Bossi — Restaurant in Waitematā

My partner Mark and I, including my brother who lives in Rarotonga recently enjoyed what can only be described as the best dining experience we’ve had in New Zealand. We want to extend our heartfelt kudos and exemplary compliments to Executive Chef Jason Dowling and the entire team, from the kitchen staff to the front-of-house personnel. As someone with a disability, I was particularly appreciative of the first-class treatment we received right from the moment I made our reservations. The attention to detail continued with confirming parking arrangements and a warm welcome upon our arrival at the restaurant. Upon entering the restaurant, we were immediately enveloped by the enticing aroma of authentic Italian cuisine wafting from the kitchen. The decor struck a perfect balance between modern aesthetics and historical charm, enhanced by soft lighting that created a relaxing ambiance ideal for dining. The background music featured a beautiful mix of classics from the 1960s, which added to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. As first-time visitors, we were eager to sample some classic dishes based on glowing online reviews. I am pleased to report that everything we ordered exceeded our expectations—10 stars all around! Some standout dishes included: Pane All’Aglio: A delightful garlic bread that set the tone for our meal. Gamberi All’Aglio: Succulent garlic prawns in scampi stock that were perfectly cooked. Insalata di Cicoria: A refreshing chicory salad of endive, lemon, fennel and orange that complemented our main courses beautifully. Tuna Crudo: Fresh and flavorful capers, zucchini and basil oil and chilli, showcasing high-quality ingredients. Pappardelle al Ragu’ d’Anatra: Rich duck ragù served over homemade pappardelle pasta—a true highlight. Fettuccine alla Ruota: An impressive dish prepared with Parmigiano Reggiano wheel, truffle oil, adding an interactive element to our dining experience. Tiramisu: A classic dessert, the best we have had, that was light yet indulgent. Torre di Pisa: A visually stunning fig pudding with caramel bourbon sauce that tasted as good as it looked. We are already looking forward to returning many more times in the future. Thank you for making our evening that much...

My first visit to Bossi last month was so great. So I have decided to take more friends for my second visit to introduce this place to my friends, which has returned to us as a total disappointment.

I was asked to wait extra 10 min eventhough I have arrived 15 min earlier than my booking time as they were just cleaning up the table just at my booking time. This was alright.

When we were seated, we were given a menu. We have waited 20 mins and quietly asked if we could order. The manager has told one of the waiters to go and take our order and the waiter told us to wait. So we have waited.

When one of the staffs saw us waiting and told the waiter again to take the order for us, the waiter thought we were hurrying him. He rushed to our table and almost screamed at our face saying “I have told you to wait!!!!”. I got so upset and said “I did not say a thing since you have told me to wait!!”. He rushed back to the manager and said something in anger which has really upsetted us. I was honestly to a point to throw the menu and to go home at this point.

The drinking water wasnt offered until 30 min past from our seated time. We asked the waiter if we could get some water and he again shouted at us saying “I was just going to ask you what kind of water you wanted”. Shouldnt he have offered this earlier, before we even asked??? I have never experienced such attitude in a restaurant!

When he was serving cutleries, he literally threw them on our table which has upsetted all my friends.

I just felt like that he was just being a total racist towards us. Just his tone of voice, facial expressions, and the way he spoke to us was just “rudeness”. He did apologize at the end and offered desserts for service but the service I had was just offensive enough.

I dont think ill be returning to Bossi anymore in the future. My friend who was with me has actually booked for Bossi next month but has cancelled...

We are staying at the Britomart Hotel and googled Italian restaurant near me. Bossi popped up with a great review. We showed up without reservations on Saturday night March 23rd. We walked in and asked for dinner for 2. A very personable young man greeted us asking about reservations. We said we are just 2 walk ins but would really appreciate if he could accommodate us because after a month in this beautiful country we joked that it was our “Last Supper” in Auckland before returning home to Toronto Canada and would love to experience Bossi. He said that the only table left was outside he would put on the heaters if we would like to have it there. After a few minutes he followed up and I asked if the wind would die down as evening approached. He went back inside and came out and asked would we be longer then 1 1/2 hrs and we both said no. He put us at a table for 10 upstairs said we could eat there. We were thrilled. The waitress was amazing and he continued to follow-up. I finally asked his name and asked if he was the manager and replied yes why? I replied because you are amazing and went above and beyond and asked what is your name he said Peter just call me Pete and asked our names. Both of us having been in the customer service business our full careers we felt he could be a poster boy for customer service. He made us feel like we were valued important and the only people in the restaurant all while running around with a smile on his face looking after everyone and on top of everything as well as great sense of humour.

Not to leave out that the food the atmosphere and everything was above and beyond. We are foodies and have travelled to many places in the world and different restaurants and this would be at the top of the list.

Thank You Pete and your very competent staff for a last night in your fabulous country of New Zealand that we will remember forever.

Pam and...