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Farina

Restaurant Bar Pizza restaurant Italian restaurant Seafood restaurant Wine bar Dessert restaurant Dance school Traditional restaurant Southern italian restaurant Modern european restaurant Dance conservatory

One of the Most Reviewed Wine bars in Auckland


Address

244 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand

Website

www.farina.co.nz

Contact

+64 9 390 6213

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (642 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: pizza (19) Italian (19) pasta (15) Farina (14) staff (13) great (11) delicious (10) atmosphere (9) restaurant (9) menu (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Ashlee A. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely brillIant pizza - the best I’ve had in Auckland! The Margherita was spectacular and had the perfect amount of sauce and cheese. The crust was perfectly chewy and had lovely pockets of char all over. I wish I could eat this everyday 🍕✨ Edit: I got addicted to their pizzas and have eaten one daily for the past week… 😳
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nathan M. 1 year ago on Google
    Not your typical traditional Italian, the atmosphere was lively, the food was elegantly garnished and presented, the portions were reasonable, and everything was YUMMAY ! The waiter was extremely informed, down to earth and knows his stuff! I would seriously recommend it.🤓
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M. L. 7 months ago on Google • 394 reviews
    Excellent food. Made with love and care. Friendly staff and atmosphere. The octopus was cooked perfectly.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jin j. 1 year ago on Google
    surprise! surprise! surprise! The chef is very daring and innovative(I think), because it was the first time I ate a whole fish in a western restaurant. The taste is fresh and tender. Everything is so perfect. The raw fish salad was also handled very well. Very interesting combination of ingredients, full of Mediterranean flavor, let the taste buds taste the rich layers and textures of different ingredients. The design of the restaurant is very cozy, the service is very warm, and it makes people feel like there is a warm wind from southern Italy.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 John P. 7 months ago on Google • 367 reviews
    I think the most telling comment of all was from my son who said he wished we had ordered Pizza Hut. That might have been quite harsh but 4 pizzas at $37 each for takeaway didn't really stand up to the taste test. We have had better.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ray C. 5 months ago on Google • 121 reviews
    One of the best places for Italian in Auckland. Classic rustic Italian food, beautiful flavours, great Italian wine selection. There's so many things to enjoy about Farina's - the attentive staff, delicious food and comfortable atmosphere. Ongoing reviews from different things we have eaten when dining at Farina: We loved the flounder, clam linguine and crab ravioli. The fish stew was superb. So much flavour and copious ammounts of snapper, octopus, prawns and tuatua (clams). Hapuka wings and clams - delicious flavours and beautiful fish. Get some extra bread to mop up the sauce with. My friend had the Beef Lasagna which he loved. The Chianti is a great Italian red. Goes with pretty much everything on the menu. Totally worth getting at least one bottle for the table. Finished with the delicious classic Italian dessert Tiramisu. Another night of exceptional food and service.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karl O. 1 year ago on Google • 95 reviews
    Came with friends the other night and wasn't disappointed! We definitely pigged out and ordered a lot - see photos - and did not have any regrets whatsoever. The risotto of the day was chock-full of flavourful, fresh clams and was the highlight - and I normally detest risotto! The only complaint from my mates was that the pizza was a bit too salty, although I didn't think so at all. Would absolutely bring mates here again, the wait staff made the wait for food barely noticeable too 👌
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ana V. 7 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    Amazing dinner at Farina! This is one of our favourite places in Auckland and the go-to restaurant to meet friends and colleagues. Cozy vibes and great food. Last time we went there were 6 of us and we had a feast. I strongly recommend the meatballs and the gnocchi. This time we had a fantastic stew and delicious pizzas (we went for the burrata with truffle and the vegetarian one - both of them recommend 100%!). Parmigiana is also a must. I would honestly order everything in the menu. We went for a pinot noir and some of us had their classic espresso martini 👌 And of course, tiramisu to close a gorgeous meal ❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Luke G. 11 months ago on Google • 224 reviews
    Wow! Wow! Wow! It's doesn't get more authentic than Farina if you're in the mood for some southern Italian food. Fresh and thoughtful ingredients. I can not fault anything on their menu. They have a great wine selection of local and Italian imports of key varieties that will keep your pallet suitably entertained. Staff of friendly and the overall vibe is great.

  • 5/5 Steve S. 1 year ago on Google
    Went there with my best friend and we both agreed it’s the best Italian restaurant we ever had. Nice food with reasonable prices. Stuffs r always happy to help and give advice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Celia C. 1 year ago on Google
    I've had the most delightful experience at Farina, everything was topnotch! The waitors are all super caring and friendly, they just make you feel very well looked after! And then the food are all oh-my-goodness delicious! We had their special of the day clams which are incredibly fresh, then had the crudo, burrata and octopus - i just cant fault any of it maybe just anticipate wanting more! And then we got a pizza and pasta for mains. All the food were beautifully cooked and flavours were so well balanced - my parents are picky eaters and even they enjoyed it! Highly recommend this place but definitely book as this place packs up fast! I will no doubt be returning soon 😍
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Merehira T. 1 year ago on Google
    I don't think I'll ever get over my first ever experience of Farina! I've been wanting to try it for the last couple of years but with lockdowns and what-not, I've not had the chance until last weekend. And BOY, was it magnificent! From the warm greeting and smiles of the staff, to the menu suggestions and the fun, playful staff culture and atmosphere, I knew I was in for a great time with even better food! The two chefs served up a spectacular spread. We ordered the Crudo, the Stuffed Crab Ravioli, the Burrata, Truffle & Mortadella Pizza and the Tiramisu and Cannolo and I was floored with how perfectly balanced everything was. The Crudo is undoubtedly the best I've tried in Auckland; The oily Trevally against the sharp depth of the dehydrated Blood Orange, in amongst the rich and bright olive oil and balsamic base and the freshness of the Herbs - Absolutely WOW! The only disappointment was my own from eating so much at brunch before we came to Farina for dinner! I most definitely would've also ordered the Gnocchi, the Braised Octopus and the Boscaiola and Diavola Pizzas if there were more of us and I had more room! Thank you Farina! Fantastic and down-to-earth staff, a warm atmosphere and INCREDIBLE food! Will be back REALLY soon! :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 anna de s. 1 year ago on Google
    A very unsuspecting restaurant from the street. We had both previously walked past the restaurant and weren’t sure what to expect as it looks quite small and poky from the front. However upon coming here for dinner we were very pleasantly surprised. The resterauny is quite large with a decent back area for seating. The place works like a well oiled machine - staff were super attentive and very friendly We ordered a pizza and pasta to share - the Tirolese pizza with mushrooms, Italian ham, cheese and rosemary. This was absolutely delicious. Loved the gorgeous taste of rosemary that was in every bite. The pizza was very light and covered in toppings. Absolutely loved every bite For the pasta we ordered the cappellacci pasta - a duck filled pasta with truffles and sage butter sauce. This was yummy - very rich though and not something I could eat as a main by myself. I found the pasta slightly on the very Al Dente side so a bit hard but still yum. Needed a bit more sage in the sauce but all in all very yummy A delicious meal and certainly somewhere I would not only recommend but will definitely be back
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ary H. 8 months ago on Google • 22 reviews
    One of the best Italian restaurant we've ever been! We are a south American couple (Argentina & Brazil), we went to Farina to celebrate my husband's birthday and we had a perfect night! The restaurant is in one of the best neighborhoods to go out on a Saturday night (Ponsonby), the atmosphere of the place is great! We highly recommend eating by the kitchen so you'll get to see how they're able to deliver the best service! The respect and perfection from the chef is so good to see and we want to stand out the organization and cleanliness of Mario! Our night was also pretty funny thanks to Ash! Quality food 10/10! Thanks Farina for this unforgettable dinner, we'll be back!

  • 5/5 Richard R. 5 months ago on Google • 20 reviews
    Solid as per usual. Courgette flowers as a special were very good. Crispy and packed with mozzarella and ricotta. Pizza with the white anchovies was great yet again. Love the pizza dough they use. Thin and has just the right amount of colour on it to add to the flavour.

  • 5/5 CJ L. 8 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    First time trying for dinner on a Friday night- simple meal of pizza, drinks and dessert. Had the Vesuvio and it was so simple but the most delicious Italian pizza I’ve tried in New Zealand! The base was thin and light but wasn’t falling apart. I loved that you could fold the slices and the toppings remained. The crust wasn’t doughy as it was also light and the perfect crisp. I was persuaded by the most cheerful staff who was taking care of our table the whole time, to try their espresso martini and I was so glad I did! Espresso martinis are so good when made right but could be so terrible and I have to say, out of many espresso martinis I have tried in akl restaurants, here has been the best! The amount of foam at the top and the creaminess it added, the taste of the coffee bean smelt and tasted delicious with the perfect amount and mix of martini. THE DESSERT. Oh my. We actually tried their tiramisu dessert on Uber eats first and my partner and I fell in love with it but hadn’t tried anything else. I’m extremely lactose but I inhaled a lot of lactose pills just so I could indulge in their tiramisu and fondente al cioccolato. Chefs kiss! Can’t wait to explore the rest of the menu! I also enjoyed the atmosphere and the interior design looked so fun. Small space but utilised very well. I thought they made very well good use of table and bar spacing and was able to fit a lot in but it didn’t feel crowded. Nice place for families and date night!

  • 2/5 sara f. 1 year ago on Google
    Overpriced, not welcoming. The food is good, but easily can find the same pizza, pasta, appetiser in other Italian restaurants for a reasonable price.

  • 4/5 Ivan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful experience. Great food and good flavours. The pasta dishes were excellent! Definitely worth going!

  • 5/5 Amy T. 2 years ago on Google
    Can't go wrong with the food here at Farina! Love their wood fired pizza and their squid ink pasta with snapper ragu! Friendly service as always!

  • 5/5 Michael K. 8 months ago on Google
    Farina is a truly delightful Italian dining spot where authenticity meets ambience in Ponsonby. I started my meal with the Crudo appetizer, raw fish with citrus salad, which tantalized my palate with its freshness. The standout, however, was the Linguine – a symphony of flavors that perfectly balanced the briny clams with the silkiness of the pasta. For pizza lovers, the Boscaiola is a must-try, generously topped with mushrooms and mozzarella cheese. The service deserves a special mention, with a nod to Ash, who's not only attentive and friendly but also shares a love for korean culture. Looking forward to my next visit to Farina!

  • 3/5 Alia H. 8 months ago on Google
    The atmosphere was warm and inviting the waiter was so friendly, and knew the menu off by heart and was very passionate about his job and the food which is great. The food however for me was a miss. We were recommended the truffle pasta as it was in seasonal and not normally on the menu. It was luke warm on arrival the smell was a bit off putting but the taste was ok. The other dish we had was the the linguine with market clams. The clams were delicious. However, the pasta was still al dente, and the flavour tasted like Maggie noodles. Others on the table also tried it and agreed. I cant say I would come here for pasta again. But the pizza 10/10

  • 4/5 Luis Ganontrox F. 1 year ago on Google
    An incredible experience for those that love pizza. Is a Italian pizza style cooked by a Brazilian pizzaiolo, that is something very unique. The Vesuvio pizza with smoked anchovies can provide a very especial flavour while Boscaiola is a great and rich vegetarian pizza, worth asking for it anytime you visit Farina. The dessert are amazing and I suggest sticking to Italian dishes like the Sicilian Cannolo. This is a good restaurant for those that love a traditional Italian food.

  • 5/5 Sebastian P. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food, great welcome, warm service. Truly Italian in flavours and atmosphere. Our favourite and must whenever in Auckland.

  • 5/5 Leah C. 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious!!! We had the carpaccio, margarita pizza and dessert calzone. My favourite was the carpaccio - it was beautifully balanced. The staff were lovely as well. We sat next to the kitchen and it was interesting seeing the food being prepared.

  • 5/5 Miranda S. 1 year ago on Google
    Finally got to dine at Farinas. First off the team are so efficient, friendly and the food is Devine! A taste of Southern Italy. We had so much food, wine, beer the works with the family. The Home made pasta - duck tortellini is amazing! Thank you, we will be back to try the rest of the menu.

  • 5/5 Shabana B. 1 year ago on Google
    My absolute favourite Italian place in Auckland. The carpaccio was sublime and everything else we ate was insanely good. I cannot fault the service either, from the person that seated us to all the serve staff throughout the night.

  • 5/5 So'omālō Iteni S. 1 year ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Spent my Partner and I's anniversary here, as well as more recently my Birthday, and I couldn't recommend it more. Family Friendly, with some of the most magnificently hospitable staff, the food is divine, with authentic flavors, whether it's pasta or pizza you're after, everything on the menu is a treat.

  • 5/5 Mairi O. 2 years ago on Google
    You already know this is one of the best places to eat in Auckland…but it is the staff that are the unsung heroes. They make you feel like family and spoil you with service and recommendations. This place is a must see if you haven’t been yet.

  • 5/5 Caroline 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful night at Farina. Food and drinks were authentic. I love Salsiccia the best. We knocked a glass down accidentally and the staff came immediately with tissues and made us not that embarrassed. They were friendly and helpful. Grazie!! Will come back when travel here again :)


Call +64 9 390 6213 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy-hour food
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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