Baduzzi — Restaurant in Waitematā

My wife and I popped in here after hearing some good things. The setting was nice. The food was lovely and wine list not bad too, so it seemed to start off well. Starters were lovely, meatballs done two ways, super good. However after our mains arrived we felt a few things were off with staff and how they looked after us. It was like suddenly we had been served and that was it, job done. The floor manager (US accent) was simply walking past tables without checking on them. Section waiters or not, flagging staff for another wine was difficult and he was more interested in how he looked than helping anyone including us. It was clear staff were new but moreover, no one was smiling. Only the owner seemed be smiling and the rest looked like they didn't want to be there including the lady that seated us. So we did not order another wine and left. Super bad? No not all, just really frustrating cold service.

The worst thing (and we were maybe somewhat to blame) was the price of the Fiorentina steak. We were told of a special and went with it. We dine everywhere and have done for decades. No kids and tons of travel means we don't tend to worry about prices too much. So this was never about money. We figured from all our dinning experiences, any Fiorentina steak is at worst case, usually worst case is about $130 to $140 a kilo high end. More often cheaper. And nothing was said about the cost either when it was offered. So we asked for a Kilo of the two options. I heard my wife and she was clear. We were charged for a 1.1Kg but I can easily let that go. However, the price of this Fiorentina steak was $198!?? I had never in all my days experienced this. Only where it was Wagyu and specialty steak in high-end steak houses like Rockpool in Melbourne would you pay such a price. It was way outside anything on the menu. Infact had I known I would not have ordered it. Moreover, it was not anything special. Nice, but not anything to rave about. When we paid, I was so stunned at the price I did not show my wife for fear of making a scene. So I simply paid it and left. Clearly it was this price because the receipt shows this properly. So clearly it was a special of huge proportions that no one bothered to explain :-) You can see our bill in the images below.

So, we won't be back. Mainly for the lack of happiness.. it doesn't make you want to be there. But also for the lack of communication over an extreme priced dish compared to anything else on the menu....

I never leave negative reviews because I believe everyone is human and mistakes can happen. I'd like to preface that the service was generally quite good and the food itself was pretty good but significantly overpriced.

What really soured my experience though was what happened when I went to pay. I was waiting patiently at the till while the staff member there was struggling to figure out how to redeem vouchers for the customer ahead of me. I didn't mind waiting as I have a lot of respect for how difficult working in service can be. While I was waiting, the manager or owner came over. He started chatting with the groups of people behind me in line, making small talk with them and asking where they were from, asking about their families - didn't bother acknowledging me. He then told them and escorted a few of the people behind me to the bar to pay without saying a word to me. I ended up walking over to the bar myself to speak to the staff member managing the till there.

One of the waiters that kept walking past me while i was waiting commented on how strange it was that I had been left there standing for so long whilst others had been taken care of - especially since the manager/owner came to my vicinity multiple times. When the situation was brought to the manager's attention, he sent over another staff member to apologize rather than doing it personally.

I can't tell if i was profiled because of my age or my race, but there's no way he couldn't have seen me or overlooked me unintentionally - I was clearly standing right in front of the counter and clearly next in line. Quite honestly, it left me feeling confused and disrespected. Based on this experience, I won't...

My recent dining experience at Baduzzi left me utterly impressed. From the moment I stepped in, I knew I was in for something special. Let me share the highlights of my delightful evening: Warm Welcome and Attentive Service: Our waiter, Alessandro, was the epitome of hospitality. His friendly demeanor and impeccable attention made us feel like honored guests. He guided us through the menu with expertise, ensuring we made the best choices. Scrumptious Starters: I began my culinary journey with the Crayfish Meatballs. Each bite was a burst of flavor—a harmonious blend of succulent crayfish and aromatic herbs. The portion was just right, leaving me eager for more. Blue Cod Pasta Perfection: The Blue Cod Pasta was a revelation. Tender blue cod mingled with al dente pasta, bathed in a luscious sauce. The flavors danced on my palate, and I savored every forkful. Gluten-Free Torta Triumph: As a gluten-free diner, I often struggle to find delectable desserts. Baduzzi’s Gluten-Free Torta was a revelation. Moist, rich, and utterly satisfying, it was the perfect sweet ending to my meal. Ambiance and Atmosphere: Baduzzi’s chic yet cozy ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, the restaurant’s warm lighting and stylish decor create an inviting vibe. If you’re seeking a memorable dining adventure, look no further than Baduzzi. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or a seafood lover, this restaurant will exceed your...