Passito Wood Fired Pizza & Grill

We came here on a quiet Wednesday night at 7.30pm. With such a big restaurant there were only 5 or so tables occupied. This place can definitely host a big party, lots of seating and very spacious too.
I love risotto but there was none under the pasta section so we got an arancini entrée to share. It needed more flavour and maybe more moisture. The inside was still cold and clumped together as it was fried through long enough. Was definitely lacking something. We told the waiter when they asked how our meal was going and they seemed to have taken that off our bill so that was very very generous of them.
For main, My partner is crime ordered the Italian herbed sausage wood fire pizza. I LOOOVEE pizza no matter what toppings, form, shape, country of origin etc etc so I may be a bit biased on this as it tasted pretty good to me… The only thing that wasn’t right. Would be the cutting technique. Hahahaha some were literal slithers of pizzas. Others were a quarter of the pizza. Those skillssss
For myself, I ordered the potato gnocchi. I love me some good fluffy pillowy gnocchi. And these guys did them justice. When it’s not done right you can tell straight away. But these were delicious. And the sauce just made it even better! Tomato basil sauce with a nice chilli kick to it.
Price wise. If we both got a wine, shared an entrée, two mains, and a dessert it would have cost us about $ 90 – 100. But I was a post wisdom teeth recovery mode and they excluded the entrée so everything totaled to $ 52. Not baaaaaaad at all.
Would definitely go back for their gnocchi if it stays that consistent. And to try that pasta dish above the gnocchi too. AND to try that flaming bombe Alaska !!

After a failed attempt to try this restaurant over the Xmas/​New Year period (it was closed during the holiday opening hours clearly stated on the window flyer!), we finally managed to order a Hawaiian pizza from here a few weeks later. Unfortunately we were seriously disappointed by what we got. The menu stated the pizza consisted of «gourmet ham,» but it was merely plain old supermarket deli shaved ham sliced into strips. We couldn’t believe it. For the price (around $ 20 or so), this was a massive let down. Have heard good things about the non-​pizza menu but based on this experience I’m unlikely to return.

I’ve been here a few times now and it’s getting better with every visit. I was a weeny bit disappointed the first time I came here, the place was heaving full and the food was a little bit average — noticeably reheated mashed potatoes and overcooked tasteless veges to accompany a reasonably well cooked steak. This latest visit though was a winner. A very simple yet exquisitely tasty bruschetta to start. Then the main event of succulent and juicy pork belly which was delicious and beautifully presented (for a very reasonable $ 29 I might add) and despite not usually indulging in dessert, the panacotta was too tempting and the perfect light ending to a delicious meal. Tutto bene!

Passito is a new restaurant situated next to the Pakuranga Salvation Army store. It has a nice, romantic ambience with dim lighting and fancy wooden décor. The food was delicious and uniquely presented with tealight candles underneath the plates keeping the pizza warm as you eat it. Everyone at my table was genuinely satisfied!
For dessert, there’s nothing quite like the flambé to top off your baked alaska! The portions were teeny tiny, so don’t go thinking you can share one. It’ll be enough to tickle your sweet tooth alone.
The menu has a nice selection of Gluten Free options and features information like ‘grass fed beef’ to reassure you that your meat came from a good place.
The staff were friendly and attentive, though a bit slow with orders. Perhaps they are still working on their process, but overall it was a pleasant experience for a Saturday night out and I will return!