Been a while since I’ve done a review, mainly out of laziness with work being so demanding! But, dined at Venuti recently and feel compelled to leave a review.
We arrived early, like just before they opened, early. Inside is simple but classy, a narrow room of tables in the middle and wall seating along the right wall. It is not a huge place but does not feel really small either. Despite being first, the place very quickly got busy.
There were only 3 wait/bar staff on and despite how busy it got, they seemed to cope well with the number of people. Of course being first we were some of the first to dine, so our meals arrived quickly and without much of an intermission between bites.
We had breads and dips and for my main I had the spaghetti carbonara.
The breads and dips was simple enough, 6 pieces of bread with 2 dips. One basil and pesto, which was yum and the other olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The only gripe about that dip was that there was so much olive oil that it was hard to get any vinegar on my bread whilst dipping.
The spaghetti carbonara came out with a generous amount of Parmesan sliced on top. Flavour wise this was my favourite carbonara in a very long time and very much how I like my pasta. Cooked to perfection, generous helping of bacon pieces and not absolutely swimming in fat or sauce.
Fantastic meal all up.
The only other thing that could have helped attain a fifth star is that staff didn’t do a lot of checking on patrons to see if they needed anything else or whether their meals were going ok. This is not only a chance to ensure customer satisfaction but a good way to up-sell, encouraging more drinks and food.
Will definitely be back though.
What an absolute find, looking for somewhere to dine and we turned the corner and found this treasure. The total experience was 1st class. In an area short on fine dining the staff went out of their way to accommodate as many diners as possible without making you feel rushed or cramped. The staff were excellent from their presentation, knowledge of the menu & wines to directions around the city. The food was excellent.
This is second time our group of 6 have dined at Venuti and we have no complaints. The food; entrees, mains & deserts are well presented and delicious. The service is attentive, friendly. The staff are knowledgeable and polite. The décor - appropriate. There is an extensive wine menu and the food menu with an Italian flair has something to suit everyone. Value for money. All winners here! We will be back again soon
Very nice service and food. Fresh and tasty. Good portion as well.
Didn't make a booking as only traveled to town on the day and did a quick search on the Map for nearby restaurant. The staff managed to arrange a table for three. Otherwise we wouldn't have the chance to enjoy the great Italian cuisine in Christchurch.
Lovely staff and atmosphere. Went there for a 30th birthday dinner, there were 6 of us, drinks, dinner and dessert was absolutely delicious. Would definitely go back again and would recommend. They have a good range of food. I got tiramisu for dessert, was as lovely as it looks.
First time coming here after craving Italian, best to book as its not a big place and fills up quick, got lucky calling 10 minutes ahead for a table for 2.
Staff are wonderful, cheerful and happy to help, orders are taken quicken and plates cleared efficiently. It can be a bit of a wait for mains as theyre cooked fresh but worth the wait. Everything on the menu looks good and theres a big drink selection too. 10/10!
Quite a shame a bunch of people who have never eaten at this establishment have given 1 star reviews due to an old staff member. I have eaten here several times and can’t wait to come back, delicious food, great atmosphere
Just really small critiques. Food was great had the bruschetta to share which was really good. I had the Venuti special pizza. Definitely no complaints. Base was crispy. Toppings were perfect. My companion had the spaghetti marinara. Sauce to pasta ratio was a bit off plus the spaghetti was slightly overcooked. But asked the chef for some bread to mop up the sauce so happy happy. Tiramisu was awesome. Affogato with frangelico for me... coffee was really doing it for me. 😀. Can truly say one of he best Italian meals I've had in Christchurch. Keep up the good work guys 👍
Food was delicious and service was great. Thanks for having us!
Delicious food and fantastic warm service. Highly recommend the risotto and Marina pasta, very very good. Perfect way to end our trip in NZ
Excellent overall. Food is consistently great like the service. The forest mushroom could be a little larger like it used to be some years ago. The Tiramisu for desert is excellent. Great selection of wines to go with any taste.
A restaurant that I go to once a year... I really admire the delicious food every time I go. The best!
Top restaurant and staff and management are incredible. Good was beautiful. My whole group enjoyed.
Very friendly stall, outstanding food. Fast service for the quality of food. Would highly recommend and will most definitely be dining again.
Just delicious! The staff were amazing, helpful, lovely and the food was cooked to perfection! Thank you for a lovely evening ❤
What hidden gem. No wonder it was fully booked. Super happy staff that took time to talk and have a laugh. The food was out of this world. We will be back and recommend to our friends.
This has to be the best authentically Italian restaurant in Christchurch. My wife is of Italian heritage and this is her favourite restaurant, bar-none. The staff have always been very good and the food is deliciously authentically Italian, not fussy, not fancified, but just great flavours and very satisfying. We're working our way through the menu. Very thoroughly recommended.
Real Italian food and atmosphere. Amazing food, great atmosphere.
The food was really yummy and so close to 5 stars except for the brandysnaps which were only filled at the ends and for some reason chocolate sauce had been smeared all over them, otherwise great, would definitely go back again.
We had a great experience at this restaurant last night. From the hardworking mask wearing (all night long) staff to the delicious food perfectly cooked and brought to us, we had a brilliant evening. Thanks for squeezing us in when we didn't have booking, it was 100% appreciated. Can absolutely recommend the mussels, so so good.
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