Bivacco

Sitting on the edge of Auckland's Viaduct Harbour at Bivocca on a sunny day is pretty damn hard to beat.

The city's newest Italian dining sensation, brought to life by the esteemed Savor Group—known for successes like Movida and Amano—offers a dining experience that encapsulates the essence of Auckland's unique geography and the vibrant lifestyle that comes with it.

On the edge of Auckland's sparkling Viaduct Harbour sits Bivacco, the city's newest Italian dining sensation. This gem, brought to life by the esteemed Savor Group—known for successes like Movida and Amano—offers a dining experience that encapsulates the essence of Auckland's unique geography and the vibrant lifestyle that comes with it.

Bivacco's doors are open from 11 am until late, seven days a week, embodying the spirit of versatility. Whether you're looking for a place to unwind with friends over aperitivo, enjoy a leisurely wood-fired pizza with family, or indulge in a long, wine-infused lunch, Bivacco caters to every need with style and sophistication. The space has been meticulously redesigned to ensure that, despite its size, it offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere for any occasion.

At the helm of Bivacco's kitchen is Chef Ryan Moore, whose culinary journey includes leading the kitchen at Auckland's fine diner The Grove and honing his skills at the Michelin-starred John's House in the UK. Chef Moore brings to Bivacco a menu that is a celebration of Italian cuisine, albeit with delightful and innovative twists that reflect his international experience and creativity.

Bivacco's menu is thoughtfully divided into seven sections: cured meats, antipasti, pizza, pasta, larger plates, sides, and dolci. Each category offers a journey through Italy's rich culinary landscape, infused with Chef Moore's unique touch. From the reinvented insalata Caprese featuring toasted buckwheat and finger limes to the sublime carpaccio adorned with truffle emulsion and pickled enoki mushrooms, the menu is a commitment to freshness, quality, and innovation. The pasta, made fresh in-house daily, and dishes like the Wakanui bone-in sirloin or the light, chilled seafood dish, underscore Bivacco's dedication to offering an unparalleled dining experience.

Designed by Paul Izzard, Bivacco's interior strikes the perfect balance between elegance and approachability. The space is drenched in light, with a decor that blends stitched leather banquettes, dark timber, and deep forest green accents, creating an environment that's as visually appealing as it is welcoming. The large open kitchen and deli counter, where chefs can be seen crafting cold dishes, add an element of interaction and transparency to the dining experience.

Complementing the exquisite menu is an extensive wine list, featuring local New Zealand selections alongside a comprehensive range of Italian wines from the north, centre, and south of the country. The cocktail menu, with its summery spritz section, offers a refreshing departure from the usual, including a tantalising watermelon spritz and the "Island Time," a concoction of rum, lime, sugar, prosecco, and cucumber tonic.

Bivacco embodies the spirit of Auckland's waterfront lifestyle. With its masterful cuisine, inviting design, and unparalleled setting, Bivacco offers a dining experience that is both a tribute to Italian culinary traditions and a celebration of local flavours and innovation.