A family run Italian restaurant on Birkenhead Avenue with a wood-fired pizza oven, house made pasta and a kids menu that comes with gelato. Abruzzo was started by husband and wife Alex and Blagica, who bring their love of Italian food and years in Auckland's dining scene to the room. The website says Nanna sometimes lends a hand. The menu covers wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, risotto, antipasto, the restaurant's signature dishes, and gelato. The room suits couples, families and groups of up to 40 people, and the restaurant takes bookings by phone on (09) 4184202.
The website describes the room as intimate, with staff who welcome people new to Italian food as well as regulars. Abruzzo is at 13 Birkenhead Avenue, and it is a practical choice for a family dinner or a group celebration on the North Shore.