Napoli Contemporanea pizzeria bar cucina

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Reviews

1. Laura W ★★★★★

   Food was absolutely yum and tastes very home made. I’ve had pizza in Naples before - the taste and service is just like it is in Italy. I liked the football clothing decorations on the way to the bathroom (very Naples style). Also LOVED the Santa chair covers. I’d definitely come back to try other items from the menu. The only downside is that the table felt a little too small for 2 people, but we had 2 pizzas at the same time so maybe we were just too hungry :)

   almost 3 months ago
2. AK K ★★★★☆

   Napoli Contemporaneo: An Uncompromising Lesson in Authenticity Parnell's eclectic and intriguing vibe finds its perfect culinary expression in Napoli Contemporaneo. On a quiet Monday evening, the restaurant’s heart was on full display: the head chef, stationed up front, orchestrating his craft before a glorious, brass-riveted, turtle-shell-shaped oven. I was a tad disappointed, having searched for this place based on its 'wood-fired' reputation, to find no wood, no fire; the oven was, in fact, purely electric. Still, this was no simple appliance; it was a custom-made marvel built for pizza perfection. This is not just cooking; it is culinary theater—just of a high-tech, rather than rustic, variety. We came for pizza, a dish I admit is alien to me in its traditional form. The Vesuvio and La Bianca were prepared and fired with astonishing speed—under five minutes from stretch to table. The resulting product was a masterclass in the "less is more" philosophy. The texture was perfect, the flavors of the high-quality imported ingredients (the cheese and walnut on the La Bianca, especially) were clear and bright. This is where the experience becomes a lesson. As someone unaccustomed to true Neapolitan pizza, the dish can seem "too much bread." This is the central, uncompromising point of this style: the dough is the star. It is the canvas, the primary flavor, the raison d'être. The toppings are merely accents. My observation that the pizza's vibrant, complex flavors began to fade as it cooled is, in fact, the highest compliment one can pay it. This is the hallmark of real food. Lacking the heavy oils, salts, and processed fats of takeaway-style pizzas, its simple, high-quality ingredients shine brightest when hot and fresh, demanding to be eaten immediately. It is an experience, not just a product. The chef's claim of "no modifications for Kiwis" is a refreshing, if challenging, promise. The top-tier cost reflects this commitment—you are paying for the Parnell location, the imported ingredients, and, most importantly, the chef's craft and uncompromising authenticity. This is not a value proposition; it is an education. I may feel "been there, done that," but that is only because I was not longing for a taste of Italy. For those who are, this is not just a restaurant; it is an embassy. Critical Observation Ambience 5/5 Perfect for Parnell: eclectic, theatrical, and built around the craft. Freshness of Food 5/5 As fresh as is physically possible, from oven to table in minutes. Flavour Profile 4/5 Perfect expression of this style. Bright, simple, and clean. Value for Money 3/5 You are paying for authenticity and location, not quantity.

   almost 4 months ago
3. Bryan Ng ★★★★★

   I am a pizza reviewer from Vancouver, BC. Good dough, nice salt level. Crust is crusty, dough has been fermented and rested. Shape is held when folded. Sauce is very good. 5/5 Margherita pizza. Pasta alle vongole was also very good! Perfect spice level. 5/5. I would visit again :)

   almost 4 months ago

1. Melissa Campbell ★★★★★

   Delightful experience with authentic offerings. A bit more pricey, but worth it for the unique flavors. Adorable space inside and outside for dining.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Janine Smith ★★★★★

   This is the most amazing little Italian restaurant! The food is next level delicious and the service is pure Italian charm. Every day I wake up and wonder when I can get my next Napoli pizza fix from here!

   almost 2 years ago
3. Andy Smith ★★★★★

   Absolutely amazing! Everything about the meal was superb. The pizza is probably the best you’ll find in New Zealand, beautiful dough, great tasting toppings.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Lexi Tuenter ★★★★★

   I went for dinner with a friend and the service, atmosphere and food were exquisite! It was like dining in Italy, lovely details and decor had been added to make you feel transported to Italy. The service was extremely attentive and warm, with lots of advice, suggestions and translations of typical food. We had pizza which was absolutely to die for, the mozzarella was soft and delicious, and the dough was cooked very well. We then had dessert which was at the same level, an incredible dining experience to be repeated again as soon as possible. Highly recommend!

   almost 2 years ago

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