The smiling, red-Vespa-riding host of Volare, Luigi Barattieri, is Italy’s loss and Tauranga’s gain. The two-storey Volare has more than a hint of Tuscan farmhouse with its high, exposed beams ceiling. But never mind the décor, the Italian dishes are what you’d expect of a restauranteur with a string of popular restaurants behind him.
Cuisine’s restaurants guide gives Volare a special recommendation, saying the dishes have 'a contemporary edge offering such pastas as home-made black spaghetti with clams and prawns in a sauce of garlic, cherry tomatoes and lemon.’ Open Mon - Sat, Dinner from 5 pm. Lunch on Friday - Saturday 11.30am - 2.30pm. Licensed with a good wine list including Italian labels.
85 The Strand, Tauranga. (07) 578 6030
