Best Italian - Delicious

* This restaurant is a category winner in Viva's Ultimate Takeout Food Award winners 2003.

Yes, they were winners in this category last year and we scoured Auckland to try to find better, really we did. But we can't go past Delicious with their classic flavour combinations, the wide variety of freshly made pasta and terrific prices.

We know one Auckland couple who get takeout here four nights a week. They've tasted everything on the menu (at least once) and the verdict? Divino! We agree.

Don't go past the tortellini with spinach, cod and lemon cream sauce or the papardelle with roast fennel, saffron and crab - the blend of ingredients and the light sauce are perfect. We reckon even in Italy they don't do pasta as good as this.

Oh, and don't even think about walking out the door before you've picked something out from the dessert cabinet which has a stunning selection of traditional Italian cakes and, of course, a wicked tiramisu.

Cost: All main dishes are between $14 and $15.50. Smaller servings are $8.50. Desserts are $6.

Viva also recommends: Gina's, City