Paparazzi Italian Restaurant — Restaurant in Waitematā

Dear Paparazzi Italian Restaurant,

Ah yes, nothing says “excellent customer service” like physically blocking customers from leaving, throwing a tantrum over a menu mistake, and then slapping a Bible verse on top like a stale parmesan garnish. If I had known dinner came with a side of religious judgment and light hostage-taking, I would’ve stayed home and microwaved a frozen lasagna—it probably would’ve tasted better and involved fewer threats of physical violence.

Since you decided to whip out John 3:8 like some kind of divine mic drop, let’s talk scripture.

Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

Now, I’m not saying you’re a false prophet, but when you’re running a business where customers leave feeling like they just survived a hostage situation, and then you turn around and act like you’re the victim? That’s some televangelist-level hypocrisy. What’s next? A cover charge to enter, but instead of food, you just hand out pocket-sized copies of How to Lose Customers and Alienate Everyone?

But hey, let’s not get distracted by the Bible verses—let’s talk about your commandments, which seem to go something like this: Thou shalt not question the menu, lest ye be cast out into the streets. Thou shalt not expect customer service, for all complaints shall be met with rage. Thou shalt not attempt to leave without paying for thy suffering. Thou shalt not expect edible food, for the kitchen is a lawless wasteland. Thou shalt be labeled a thief, a liar, or a poor peasant if thou displeaseth the almighty owner.

I mean, truly, if your goal was to create the least welcoming restaurant in existence, congratulations. Mission accomplished. You’ve somehow managed to combine bad service, bland food, and a full-blown cult leader attitude into one overpriced dining experience.

Let’s not forget that this isn’t just a one-off incident. A quick glance at your reviews shows a greatest hits collection of unhinged behavior. Mocking pregnant women? Gaslighting customers about “European culture” while serving pasta that tastes like it was made by someone who’s never been to Italy? Accusing people of being “fascists” while shoving a Bible at them? Honestly, if this place wasn’t so horrifying, it would be a fantastic sitcom. Hell’s Kitchen, but instead of Gordon Ramsay, it’s just an angry, self-righteous owner who treats every complaint like a personal attack.

So no, I won’t be deleting my review. If anything, I’m considering submitting it to Ripley’s Believe It or Not because “Restaurant Owner Kicks Out Customers Over Balsamic Vinegar and Holds Them Hostage” is genuinely one of the most ridiculous things I’ve ever experienced. If you’re going to quote scripture, at least follow the part where it says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Until then, may your Yelp rating be ever reflective of your...

We popped in for dinner before heading to Powerstation for a concert, very conveniently located nearby and because it was on our way from where we parked. The restaurant does place great emphasis on reservations as they like to cook fresh and be prepared for the numbers, however we (2) were offered the choice of half a dozen tables in a building whose history would be interesting and great to see as art. Service by the same Lady was courteous and very friendly. Water served immediately, and not pushy with taking orders (please note drinks list is at the back of the menu, there is no separate menu). The OH had the Marinara risotto which he thoroughly enjoyed, and I chose Pollo Siciliana. I missed reading the chilli bit and I should have asked for Pollo Frangelico being slightly different, but it was thoroughly enjoyable although slightly too hot for my taste, but that's on me. Waiting time was very reasonable for food that was being cooked fresh. The restaurant started to fill up as we were leaving, so we could see it's a popular choice. Prices extremely reasonable. Wine list very reasonably stocked, my Pinot Gris choice was opened for me, despite my offer just to have what was open. If you head to the toilet downstairs, do watch your head! There are warning stickers, but if you are watching the stairs, then duck slightly (I'm 5'9). If I was going to be ultra picky, my carrots could have done with a fraction longer but were delicious. We are keen to come...

We went with my boyfriend for a nice dinner, we love Italian food and the place seemed to suit us. At first the service was going well, we ordered a bottle of wine and to start with an anti pasto. When the anti pasto arrived it was covered in Balsamic (I hate balsamic vinegar), when we looked at the menu it didn't say it had balsamic vinegar as a dressing. My boyfriend respectfully went to say if they could change it as I didn't like it. The waiter angrily told us that we should leave the place, that they were not going to serve us anything and that we should pay for the bottle of wine. We were surprised because his attitude was extremely rude, we had not finished the bottle of wine and he had thrown us out of the place. We decided not to pay and he aggressively kept us for more than an hour inside the restaurant because if we left he was going to hit us and put us on the floor. It was completely disproportionate. We called the police but they did nothing. We had to finally pay for the wine as they wouldn't let us leave, calling us thieves, saying that we were used to rip off restaurants so we wouldn't pay for what we ordered... etc etc etc etc. Please don't go to that place, they don't know about customer service, the waiter and the chef who even knowing that he was wrong in his actions did nothing and was their accomplice. Nothing justifies what they did to us and how they treated us. We are a gay couple and apparently their attitude was homophobic. It is not...