Fratelli

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Address

15 Blair St
Te Aro
Wellington
Region: Wellington
Licence: Fully Licensed
Cuisine: Italian
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Contact

Phone: 04-801 6615
Fax: 04 801 6635
Website: www.fratelli.net.nz
Email: info@fratelli.net.nz

Open

DINNER Monday-Saturday from 5.30
LUNCH Friday from 11.30

Comments

Fratelli - Fresh Italian!

Menus

8611_NEW_Dinner_Menu_WINTER_09.pdf

Overall DineOut Score based on 27 reviews

Total		8.0
Food		8.3
Dessert		8.2
Presentation		7.9
Service		7.6
Environment		7.7
Toilets		7.4
Child Friendly	Yes

Review by: joejoan (7) on 1st September 2010

Total		7.9
Food		8
Dessert		9
Presentation		8
Service		7
Environment		6
Toilets		7

Went for the Tuesday night "feast" (pizza for the table + mains & dessert for $35) and we had a great time. Noise level is high (at least on Tuesday night when it is usually packed) but the food is fresh and flavorful, so no regrets. We will certainly return. The tiramisu is particularly wonderful.

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Review by: Emee (21) on 29th August 2010

Total		8.2
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		9
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

Stopped by for an early dinner here last night (Saturday) We didn't have a reservation but there wasn't a problem seating us at a comfortable corner table. Started with shared entrees of warm freshly made Flat Bread with roasted Garlic & rosemary and a bowl of warmed marinated olives - both were very tasty. For main I had the duck which came with polenta and mushrooms I also ordered I side of roasted potatoes though they really were not needed as I found the meal quite filling without them. The duck was juicy and tender. I can't remember exactly what my other half had except it was sirloin beef which was both very tender and delicious and came exactly as preferred - medium rare. We did observe other diners enjoying delicious looking meals including pizzas. We intend to try the latter on our next visit. We had a couple of glasses of Chianti and finished our meal with piping hot coffees. Service was quick and excellent (though not at all rushed) and they have that little extra touch that always impresses me - large, freshly laundered white napkins. One of the best meals we've enjoyed in an Italian style restaurant in a long while. We look forward to our next visit.

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Review by: Vinh [DineOut VIP] (81) on 24th July 2010

Total		7.6
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A

I can safely recommend this Italian restaurant to anyone! Would not be a WOW, but would be an EXCELENT! Fratelli does everything right, from its nice location in Courtney Place, warm and stylish environment, efficient and professional service to authentic and tasty food. Had garlic bread and pizza, all of which were fresh and authentic. Had some difficulty understanding the ingredients (in Italian), so ordered a pizza which I thought was vegeratian but turned out to be for meat lovers, haha. Anyway, next time I would ask the waitress. Loved the thin base!! If they were BYO, I would rate them as a WOW!!

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Review by: BeerGuru (4) on 6th June 2010

Total		7.2
Food		N/A
Dessert		7
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		8
Toilets		8

Fratelli is a nice looking restaurant on Blair St? (or Allan maybe) and the food is good though not entirely memorable. The menu isnt especially big, but there were enough good options to choose from. We had pizza and whilst it was tasty more topping would have been good, my partner asked for extra cheese but didnt get very much. Pretty good service, it was a quiet night when we went there, only a couple of other tables. The location is great, and the woodfired pizza oven adds to the warmth and ambience.

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Review by: Antigone (31) on 8th April 2010

Total		7.8
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		7
Child Friendly	Kind of

Decided to go here as couldn't make it to Verona for Vinitaly this year. We were welcomed by a friendly maitre d' who showed us to our seats in a 1/4 full restaurant (7.30 on Weds, it got a bit busier later). We started with a bowl of olives. These were very good -- a warm and tasty mix of juicy black and green beasts. We had a glass of sangiovese and negroamaro with these. The combo was a bellissimo appetiser. Then our mains arrived. I had the lamb loin with eggplant wrapped around boncocini and wilted spinach. It was subtle and yum, tho I had expected the lamb to be char grilled on the outside like it said on the menu (more flavour that way!). But the meat was tasty and a little gamey which I like, and the juices in the bottom of the plate divine. The plates were nice and warm so the food kept it's heat as we worked our way through a bottle of Tuscan chianti. My date had the gnocchi which were rich, creamy and delicious, tho slightly odd in that they were 2 giant ones. I recommend Fratelli for anyone from an intimate dinner for 2, or even 1 (there was a lady dining on her own next to us, reading and chuckling away to herself), though to big groups. It's carpeted so sound is not an issue.

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Review by: Magzstar [DineOut VIP] (157) on 16th February 2010

Total		8.1
Food		8
Dessert		9
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		7
Toilets		7

Went here for date night last week and were suprised to find such a good dining experiencce on the back door. We ordered the pizza bread and glasses of Italian red and white- good selection by the glass and knowledgable wait staff helped here. For the mians had the potato gnocchi which was unusual in appearance and presentation, but superb in taste. Absolutely to die for (and that from a carnivorous partner!!. I had the crispy smoked cod cakes which were an entree size but well enough for me. We shared a tiramatsu and left feeling very very happy indeed. Thankyou

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Review by: AW79 (4) on 7th February 2010

Total		8.1
Food		10
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		10
Service		3
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

I ordered the grouper with creamy mash. It was fantastic. The fish was perfect with slightly crispy edges and the creamy mash was delicious. It came with courgettes fried in oil that were beautiful. I look forward to having that meal again.
My friends were disappointed with the service though. We got our mains an hour and a half after arriving which is quite poor. It was only a Tuesday, so it was not like it was the weekend. My dinner was so good that I forgot about the long wait once it arrived.

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Review by: Max Powers (18) on 13th January 2010

Total		7.8
Food		8
Dessert		8
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		8
Toilets		8

This is a welcome addition to the thin ranks of Wellington's Italian restaurants, filling the space once filled by Mondo Cucina, and then by Boulot. Both of those served Italian food in a modern New Zealand style, but Fratelli plays a little more true to tradition. Having dined here a few times late last year, happily the restaurant seems to be going from strength to strength. Each visit has seen the dishes more polished, though they still seem a touch under-staffed.
Central to Fratelli's offering are woodfired pizzas, which have been a feature since Mondo days, but they seem even better here than in the previous incarnations. The dough is oily and slightly sour, and the toppings are fresh and bursting with flavour. When you walk into the warmly lit restaurant the first thing you notice is a bursting smell of basil and tomato, and every table seems to have ordered the excellent Margherita pizza. We did likewise, but not before starting with some tasty woodfired bread and garlic, and some warmed olives which were very delicious indeed.
There aren't many woodfired pizza ovens in Welli restaurants so it's hard to say no to a pizza, but don't let them distract you from the truly excellent handmade pasta. The obvious solution is to come with friends and order a variety of pizzas and pastas. Don't miss the excellent gnocchi with ricotta and cherry tomatoes - a fresh take on what is often a stodgy Italian staple. The risotto is strong and richly flavoured, but the standout summer dish was the light lemony farfalle with asparagus.
The cheeses are good but you should be sure to finish with some of their brilliant gelati - watermelon if you're lucky - or an affogato, and some nice strong coffee.
The wine list is good, tho the Champagnes are rather overpriced, but there is an excellent prosecco if you're not a large budget. There is a good selection of minerally Italian whites and some very rich reds, or a good scattering of New Zealand choices if you find Italian wines a little incomprehensible.
Like a few of the earlier reviewers I have noticed that they often seem a staff member down, or could use one more set of helping hands. This may be due to the not very efficient design of the room, or perhaps they are just making do as so many restaurants are right now. Hopefully Fratelli will soon be busy enough that they'll have a full team so that the service is the equal of the really good food. A great night out and certainly recommended.

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Review by: MsL [DineOut VIP] (141) on 30th December 2009

Total		7.5
Food		8
Dessert		8
Presentation		8
Service		5
Environment		7
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Yes

Dined here on Tuesday night and the restaurant was very busy. The food was good as always. My lamb was cooked perfectly, accompanied by tasty polenta and asparagus. The pasta, fish, and pizza had by my fellow diners were enjoyed by all.
Unfortunately the restaurant was understaffed, perhaps due to the holiday season. Therefore, the service was slow and the wait staff appeared to be too rushed off their feet to provide the friendly service I've enjoyed in the past. Our wine order was taken late and we didn't get our wine until after the entrees, which took over an hour to arrive.
The slow and offhand service is my main gripe, but luckily the food saved the day. The desserts of gelati and tiramisu were very, very good.

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Review by: Jonette (36) on 16th November 2009

Total		9.3
Food		10
Dessert		9
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		N/A

Our third visit, this time with fussy sister's-in-law. We were apprehensive that our sisters would find our favourite italian restaurant a bit of a bore, however thanks to great service and wonderful chef, we thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Fish, Pork & Duck followed by deserts we all drooled over.

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Review by: gianouts (60) on 14th November 2009

Total		7.6
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A

I went to Fratelli on Wednesday night in Wellington with some family friends I came across in my travels for dinner. This was my first time here, but they had been here before.
We started with one of the best Margherita pizzas I’ve ever had. I then followed this with a Risotto with slow cooked Duck, Beetroot & Orange. Beetroot and Orange together in a risotto is a tad bizarre but it made for a tasty (although not outstanding) risotto.
The restaurant had a nice ambience, good service and the food was a high standard Italian meal that I thought was reasonably priced.

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Review by: Karin11 (2) on 28th October 2009

Total		9.1
Food		10
Dessert		10
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		7
Toilets		7

To cook a simple dish (i.e. one with few ingredients) well is difficult.
I was a little dubious when I didn't see a large Italian 'Mama' in the kitchen. However, on sampling our dishes, that scepticism was short lived.
Fresh, sophisticated, and delicately flavoured we are hooked on Fratelli's food.
My only criticism is that our mains could have been slightly more generous.

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Review by: Dr.Seuss (1) on 7th October 2009

Total		9.5
Food		10
Dessert		9
Presentation		9
Service		10
Environment		9
Toilets		9

I LOVE THIS PLACE!
I have been there three times now and each time the complete dinning experience gets better and better! I have also sent business associates and VIP including celebrities and MPs all of whom have raved about it and one even requested visiting two nights in a row.
The staff and friendly, knowledgeable and happy to make suggestions and recommendations.
The gnocchi is out of this world! The duck dish was so good one of the guests almost licked her plate clean.
The largely Italian wine list compliments the menu perfectly and the timings on the meals and each course were perfect.
By far the best dinning experience I have ever had and I will be going again. I love that the menu changes seasonally I can guarantee we will be going at least 4 times a year to try it out!

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Review by: Don Beattie (2) on 3rd October 2009

Total		8.5
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		9
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		9
Child Friendly	Very

We took a couple of friends here after a great dining experiance the other week, yet again, we had a fantastic night. As we couldn't get a babysitter we took our 10yo son along who loves italian food, he was kept amused by the bar and kitchen staff and had a great time. The food was beautiful, i had a risotto which was well seasoned and just the right amount and the others had meals ranging from Pork to osso bucco which were also presented well and very tasty.
Well done guys, we will be back again soon.

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Review by: ena (6) on 22nd August 2009

Total		4.5
Food		4
Dessert		4
Presentation		4
Service		7
Environment		4
Toilets		5

I recently ate here in a large group. The service was good. However the food was average. Not really traditional, pizza is about as traditional as it gets. I left feeling a bit ripped off and hungry! Not a restaurant I would go to again.

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Review by: Denise [DineOut VIP] (12) on 21st August 2009

Total		8.7
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		8
Toilets		8

We arrived here by accident and are very pleased we did. It was 8.30 and although they were full they suggested we wait at the bar as some patrons were about to leave, within 15 minutes we were seated and approached by a friendly and knowledgable waitress. My husband had the Wood firedc Poussin which he raved about as did my friend who had the Salmon Ravioli and I was in heaven with the Seafood Stew with baked Risotto cake just totally YUM !! I have recommended this restaurant to many others and can't wait for another excuse to go into Wellington to visit again

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Review by: greatscott (5) on 3rd August 2009

Total		5.2
Food		5
Dessert		6
Presentation		5
Service		3
Environment		7
Toilets		6

My girlfriend and I went to Fratelli a few weeks back after hearing a few good reviews, but we were left a little disappointed. The guy on the door was very good but the waitress we had had no personality and seemed like she didn't want to be there at all. She was very slow even though she was only looking after 3 other tables. Maybe it was the time of night as we did sit down around 9:30pm but that is no excuse for poor service. We finally ordered some wine and a margherita pizza to start. They cook their pizza in a wood fired oven but I don't think the pizza chef had quite mastered the technique as the pizza was very average. For mains my girlfriend had chicken with polenta and I had the gnocchi with mushroom and bacon. Both dishes where ok but nothing special. We shared a chocolate dessert to end the meal and it helped perk us up a little.
A pretty average experience overall, I may go back but not any time soon.

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Review by: Elegant (3) on 23rd June 2009

Total		4.9
Food		5
Dessert		4
Presentation		7
Service		3
Environment		7
Toilets		5

A group of 8 of us celebrated a friends birthday here at the end of May. Unfortunately, we can't agree with the previous reviews (which is the reason we picked Fratelli!). Our waitress never smiled the entire evening. We were there 20 minutes before we even had a drink and this was only because we had to ask; next we had to ask for the menues. The quality of the food was only medicore, nice but could have been a lot nicer; I had the fish which was rather dry and my partner had the risotto which was rather non descript! Another of us had ordered the risotto cake and the risotto came out - this is after the waitress had read back the order before taking it to the kitchen - hence the rest of us had finished our mains before the risotto cake made it out - but full points to the management who took this cost of this off the bill. We also found the tiramasu disappointing, especially after the reviews. Maybe we just struck a bad night, but for us it was not a good experience. Will give them the benefit of the doubt though and will try them again some time.

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Review by: otm (6) on 27th May 2009

Total		9.0
Food		9
Dessert		10
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		8
Toilets		7

Had read David Burtons Review about this place so thought we would give it a go, he gave it four stars. Had been here when it was both Boulot (once was enough) and Modo's (which we really enjoyed on several occasions) . Well Fratelli's is fantastic, really enjoyed the whole experience, from the warm greeting through to the Tiramisu, which is to die for. Would highly recommend to lovers of good Italian food, we will be back!

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Review by: Jonette (36) on 17th May 2009

Total		9.3
Food		10
Dessert		10
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A

Arrived here by accident (we were wandering around looking for a european restaurant and decided to try Fratelli because "it looked nice"
We were extremely glad we did despite spending far more than we planned on a Thursday night out because we were just waiting for our daughter ( we planned a cheap place )
I always find I spend more when the food is great and this was one of those occasions, we just didn't want to stop.
Entree was a stunning bruschetta of duck liver. we liked that with a passion so were very pleased when the mains of salmon ravioli and Pork & Beef meatballs tagliatelle.
That made us extend to a three course meal! Not something we usually do, tempted by the Tiramisu we were not at all disappointed and agree with earlier comments.
Give this one a place in your favourite places :-)

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Review by: IndustryBuff (5) on 27th April 2009

Total		8.7
Food		9
Dessert		9
Presentation		9
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A

We came here on a Saturday night after moving around town trying to find somewhere that wasn't too busy. We didn't make a reservation, but the maître d' was very friendly and let us know that there'd be a bit of a wait on the table. We were happy to sit the bar while we waited for our table. I felt like a shiraz, but as there was nothing that struck my fancy, so I asked the bar tender to make a recommendation of an italian wine to suit. Very knowledgable bar staff who were able to make a good suggestion for a very tasty, full bodied montepulciano.
The meal itself was fantastic. Four of us shared each others meals and we really enjoyed the quality. The wait staff were efficient and knowledgable, and it didn't hurt that they weren't bad looking either!
This is the old boulot (and previous to that Mondo Cucina), so has a strong history of high quality Italian restaurants on this site, and as such has a rather large tradition to live up to! Wellington has a range of Italian restaurants, and this one, while on the dearer side, is still very reasonably priced for the quality of service, food and venue that you receive. Highly recommended.

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Review by: janicemcd (2) on 13th April 2009

Total		8.4
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A

My husband and I stumbled across Fratelli by accident and boy, are we glad we did! The food was fantastic, waiting staff attentive but not overbearing, and it was a lovely cosy atmosphere - especially given it was only Tuesday night. The wine list had a good selection of kiwi and italian wines and our waitress was very knowledgeable and offered good advice. We have raved about Fratelli to all our friends and can't wait to go back.

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Review by: AJP (29) on 3rd April 2009

Total		9.2
Food		9
Dessert		10
Presentation		9
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		8

A wonderful spot!
Went there for the first time the other night. Everything was superb!
The Tiramasu was the best I have ever tasted. A welcome addition to Wellington

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Review by: Cafe Hopper [DineOut VIP] (144) on 27th March 2009

Total		8.4
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		9
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		7
Child Friendly	Yes

Delicious food and great service. Waitress seemed knowledgable on the menu and wines but had trouble getting her words out! Great spag and meatballs (pork and beef meatballs, fettucine and a napolitano sauce, though of course). The couple next to us had their baby with them and the staff seemed to cope- does that count towards child friendly?! A great new institution to Wellington's dining scene, hopefully it will last.

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Review by: Café Chick [DineOut VIP] (104) on 27th March 2009

Total		9.0
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		9

Fratelli is what Italian dining is all about: good food, great service, and an extensive wine list including a wide range of both Italian and New Zealand wines. We had an early dinner on Saturday night before a show. The service was fantastic; friendly, accommodating (our water glasses were constantly refilled) and our meals were served in good time. Meal portions are a good size and our bread, straight from the wood-fired oven, was bellissimo. The decor is both modern and cosy, with little touches all Italian memorabilia in the restaurant and bar as well as fresh flowers in the toilets. Fratelli is inviting for either an intimate meal for two or larger groups. Cin cin!

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Review by: MsL [DineOut VIP] (141) on 22nd March 2009

Total		8.4
Food		8
Dessert		9
Presentation		8
Service		9
Environment		8
Toilets		8

After reading the previous reviews I was looking forward to dining here, and a group of us booked for Saturday night. We weren't disappointed. The salmon ravioli was divine and I thoroughly enjoyed the panna cotta for dessert. Also sneaked a spoonful of my friend's tiramisu which was lovely - I'll have that next time! The service was friendly and professional and although we were a group of 10, there was still an intimacy to the restaurant which was appealing. Very happy we visited and will be visiting again - very soon!

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Review by: salope (47) on 15th March 2009

Total		8.8
Food		8
Dessert		9
Presentation		9
Service		10
Environment		9
Toilets		N/A

Dining here by myself on a thursday evening was lovely. The place was doing good business despite a mishap in the kitchen which got the fire service involved. I really enjoyed my Chicken and Lemon risotto with the citrus adding a great extra level to the meal and the pasta cooked to perfection. My dessert was incredible, a little panforte was lovely and sticky but the chocolate truffle was just devine and I'm impressed I didn't fall into some type of diabetic coma due to the wonderful sugar content. The great night was rounded out by the wonderful waiter who served me - helpful, patient and cheerful - what more can you ask for?! I really liked the soft tones of the lighting and overall environment and highly recommend this place for couples or large groups or even the lonesome diner - they wont make you feel like a leper.

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