Gioia is the Italian word for joy, because good food is all about happiness!
THE CHEF'S
STORY
"I travelled around the world and saw Italian food adapted to something other than what I grew up with. For this reason I decided to create dishes that preserve the real soul of Italian cuisine with a refined approach."
"
Chef Gabriele Marangoni
The Chef
Gabriele Marangoni - Executive Chef
Gabriele was born in Bologna Italy. Known as the beating heart of Italian cuisine, Emilia Romagna is the home of Parmigiano Reggiano, sparkling Lambrusco wine, Modena balsamic vinegar and Prosciutto di Parma.
Working from a young age in his family’s restaurant in the region, Gabriele acquired a deep passion for the best and most authentic Italian cuisine. He refined his culinary skills in Italian restaurants across Europe – in Vienna, Rotterdam and Strasbourg – then returned to Bologna to work in traditional Italian restaurants like Ciacco and Antica Trattoria dell Gigina before moving to New Zealand in 2016.
He has now now made his mark in Auckland for the past 10 years, specialising in authentic yet refined Italian dishes, many from the Emilia Romagna region where he was born. In 2024 Gabriele was chosen to to establish the highly reviewed Italian Restaurant Alla Prossima for Auckland's Abstract Hotel
Accolades
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HM Awards, Highly Commended Best Hotel Chef and Restaurant Alla Prossima, Abstract Hotel 2024
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Gambero Rosso International Top Italian Restaurants "two forks rating" 2022, 2023.
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Metro Top 50 Best Restaurants 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
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Winner Iconic 100 Auckland Eats, Best Dish 2021, 2023
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Metro Best Chef Finalist 2018 & 2019.
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Slow Food Auckland Snail of Approval 2019.
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Cuisine New Zealand Good Food Awards "One Hat Rating" 2017 & 2018.
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Winner best Italian Desserts Contest "Das süße Leben" (Vienna) 2015.
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Semi-finalist "World Pizza Challenge", Auckland 2015
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Winner - Best of Seafood Festival Auckland 2015.
THE REAL ITALIAN LONG LUNCH ... SERVED AT YOUR TABLE ...
Perfect for bringing together your clients, team, or inner circle this event season.
Start with an aperitivo on us and enjoy a
Long-lunch the Italian way, with flavours that celebrate the warmer seasons .