A'mano authentic pasta & cucina — Restaurant in Christchurch

It is pretty hard for me to be unbiased as I have worked with the owners long before they started their business and opening their restaurant, but they have done a phenomenal job and I am absolutely proud of their achievement.

As a late birthday dinner with my partner and family, we booked in to A'mano's to celebrate my birthday.

Knowing Maria when she worked as a chef at The Birdwood, she has come a long way from working as a chef to running her (and her husband's establishment).

At the restaurant, I ordered a lasagna, and my partner ordered duck tortellini.

I can't say anything about the duck tortellini, but the lasagna I ordered was exactly what I expected to have from a chef who knows how to make authentic pasta.

It was delicious, the tomatoes were tasty along with the pasta and cheese. The rocket on top with cheese enhanced the flavor.

For dessert, I couldn't decide between the tiramisu and the cheesecake, but through a flip of a coin, I went for the strawberry cheesecake.

As I have become quite a cheesecake fan boy, I must say the cheesecake is tasteful and wonderful. I love the balance of texture in the cheesecake and the base of the cake. If I have 2 regrets regarding the cheesecake is that I didn't order a second one to have home (despite having a cheesecake at home), and I would have loved to try the chocolate flavor.

Overall, I am really pleased with our experience and knowing that they are established right next to the new stadium, I hope they get more than enough business as many restaurants at Riverside market get.

I am very proud of Maria and...

Today I had the pleasure of dining with a good friend at A’mano. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was captivating - industrial lighting, high ceilings, and a beautifully curated space that felt both inviting and refined.

We were warmly greeted and seated, and an elegant, beautiful Italian lady presented us with menus. They were simple yet thoughtful, printed on recycled material with soft egg-blue lettering - a detail that reflected the restaurant’s understated charm.

The authenticity was immediately evident, from the ambience to the melodic accent of our server, who delivered exceptional service throughout. Within minutes, our drinks arrived - an Alba Rossa and another cocktail whose name escapes me, both beautifully presented and crafted with care.

For our meal, we ordered a selection of antipasti, contorni, and mains: Funghi, Amano’s signature lasagna, focaccia with extra virgin olive oil, and a side of fries. Each dish was stunningly plated, and every bite delivered on flavour and texture. The pasta was served piping hot, creamy, and perfectly balanced - actually truly faultless.

From start to finish, the service, food, and ambience were exceptional. A’mano delivered a dining experience that was nothing short of...

Ordered through Uber so gave 3 starts to service and atmosphere as I can't fairly rate them.

Ordered margaherita pizza, bolognese ragu and arancini.

Pizza was gummy, someone clearly didn't put an oil layer on the dough before the toppings, only 4 or so basil pieces on the entire pizza. Layer of cheese oil over it. The dough was hard as rock around the edges and tough and soggy in the middle. 0 flavor the the tomato base nor the cheese.

The bolognese was nothing but a pak n save mice packet, home brand pasta, and a Pam's jar of sauce, again no flavor in anything, dry as can be. Somehow through some hellish punishment the mince managed to be tough. As someone who has made their own ragu before, this ain't it son.

The arancini were just below passable. The outside was suitable crunchy, the risotto was (noticing a trend here) bland and unseasoned.

Honestly the best part of entire meal was the grated cheese on top of the arancini, it had more flavor per bite than the rest of the entire meal combined.

This review isn't even taking into account everything arriving cold (ordered delivery kind of expected).

Safe to say I definitly won't be ordering again nor...