Poderi Crisci (4)

205 Awaawaroa Rd, Awaawaroa Bay, Waiheke.

What’s the best restaurant to include on a day trip to Waiheke? If you’ve got transport or access to it, Poderi Crisci is hard to beat. A lovely half-hour’s drive from Matiatia takes you deep into the country and down a red clay road almost to the sea where, in a beautiful, isolated valley with a sweeping vineyard, wetlands and rolling hills, you’ll find Antonio Crisci’s pride and joy. Crisci and chef Sal Grant produce food that is rustic Italian, delicious, filling and incredibly moreish — and includes a mix of imported meats and cheeses, and herbs and vegetables from the impressively large kitchen garden. The service is smooth and engaging and the wine, most of it made right there under the Poderi Crisci label, includes some of the island’s best. In the evening, it’s warm and inviting — a place of treats. And during the day, when the wind is light and warm and the sun is shining, you may find you just can’t go home.

A favourite dish:  Octopus carpaccio with broad beans and chilli citrus salsa.
$$$$   |  FP  |  D  |  V  |  FR  |  PR  |  C  |  G  |  B  |  BM  |  CL  |  K      (what’s this ?)

WINNER
Best Rural Restaurant
RUNNER-UP
Best Italian Restaurant

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