Bossi, a new city restaurant, continues to lead the way with classy, friendly dining. Consequently, it’s popular and continues to impress.
Tucked away in Commerce Street is a dining experience that raises the bar in a city teeming with top restaurants. It’s casually handsome with tables on two levels and if you want to sit outside to watch the world go by there’s al fresco dining cordoned off on the busy streetscape.
There’s much to like about Bossi. Behind these doors the depth of talent whether it’s waiting or cooking is considerable. From the front of the house to the kitchen the intensity of taste from the plates and the vision is what separates this restaurant from its competitors. It’s a successful formula of proving that you don’t have to bamboozle diners with science to impress. Instead, Bossi’s repertoire seduces with accomplished dishes with back-to-basic flavours reinforced by the quality of the cooking.
The menu features immaculately rendered Italian fare of appetisers, entrees, mains and desserts adopting the Italian ethos of produce-driven dishes that are prepared and presented with great flare. Here is a sampling of dishes from a very comprehensive menu. Aperitivo, garlic prawns ($14 each); baby stuffed calamari ($16); antipasti, Italian dumplings with potato and gorgonzola ($16); peso crudo, market fish with caper sauce ($27); Primo, spaghetti with clams ($29); pasta with lamb ragout ($30); Secondi, lasagne ($39); risotto with pork cutlet ($42); and veal saltimbocca with potato and sauce ($40).
Dolce ($12/$26) are simple and not without edge. There’s also hazelnut mousseline, negroni jelly and orange gelato ($21); tiramisu pure Italian with mascarpone cream ($26); and almond cake with crème anglaise ($19).
And the verdict? Attention to detail makes this new Italian eatery the benchmark in Auckland. It starts with exemplary service by skilled waiters and continues with what’s plated on the table. Then there’s infectious enthusiasm for a cellar that stars a sharp Italian-focused wine list featuring the best producers as well as local cousins. All that’s missing is the accordionist.
RATING
Menu: 8 | Cuisine: 8.5 | Wine list: 8.5
Service: 9 | Décor: 8.5 | Value for Money: 8.5
10 Commerce Street, City. Phone 948 0906.
Dinner and lunch Monday to Saturday.
bossi.co.nz
