Botticelli Restaurant — Restaurant in Devonport-Takapuna

Myself and my partner attended this restaurant having enjoyed the atmosphere, food, and service previously. We were excited that lockdown was ending and couldn’t wait to return to our favourite restaurant. Unfortunately upon returning the picture was very different.

The customer service seemed to have gone down the potty, when we entered the restaurant we were looked at like lepers for some time before anyone came to speak to us. Throughout the experience we had to really make an effort to get any attention for any sort of attention to order. The waiting staff felt very inexperienced and uninterested, when asked for a wine recommendation they joked that they had no clue what they were doing and my partner would have to decide for themselves.

About 30 minutes later my partner was brought the wrong dish. When we politely bought it up, the manager (I think), glared at us, initially disagreed, and then begrudgingly took my partners food to bring her the correct meal, with no apology of any kind. Another 30 minutes later my food was cold and my partners food finally arrived.

The food it’s self also seemed to have taken a turn for the worse, the portions were much smaller and the egg in my carbonara seemed almost scrambled.

I know this might sound picky but I’m honestly shocked that there aren’t more negative reviews recently. Perhaps this was a one off event? Either way Botticelli has lost our patronage and I will not be recommending the restaurant to anyone speak to.

I understand that it can be difficult to run a restaurant, especially after god knows how much lock down. But when I’m paying in the ballpark of 30$ a dish, I expect better service...

Have been before - recently and it was beautiful, but made a last minute call on Fathers day as we made last minute plans and surprisingly were told yes that's fine. Arrived only to find no booking and on showing number I called it was the owner & she hadn't informed the restaurant! A bit of panic from the staff but they got us seated. Place was empty but apparently was going to be fully booked. Server was new and didn't know the food or drinks. Went away to ask questions - didn't return for ages. Food was a huge disappointment this time. Pizza dough tasted stale, toppings did not look fresh (last time was beautiful). Drink order completely forgotten - had to ask almost 15 mins later. Drinks turned up finally and were definitely not correct (very very weak aperol spritz - looked like tinted sparkling water) Owner arguing with staff in front of customers waiting to pay (and could be heard from the tables). Another group walked in with an online reservation & confirmation from over a week prior but no table reserved for them! Then to top it off most was wrong in the till with our order & owner had to delete it all and then calculate on paper... quite a messed up night. Yes accidents happen, but DON'T be rude to customers when they query something legit like the drinks (and even showing you a pic as proof). Unfortunately for you guys there is an incredible Italian eatery just a few doors up... so you know where we are all...

Okay, I'm usually not the type of person to write reviews however what I saw left me feeling terribly ashamed and upset at the events that unfolded that night.

I'll start off by saying the food was amazing and the service to me was great.

However, what compelled me to leave a review for this restaurant was how this establishment treated a young couple (of colour ) dining at this restaurant.

To paint a picture, a young couple of colour walked into the restaurant, I noticed that none waiters attended this couple, which felt abit strange considering during my dining experience I noticed everyone was being welcomed with opening arms.

I noticed it took the waiters to attend this couple far longer than anyone else.

The restaurant was packed, and this couple were the only people of colour at this restaurant.

The couple seemed to have been waiting for a prolonged period of time to receive their order, in fact I noticed other groups that arrived later receiving their food before the couple.

As I sat listening to the live music I noticed the couple had finish their meal and walked towards the counter, that's when I saw the owner and manager following them almost to ensure that this couple would pay.. as if they thought they would leave without paying.

I cannot believe this kind of subtle racism still exists and I am shocked to have see this happen in Auckland.

I will not be returning to...