Came with high expectations. The pasta was good, but the dark chocolate semifreddo completely stole the show — I’d come back just for that. The restaurant is very small with an open kitchen. Unfortunately, the music is extremely loud, which makes conversation difficult and takes away from the experience. The menu is simple, which is usually a good sign. We shared a few pastas: the anchovy fettuccine was too salty for my taste and overwhelmed the dish, while the zucchini spaghetti was subtle and elegant. The sausage rigatoni was still on the salty side but more balanced. Desserts were outstanding. The sea salt cheesecake was smooth and creamy, and the dark chocolate semifreddo was absolutely divine. Wine list is okay. Service is attentive, though they seem a bit understaffed. Overall: good pasta, amazing desserts, cosy space — but the loud music is a downside. I’d happily return next time I’m in Auckland.
Contacts & Location
📍 Address: 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
🌐 Website: picipasta.co.nz
Photos
Reviews
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Annie Tan ★★★★☆
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Izzy C ★★★★★
Had dinner at Pici for our last night travelling in Auckland and I was completely blown away!! After the first bite of pasta my partner and I both said “WE ARE COMING BACK HERE ASAP”. The service was amazing, the chilled red was to die for, and the food was really something special. So so delicious, highly recommend to absolutely everyone.
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Coco ★★★★★
This place is a must! The Cacio e Pepe is 10/10, and tasted like it was teleported straight from an italian nonna’s kitchen. Cheesecake with olive oil and salt? Yes! So creamy and delicious. The Wallaby pasta special was genuinely one of the best pastas I’ve ever had. Visiting from New York, I’d say that this amazing spot is BETTER than Via Carota, I Sodi, Misi, Lilia, Don Angie, and Carbone. YES it’s that good! Also, great music and service!
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Antonio Ferullo ★★★★★
This place has made me question everything I thought I knew about pasta, and in the best way. My first visit I tried their ‘Pici cacio e pepe’, a beautiful dish with a pepper based, light coloured sauce. Hailing from Rome, this minimalist pasta dish was delicious beyond words. When I left, I couldn’t wait to return. Weeks later I visited again (sitting upstairs which is just as good as downstairs), and had the ‘Rigatoni, pork and fennel sausage ragu’. My mind was blown away from the sauce. I had to ask how they made it, because I’ve never tasted anything like it. Flavoursome, to the point I scraped my plate clean with my spoon. Couldn’t recommend this place enough. Great vibes, great service, pasta that will blow you away. Unreal.
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Waimarie Hunia ★★★★★
My fourth visit here, this time with family to try the spring menu. We had the pear and honey special with focaccia, lamb shoulder pappardelle and the cacio e pepe. Everything was so yum, but the pappardelle was the standout for me. The staff were, as always, warm and helpful with great recommendations from the specials and wine menu. Always a great experience, and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s on the next seasonal menu!
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Laura Yi ★☆☆☆☆
The overall experience here was rather disappointing. The pasta was very salty and it’s not even Al dente.. (as you can see the picture attached, pasta was watery..) Ordered another carbonara & cacio e pepe (did not take pic), it was so salty and we could hardly swallow it.. furthermore portion sizes are very small, so if you’re a big eater perhaps you gotta order more!
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Rick Shen ★★★★☆
Some pasta are really good. I recommend ziti oyster mushroom, fettuccine vongole, and pappardelle beef. Amazing flavour and source. Noodles are extraordinary. The serving is not large so better order for sharing. And for the dessert, dark chocolate and cheese cake you must not miss. They taste so good. Great service and friendly staff. The environment is really nice to have a dinner with friends.
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Chryssie S ★★★★☆
Wow. Yum!! Thanks for a beautiful dinner. Everything was delicious, came out pretty quickly, and was gobbled up pretty quickly too. Heater/Blankets are a nice touch, my one critique would be perhaps comfier chairs outside. Wine recommendations were spot on. Next time I’ll return with an empty tummy so I can eat lots more. And James ~ that’s the kinda host that makes you feel like you’re at home. He’s very thoughtful and knows his stuff. Til next time. Thanks Pici. ☺️☺️
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Merc Koosh ★★★☆☆
The quality of the dishes was extraordinary, and they were scrumptious. However, the portions were too small, which did not match the high prices. What I would recommend is to eat something small earlier; otherwise, you will leave this place still hungry.
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Leona Rowley ★★★★★
Pici is definitely one of my favourites in Auckland, the pasta is just so tasty! Great veggie options, just simple pastas dishes but done to perfection! Will always come back, definitely a treat! It’s also best to do sharing plates when your at pici
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FAQs
What is the address of Pici?
Pici is located at 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
How can I get to Pici?
You can find directions to Pici by following this map link