Poderi Crisci

Great Italian food in a wonderful, peaceful, truly romantic setting. The drive out on narrow, dirt roads might be off-​putting to some, but we loved the vistas we saw along the way. This delightful winery is nestled in a little valley and you feel transported. Its impossible not to leave her relaxed.

WHOA!!! By far the most divine place on Waiheke. I was fairly unfamiliar with Poderi Crisci when i was invited to a Sunday lunch there in mid July, but seriously WHOAAWEE impressed upon arrival. Located at the bottom end of the island (good half hour drive from the ferry) Poderi Crisci is nestled up a warm and sunny valley. The hills are planted with olive tress and grape vines. As cliché as it sounds you do actually feel like you could be in the Italian country side…
Every Sunday Poderi Crisci host the ‘Long Lunch’, this is a 6 course set menu. A brief run down and some highlights on the feast include: Lightly fried eggplant with cherry tomatoes, black olives, capers and garden basil. Broccoli tips braised with sultanas, pine nuts, breadcrumbs and anchovy. Free range egg pasta sheets layered with garden zucchini and creamy saffron scented béchamel. Aged Angus Sirloin with potato macedonia, buttered spinach, garlic cream and Viburno jus… polished off with the most insane Tiramisu and sticky wine.
All the dishes are produced with local fresh ingredients, and as expected everything is made on site.
To say this was a treat for my taste buds is an understatement…
We drank the 2014 Crisci Rose, produced with Merlot grapes. absolutely delicious.
The team at Poderi Crisci are very hospitable, and clearly extremely passionate about what they do.
Can’t wait to get back in the summer time to enjoy the beautiful location in the sun, the wine and gorgeous food.
A must visit !

Down an unlit 3 km dirt road, but what a gem. If you can sit outside and dine at sunset, do so. The tasting menu is exquisite and incredibly good value, service, impeccable.

I had the privilege of dining at Poderi Crisci for a very intimate wedding tasting menu with wine pairings. Upon arrival, we were greeted with bubbles and then strolled among the vines and toured the cellar with our food/​wine guide for the evening. Course after course, wine after wine we watched the sun set and celebrated love. Service was seamless, food flawless, and the wine superb. If you really love Italian wine or just intrigued by uncommon varietals found in NZ head out to Poderi Crisci. Like all great spots in New Zealand, you have to drive down a dirt road and can only get there by private car, taxi, or organize a shuttle for groups. Also, the restaurant is limited in size and VERY popular, so confirming opening times and booking ahead is essential. When all is said and done, Poderi Crisci is worth every penny and I count the days until I’ll have the pleasure to dine there once again.