Pici Pasta

Pici on Karangahape Road is one of those spots that feels like sitting in the beating heart of Tāmaki. Tucked snugly into St Kevin’s Arcade, it’s small and lively, with an intangible sense of ‘cool’ – often with live music and afternoon sun drifting through while you sit and sip a wine, or tuck into some pasta.

The menu is tightly curated, with a line-up of dishes designed to work well together. It changes regularly, so there’s always a reason to come back, but the approach stays the same: rich flavours, quality ingredients, no unnecessary fuss. You’ll find olives, focaccia and stracciatella on the table, and their porchetta has a loyal following among the local regulars.

As for the pasta, expect a small selection, all handmade, with both vegetarian and meat-based options in the mix - and both equally melt-in-the-mouth delicious. The cacio e pepe remains a crowd favourite for good reason, proving just how good a simple dish can be when done well. Plus, these guys have never been too rigid about what pasta should look like, with playful new additions popping up frequently.

Dessert is worth saving room for, with a sweet section that changes with the seasons and regularly includes their well-known cheesecake with sea salt and EVOO. To top off the experience, they’ve also got an adjoining cosy little wine bar next door. Whether you’re a natural wine regular or just after a good glass with dinner, the team are great at offering recommendations tailored to your taste. A word of warning: this place certainly is popular, so booking ahead is always a good idea.

Note: Last bookings at 9.30pm