There’s much to like about Divino Bistro one of Parnell’s friendly neighbourly restaurants. It’s casual, always good natured and comfortably inclusive for a mix of happy diners.
You can spot the loyal regulars being rewarded with lively and very keenly priced Italian dining. They’re the ones ordering salad, antipasto, pasta, pizza or a bowl of popcorn washed down with a glass of wine.
Italy is everywhere with the robust back to basic flavours of its food, the perfect pronunciation of the all Italian menu and the friendly welcome the moment you step inside with the front of house making you feel at home. And whether you sit under the covered courtyard for an alfresco breakfast, mingle with the business set over lunch or step inside for dinner in cosy surroundings
Start with salads. Choose between Verde ($7) lettuce cucumber cherry tomato and carrot, Di ruccola e grana ($7) rocket and parmesan, Greca ($15) spinach, cucumber, tomato, red onion feta and olives or Di pollo ($15) lettuce, chicken, bacon, egg, parmesan and mayonnaise. And if its antipasto ($6 to $28) included are olives, garlic bread, mozzarella and grilled vegetable dishes. The pasta menu ($20) is plain and simple. Alfredo, diced chicken, mushroom, cream, Carbonara, bacon, egg, butter parmesan, Gamberi, prawns, cherry tomato, garlic, chilli, Puttanesca, tomato sauce, anchovy, olives, capers, garlic chilli, Ragu, pork and beef bolognese sautéed with garlic and chilli. For vegans, vegetarian options change daily.
And there’s generosity with pizza’s ($10 to $25). You can chose your own adventure from a selection of classics all sixteen of them making it even more rewarding. Dessert ($8 to $12) include Affogato, Tartufi al chocolato and their own Tiramisu recipe.
The wine list is small but good enough. Take your pick from the all Delgat’s affair with a reasonable selection of local and imported vintages by the glass and bottle all moderately priced .
And the verdict? The food is more special than the setting. Divino Bistro has adopted the Italian ethos of simple produce driven food. Forget fancy, forget fizz and rejoice with a kitchen that knows all about flavour in the right quantities to impress but not to overpower. That’s what it’s ultimately all about in this small but warm space. A reason in itself to visit this ristorante.
RATING
Menu: 7.5 | Cuisine: 8 | Wine list: 6
Service: 7.5 | Décor: 6 | Value for Money: 8.5
Divino Bistro
15 Nicholls Lane, Carlaw Park, Parnell
09 379 3848 | divino.co.nz
Open Mon—Fri, breakfast lunch and dinner
