Ragazzi, Takapuna

By JAN CORBETT for canvas

Maybe it was the unseasonably wintry weather, but this part of Takapuna's Hurstmere Rd was strangely quiet for a Sunday morning, despite the throngs at the nearby market. So we had no trouble getting a table at Ragazzi, even though the climate meant that outdoors under the umbrellas was out of the question.

We were unusually ravenous, so although the blueberry hotcakes sounded interesting and the cabinet-fare looked tempting, we both ordered the big breakfast with eggs any style, bacon, mushrooms, hash browns, sausages, tomatoes and toast ($14.50).

Jacquie said her scrambled eggs were just perfect, whereas my poached ones were sadly hard-boiled. The sausages were tasteless. Luckily the crispy bacon and well-cooked tomato made up for that.

The service was prompt and efficient, the coffees (lattes at $3.80) and juices all arrived on time.

The best thing about Ragazzi is probably that it's a superb people-watching spot, near the beach and the shopping, and there's pay-for parking outside. But it's not the sort of place you would necessarily cross the bridge for, unless you had one of these other activities in mind.


Hours: 7.30am to 4pm, 7 days.

Service: Friendly and efficient.

Ambience: Casual.

Parking: Metered in the surrounding streets and carpark.



* Read more about what's happening in the world of food, wine, party places and entertainment in canvas magazine, part of your Weekend Herald print edition.