Bivacco Restaurant: Serving Up Italian Style In Auckland's Viaduct
Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s Viaduct is Bivacco, Bar & Griglia
is a delightful new restaurant that's been serving up superb Italian alongside the city's best harbor views. Boasting a unique blend of flavors, textures, and smells, this eatery is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. From the moment you step inside, you’ll be welcomed with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The décor is sleekly 70’s inspired, with dark wooden furnishings and forest green accents. The ample outdoor dining creates the perfect setting for a relaxing long lunch or dinner. The service is attentive and the staff are friendly and helpful. If you’re yet to try Bivacco, you need to add this convivial spot to your list asap.
The menu offers a wide selection of mouth-watering dishes, from traditional Italian pasta to modernized twists on classic fine dining fare. With something to suit everyone's tastebuds, it is easy to find something delicious to order. The flavors are fresh and light and the portions are generous.
1. Ambience of the restaurant
The ambiance of Bivacco restaurant is both lively and welcoming. The restaurant’s bright and airy interior creates an alluring atmosphere, and the music selection is perfect for a relaxed dining experience. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the tables are spaced out to ensure comfortable seating. The restaurant also has a great outdoor patio, perfect for more larger dinners with extended friends and family. All in all, the restaurant is well-suited for both a casual meal and a romantic dinner.
2. Variety of menu items
One of the impressive aspects of visiting Bivacco is the variety of menu items available. From classic Italian favorites such as woodfired Margherita pizza and Ravioli to globally inspired dishes like John Dory with pickled Shishito, there is something for even the most discerning palate. What’s more, the restaurant caters to a range of dietary requirements with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Overall, Bivacco has a wide-ranging menu that caters to all kinds of diners and dietary needs.
Dishes from L to R: Kingfish crudo and freshly baked breads
3. Quality of the food
The quality of the food at Bivacco was excellent. All of the dishes were cooked with fresh ingredients, with a balanced use of herbs, citrus, and spice to add flavor. The presentation was relaxed and unpretentious, reminiscent of local Italian dining. The restaurant also offered a wide selection of cocktails, including Italian classics, Negroni, and Aperol Spritz. Overall, Bivacco's food quality is noteworthy, but that’s to be expected with the Savor group at the helm.
4. Quality of service
When visiting Bivacco restaurant, we found the quality of service to be excellent. The staff were friendly, attentive, and professional. They had a solid understanding of the menu and were able to answer our questions, and provide recommendations for people in our party who had dietary requirements. The waiting staff checked back regularly to see if we needed anything and the food arrived quickly. Overall, we were very impressed with the quality of service provided, particularly considering the current staff shortages in New Zealand.
5. Overall value for money
The overall value for money at Bivacco is ok. There were generous portion sizes, quality ingredients, and menu items at reasonable prices. The prices are in line with most restaurants located in the Auckland Viaduct and Britomart area. However, there are a few higher-priced menu items that we found didn’t really justify their price point like the dry-aged sirloin and lamb cutlets. What they lack on some menu items they make up for with atmosphere and location, by delivering of the best views in Auckland amongst a chic setting.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Bivacco is worth a stop when traveling in New Zealand. The seafood and pasta are flavorful, the setting was superb, and the service stood out from most experiences we’ve had in Auckland lately. Not only did we all have a wonderful time, but we also left feeling completely satisfied. We would highly recommend Bivacco to anyone looking for a delicious meal in a pleasant environment. Whether you're looking for an intimate dining experience or a casual night out with friends, sit back at Bivacco and indulge in Il dolce far niente.
For more advice on where to go, what to do and where to stay in New Zealand see our other travel guides and reviews: