Photo credit: Concrete Playground

There is a strong possibility that the food and service at Gina’s is as bad as my italian.

Not too long ago Gina’s shifted to a larger premises further along Symonds Street and unfortunately it seems that its former, chaotic, over-the-top but lovable charm got lost in the move.

The website says: “We serve fabulous Italian food – including a great range of pizzas – with exuberant service in the genuine style that is generous italian hospitality.”

I apologise in advance for what may constitute as a rant, however food establishments have two core qualities that can redeem the failure of the other; great service and fantastic food. Gina’s I’m sorry to say failed on both counts.

Fabulous italian food – Negative.

I ordered a tough and gristly, fat laden lamb ragu while one of my dining companions had a lack lustre flabby pork belly, which I might add had been specially recommended by the waiter. However I think it was the long black hair in the pizza that really topped it off. Yes, my friend was offered a replacement pizza, not however before the waiters huddled in the back kitchen, analysed and dissected the pizza, all whilst throwing conspiratory glances our way. Five minutes later, a waiter approached our table and conceded with a sigh that yes indeed there was a hair in the pizza – would we like a replacement? Do you really need to ask?

Exuberant service in the genuine style that is generous italian hospitality - Negative.

When my group initially arrived we waited at the front desk for about 5 minutes in a limbo land of floating bodies, some were coming, some were going – no one knew what was going on. When we were finally seated we briskly ordered some wine. 15 minutes later, I knew the menu inside out but still had no wine let alone a glass of water. After a ‘friendly’ reminder our wine finally arrived a full 20 minutes post arrival. Further requests for additional drink orders throughout the meal were equally impromptu and required reminders. I had to ask for a dessert menu despite sitting at a cleared table for 15 minutes. Perhaps I should have simply donned an apron and fetched some tiramasu for myself?

Gina’s you’ve changed.

Overall rating: 3/10

• Location: 5
• Value: 4
• Service: 1
• Quality: 3
• Environment: 5
• X-Factor: 0

Gina’s Italian Kitchen, 161 Symonds Street, Auckland,