours.

The kitchen leans into the classics while keeping things lively. Think garlic prawns with a flicker of chilli to wake the palate, or polpette tucked into rich tomato sauce. Pasta arrives with personality: linguine mare e monte brings together prawns, bacon, mushrooms and nduja in a silken cream, while pappardelle bolognese delivers that timeless, beef-and-pork ragu satisfaction. Risotto has its moment too, from the briny lift of frutti di mare to the earthy pleasures of pollo, funghi e pancetta.

Mains keep the tempo going, whether it is the crisp joy of fritto misto or medaglioni di manzo cooked to preference, poised for pairing with a favourite sauce. Dessert is classic and charming: tiramisu for those who like it soft and subtle, or a bright slice of limoncello cheesecake for a sunny finish. Throughout, the mood is convivial and unpretentious, an easy canvas for conversation, good wine and shared plates.

Settle in, bring an appetite and let the team look after you. Book a table and taste a little Italian escapism in Waiake, la dolce vita, one fork-twirl at a time.