Ginas Pizza & Pasta Bar

 

Overall Result (based on 56 reviews)

 

REVIEW BY Ron Hamilton (11) on 28th July 2010

A party of eight was well served by an extremely cheerful and helpful waiter. Not many NZ wines on the list but the three bottles of Italian went down well.
Acoustics a bit rough but hey, it was a fun place! And, besides, they are relocating.
Happy to return.

 

REVIEW BY wloh008 (5) on 24th April 2010

For some reason I found Gina's to be fairly average, despite all the hype is has been receiving.
Its true enough you'll see a line of people waiting out for tables on busy weekend and friday nights, and you would probably have to wait a good 20 minutes if you had not made your booking.
I mainly tried the pizza's they had. And that is what my review score is based upon. It was really oily to be honest, almost as much as you find in those franchised fast food pizza outlets. Although they did have some unique combination's on their pizza, they did not really have much variety (flavors) to choose from. And for the price of the pizza I would rather have had one from one of those franchised fast food pizza outlets.
The dessert on the other hand ..... was exceptional. I had the fudge brownie thing with the ice cream and dark chocolate and it was just the highlight of the meal that evening for me.
Other than that, the atmosphere etc and all was pretty good. You get to see them cooking and the waiters (I noticed they were ALL males that night I went ... hmmm I wonder why) were as lively as they possibly were.

 

REVIEW BY no bs (3) on 20th November 2009

Great place Allthough allways busy so you must book, food is good but the best part is the atmosphere.

 

REVIEW BY Sambozz (11) on 20th November 2009

Prego! Prego! Gina's Pizza and Pasta bar is truely an Italian experience not to be missed. Italy stands for vibrance, colour and life: values which are crucially embodied with style at this classic restaurant. On arriving you are met with fantastic Italian hospitality (albeit with gusto!) and the atmosphere immediately hits anyone and everyone. Even walking past this Italian establishment there is something truely unique to Gina's. With that said, the menu is also not to disappoint. Using the freshest ingredients, there is something that will sure suit a wide variety of diners. On arrival we were seated at the very back of the restraurant which is probably the place to be to watch the freindly environment come to life over the course of the evening. However, it must be noted that Gina's really does 'come to life' and be aware that Italians love their voices! Our table ordered a wide selection of dishes. To start off we ordered a few entrees to share around the table. The "Olive Miste" ($5) consisted of both Kalamata olives and Large Spanish olives served in a dish of olive oil, infused with various herbs; accompanied with fresh, warm italian bread. A nice way to start off your meal. After ordering our mains, they promptly arrived with ten to fifteen minutes. "Fettucine Mare e Monti" ($19.50) was an exquisite mix of fresh mushrooms, prawns and delicate chicken pieces served on fresh 'al dente' fettucine pasta. The dish was enlightened with a "a dash of Marsala wine finished with truffle oil". This brought out a unique semi-sweet taste and complemented the pasta well. As well as a generous selection of pasta dishes to choose from, Gina's also produces fine pizzas. Tiramisu ($12) had to be ordered for dessert as we were at an authentic Italian restaurant and soon arrived well presented: Layered sponge infused with liquers, mascarpone cheese and the bitter/sweet twist of a shot of espresso coffee. Portions were large and the Tiramisu was eagerly the favourite at our table.
Gina's Pizza and Pasta bar at the nothern most end of Mount Eden boasts genuine Italian cuisine at resonable prices. There is a certain electricity in the air and the staff are friendly, willing and equally 'electric'! For a fantastic night out, try Gina's exurberance. It is truely a unique experience to Auckland, well worth experiencing.

 

REVIEW BY juddge (11) on 4th July 2009

I had heard a lot about this place, but no one mentioned you can barely walk past the tables due to the cramped set up. I also don't understand why if you specifically make a booking you are asked to wait for 30 minutes - defeats the purpose of forward planning. The food was nice but nothing special. Don't try and go there for a chat with your dinner - the place is really loud and cramped.