Maria Pia's Trattoria, Wellington

Went last week and have been going on and off since it opened as a visitor from England working here. I have spent a lot of time in Italy and can only think those who do not rate it have never to Italy. It is really authentic, the food is wonderful. The atmosphere is great with our hostess making everything relaxed. When eating in Italy nothing is rushed and the drinks do not arrive as soon as you sit down but follow soon and everything follows at a leisurely pace. If people want fast they now where to get it.

They were lovely people and treated us like one of the family. The food was out of the world and we could really sense it came from Maria's heart.

I had high expectations for this restaurant based on reviews that I had read online. Unfortunately it lived up to none of the hype. The service was poor, with the staff seemingly wanting to push us through quickly even though it was a quiet Wednesday. The food was bland, particuarly the meatballs. It is doubtful that the Marinated lamb was even marinated, let alone lamb. More likely it was Hogget or Mutton. The wine was good, however due to the speed that we were pushed through we only had time to get through one bottle. All in all it was a let down. This place has been over hyped. There are many restaurnats in Wellington in this price range that are superior in all facets. Usually I return to a restaurant after an average experience, however I am making an exception in this case...

I love Maria Pias restaurant. It's a wonderful place with amazing food that never fails me. The owners are passionate about their food and it shows. The ambiance is lovely. A bit like being in a lovely home with a friendly atmosphere and a nice fire in the middle. The wine list is great too. Richard has taken great care to bring many obscure Italians wines as well as offer up some tasty NZ ones. I highly recommend this restaurant.

If you have ever been to Italy and enjoyed the Italian dining experience then you can't help but enjoy Maria Pia's. Our first experience was a drop in for a quick meal on the way home and we were captured by the buzzy atmosphere plus the food was quality Italian. Our regret was we did not linger longer. Taking friends the second time the night was even better. Within five minutes we were swapping stories of how much it was like dining in Italy. The host's infectious love of food and "I will look after you" was matched by wonderful freshly made pasta entree to share. We all enjoyed our mains and the recommended Puglia red good value for money. We will be back often.

I was taken to Maria Pias by someone who was enthused about the place and goes there all the time. I can only assume his taste buds are non existant. The minestrone soup was a stew, the bolognase tasteless and dry. The tiramasu was oversoaked, overpriced and well over-rated. The service was haphazard. At once point we had two waiters. Then we couldn't find even one. Don't go. Stay home.

I would agree with the other 2 reviews. I was so looking forward to visiting this place but was greatly disappointed. The service was a shocker with the rude waitress and hey our drinks didn't arrive till our entrees.. not nice when you are paying more than the average price. The food was dull and pretty boring not the hype that you read about. Just a big disappointment really. Won't be going back.

We went to the above restaurant for a wonderful nite out..what a dissapointment!! Service was shocking..waited 15 mins after ordering our wine and still no drinks had appeared...after not receiving or hearing where our drinks were at we were advised that the wine we ordered was not in stock however not one of the staff had advised us of this. My partners main meal came out cold, once reheated it cam back hot however the pasta and seafood had been over heated this time and was tough. All in all not a good experience - the maitre'd did offer to not charge us for the main that was less than ideal however while we were explaining our bad experience to him, the two waiters were laughing behind our backs and smirking - VERY UNPROFESSIONAL and we will certainly not be returning.