Spiga in Remuera Earns 17/20 in NZ Herald Review for Modern Italian Menu

Spiga, a modern Italian restaurant located in Remuera, Auckland, has received a strong critical response following a review published on April 2026 by NZ Herald’s Jesse Mulligan, who awarded the restaurant a score of 17 out of 20, citing it as the best meal he has eaten this year.

High Rating Reflects Strong Critical Reception

The review positions Spiga among the top-performing restaurants in the local dining scene, with Mulligan highlighting both the quality of execution and the balance between tradition and innovation. The 17/20 rating signals a high level of consistency across food, service, and overall dining experience, placing the restaurant in a competitive tier within Auckland’s Italian dining segment.

According to the review, Spiga delivers a menu that remains rooted in Italian culinary traditions while incorporating modern interpretations. This approach was described as being “authentic where it matters but inventive where it doesn’t,” reflecting a strategy that blends familiarity with creativity.

Menu Combines Classic Italian Dishes With Contemporary Variations

The restaurant’s offering includes a mix of classic Italian dishes alongside more contemporary preparations, with pricing indicating a mid-to-premium positioning. Among the highlighted dishes are vitello tonnato priced at $25 and veal tagliatelle at $34, both noted for their quality and execution.

Other menu items referenced in the review include Tagliolini carbonara di mare ($38), Cacio e pepe pizza ($26), and tiramisu ($14), along with smaller offerings such as prosciutto and chickpea fritters. The pricing structure suggests a focus on elevated casual dining, targeting customers seeking refined cuisine without entering the fine-dining price bracket.

Location and Dining Format

Spiga operates from Shop 1/E/415 Remuera Road in Remuera, a suburb known for its established dining and retail environment in Auckland. The restaurant’s positioning within this location aligns with a clientele that typically supports premium casual and upscale dining formats.

The venue is described as offering a dining atmosphere that is both refined and accessible, indicating an emphasis on comfort alongside quality. Service standards were also positively noted in the review, contributing to the overall assessment of the restaurant’s performance.

Balancing Authenticity and Innovation

A key theme identified in the review is Spiga’s ability to maintain authenticity in its core culinary techniques while selectively introducing modern elements. This dual approach reflects a broader trend in the restaurant industry, where operators aim to preserve traditional flavours while adapting to evolving consumer expectations.

The inclusion of both classic Italian preparations and inventive variations suggests a menu strategy designed to appeal to a wide demographic, from traditional diners to those seeking more contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine.

Current Standing in Auckland’s Dining Market

The positive review adds to Spiga’s visibility within Auckland’s competitive restaurant sector, particularly in the Italian cuisine category. While the review does not provide operational data such as seating capacity or expansion plans, the strong critical endorsement may contribute to increased customer interest in the short term.

As of April 2026, Spiga continues to operate at its Remuera location, offering a modern Italian menu that has now gained recognition from a major local publication. The review underscores the restaurant’s positioning as a high-quality dining option within the area, supported by both its menu composition and service delivery.