Non Solo Pizza Lovingly Modernised
Non Solo Pizza. The Italian institution in the heart of Parnell for 24 years has been restored, modernised and brought into the 2020’s. An Auckland institution with the best courtyard this side of Palermo is relaunching this week with a brand new look, new menu, new cocktails and a new wine list. All under the meticulous eye of Christopher Rendell.
Known as a wunderkind chef at legendary New York restaurant Public and then founder of Flinders Lane in Connecticut. Alongside Lucien Law, Rendell has come to New Zealand to oversee the restaurants and eateries in the growing Savor Group stable. He’s firmly at the helm of the NSP revamp and menu refresh.
“It’s bold and vibrant. Modern Italian. Some classics updated. We’ve added in a whole lot of new flavours, techniques and ingredients. Simple and fresh.” Says Rendell.
“Expect Char grilled Octopus, baby potatoes, celery, saffron, olive and salsa verde. Lobster Crostini, squid aioli, pickled chili, fennel and mint. Seafood platter – with poached prawns, crudo, raw oysters, smoked Warehou dip, pinzimonio and crostini. Scampi Linguine, with cherry tomatoes, chili, pangrattato, scampi bisque. Chicken cotoletta, kale & red onion salad, thyme, citrus. Ricotta, spinach & porcini Rotolo, tomato, fried sage – a baked pasta dish hailing from the region of Emilia Romagna, at the top of the Italian boot. We’re taking the best of New Zealand ingredients and giving them a very Non Solo spin.”
But even though there’s plenty of new in the updated NSP – there’s still a wealth of experience in the building. Over 26 years of experience. Cristiano, originally from Mantova in the North of Italy, leads the waiter team and has been making lunches and dinners run smoothly for 11 years. Chef Daniel has been in the NSP kitchen for 9 years and Michael originally from Pistoia, Tuscany returns to manage the venue. And fans of the cocktails will be pleased to hear that three-year veteran Raf is still leading out the bar. He’s taken the renovation time to rethink and refresh the cocktail list. A totally new offering is waiting with Italian classics and modern takes on classics. With a menu totally dedicated to the Negroni and a Prosecco Ramos finished with a foam made from Burrata water. Perfect for the legendary Non Solo Aperitivo hour which continues every day at NSP. Complimentary, freshly shucked oysters and small bites from the menu will be passed around in the bar and Osteria between 5 and 7pm. Or take you for a drink into the courtyard.
Along with the entire interior, Auckland’s most coveted courtyard has been transformed by Paul Izzard and his award-winning team. Evocative green and white striped banquet seating, marble tables, more planting – makes you feel transported to a Tuscan garden far from central Auckland. A perfect place for a long Italian style lunch with friends and family.
Soon to launch NSP Italian Long Lunch will make Non Solo Pizza the place to lunch on Saturday and Sundays. A family style long lunch with shared dishes washed down with flowing Aperol Spritz and ice cold Peroni.
Non Solo Pizza 2020 is reopen Wednesday – Saturday 11am until late and Sundays 11am until 5pm.
See you at NSP. Life is too short to not eat well.
