ABOUT US | ADRIATICO RESTAURANT

It was in 1989 that – smitten with itchy feet syndrome – I came to New Zealand and settled in Auckland. I was looking not merely for a future in the restaurant trade (in which I had already gained a good deal of experience) – but for far more than that; my ambition was to achieve a satisfying lifestyle.

After adding some New Zealand experience to my European background, it was only natural that I should pursue my ideal of starting a restaurant in this beautiful country. And so, Ristorante Adriatico was opened in 1992. The reason for the name? Simply that it was a happy reminder of times spent in the carefree days of my youth on the shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Food – yes, food – has always been an important part of my life. (Just look at me and you’ll see what I mean.) Food is important to everyone, of course, not least to my family. And, as to my family, I have to say that Adriatico would not and could not be what it is today without my family, to each of whom I owe a deep debt of thanks: my father, who helps with the business side of things, my mother who is an expert dessert chef, and my wife, who waits at table. My brother, too, was part of the team for several years initially. If, as he and I have always believed, we were to serve food, good food, carefully cooked and presented, and serve it with a smile we couldn’t go wrong; and so it has turned out. Service with a smile has always been our motto. These, I’m sure, are the reasons why Adriatico boasts the longest continuous ownership of any restaurant in Henderson. And it is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the Auckland area.

I have to admit that I’m one of the luckiest people in the world, for I love my work, I love my restaurant, and I wish for no other lifestyle. But none of this would have been possible without – my customers, you’d call them – but I call them my friends, for that is exactly what so many of them have become. And I’m grateful to them all.

ADRIATICO’S MISSION

It’s simple. Good food, a warm ambience, and friendly service with a smile. To be sure, Adriatico has never set out to get business by cutting prices, yet on the other hand we can assert with pride and confidence that what we offer is value for money.

ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE

Large enough to cater for large groups, small enough for intimacy, Adriatico caters for all needs. And we offer a very wide menu choice. So-whether you are planning a business function, your child’s birthday party or an intimate candle-lit tête-à-tête – Adriatico is the perfect choice. Adriatico is open for dinner seven nights a week and for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays and other days by arrangement. And yes, we do take – aways too.

Thank you for reading about Adriatico. My staff and I look forward to serving you, and I am confident that you will be delighted.

Sincerely
DIMITAR KARDULA