"About 20 minutes from downtown New Plymouth and fairly new to the Taranaki coast is Toret - Cucina Italiana, located in Ōakura. Co-owner Nicolo' Vogliotti and head chef Victor Lussier Choquette are serving pared-back Italian dishes that rely on the superb produce the region has to offer. The menu is small and thoughtful, with a minimum of fuss and an indication of technical know- how, including a nod to ingredients that form long lasting and successful relationships. Duck liver pate ties the knot with Marsala poached pears, while smoky octopus nestles alongside baby potatoes, black olives, celery, parsley and mayonnaise. Beautifully braised cheek is partnered with mushrooms, truffle and silken ribbons of Pappardelle, and Nicolo's semifreddo tart of dark chocolate, macadamia praline and vanilla creme fraiche forms a blissful threesome that demands to be eaten with great gusto. The pizza is also exceptional."

Cuisine Magazine - 206 - 7/2021