That's Amore — Restaurant in Waitematā

This Review is of from my most recent experience at That’s Amore on the 27th August 2022.

The food here was great! Loved it! Unfortunately the service was horrible. I was served by an older man and was scolded at multiple times for pronouncing the name of a pizza incorrectly.

Firstly, I didn’t have the confidence to accurately say the name so said the menu item number instead, which had him replying in a rude tone “…what? And what is that? What is the name?” I then try to reply with my best guess of pronouncing the pizza. He cuts me off, says it’s wrong and tells me the correct pronunciation quite loudly. Surprised at how loud he is, I try my best to repeat it to prevent this conversation getting hostile. Yet he doubles down on the correct way to say it, again very loudly to the point where the tables near us were looking over.

Obviously getting quite embarrassed with how he’s scolding me quite loudly, I try to de-escalate the situation so I say the name correctly finally and move the conversation forward by saying “and could I get it as a medium size please.” He then rudely tells me “woah just wait okay, why are you rushing? Tell me the number.” (Which I had already told him at the start that prompted him to begin this very awkward encounter). I tell him the number and the size and he makes another comment “okay wait, you need to slow down you know.”

I found this encounter very unnecessarily rude and uncomfortable. It set the tone for the remainder of dinner as very tense and not enjoyable.

I tend to try and make sure I’m very polite when dining out to the people of the restaurant I go to; always promptly on time, book in advance, treat the waiters/waitresses with respect and kindness and always saying how much I love the food and experience afterwards. But when this person who served my table was just rude to me from the beginning it really did just ruin the vibe for the rest of the night as I do find that behaviour to be unprofessional and in my opinion unprovoked.

I do understand that maybe he was trying to teach me how to say the meal name but saying it in a much kinder manner would’ve definitely made my experience there much more enjoyable. I’ve had similar experiences elsewhere where I mispronounced a menu item, but was then corrected in a much more respectful manner. Making me feel like an idiot and talking so loudly to bring attention from other tables to the scolding just implies that if you don’t know the correct pronunciation of Italian food then don’t come here as you’d be scoffed at and embarrassed and essentially have the rest of your night ruined.

This is very unfortunate that I experienced this as I do find this place to be nostalgic for me, even recommending it to others as my partner and I used to come here when we first dated and was treated so well and enjoyed our experiences here years ago. (not by the same person who served us this time).

Unfortunately, this probably means I would not come and eat here again. This experience just put a sour taste in my mouth, which is why I rate it a 2, the only thing not making me give the rating of a 1 is the...

Have been wanting to dine here for quite a while now because of the positive reviews I’ve read about them, and SO glad that we finally got to try them out! Reseved a table for two which I suggest you do especially on weekends as they really have a lot of customers. There were a few people who came without reservations and had to come back because the place was packed; want to commend the staff though because they tried their best to accommodate everyone by putting tables and chairs where they would still comfortably fit.

Another thing I’d suggest is to look at the menu in advance, and try to at least shortlist what you’d like to order. They have 37 different pizza flavours which can be daunting, and I’m mystified at how they can accommodate such varied options.

Anyway, we ordered two small pizzas and a pasta dish - i highly, higly recommend the Quattro Formaggi pizza and the pasta which was just amazingly good but I forgot the name (lol). I trust though that whatever they make is a masterpiece so I say go for it.

Even though there’s barely any space for dessert, we still ordered the tiramisu as I heard it was spectacular and it sure was. We probably gained weight after that dinner but it was well worth it.

Staff was super nice and the right amount of friendly, chatty and attentive. If there was anything that can be improved it’ll probably be a bigger place or more branches but the fact that you have go to this one branch in the city and dine in a cozy environment is part of the experience.

One of the best restaurants I’ve dined in. Highly, highly...

A Hidden Gem

I’m over for the weekend from Sydney.

Tonight, I stumbled upon something truly special — and I’m so glad I did.

‘That’s Amore’ is more than just a pizzeria — it’s an experience, built on warmth, passion, and the kind of service that leaves a lasting impression. At the heart of it all are two outstanding young men, Claudio and Linn — and they deserve every bit of praise coming their way.

Linn, the heart of the kitchen, does the most important thing — crafting pizzas that are nothing short of perfection. The base? Scrumptious and light, just as a real pizza base should be. Napoli, eat your heart out. And the toppings… there simply aren’t words. Fresh, balanced, and bursting with flavour — each bite was a moment of joy.

Meanwhile, Claudio brings soul to the front of house — greeting every customer with warmth and that unmistakable Italian charm. He runs the floor with energy and grace, making sure every person who walks in feels like family. His smile alone is worth the visit.

If you’re in Auckland, or a local who’s yet to discover this gem, make it your mission to visit ‘That’s Amore’. It’s a little off the beaten track, cosy, and not too large — and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

However, be warned — I was lucky, I wandered in at an unusual lull but once word spreads, this place won’t stay a secret for long.

So do yourself a favour — call ahead, tell him Terry sent you, book a table, and let Claudio’s smile and Linn’s masterpiece pizzas do the rest. Yes — just like Dean Martin sings and the song says…...