As things become less hectic Rosa and Cosimo Criniti have been visiting the Keira Street eatery regularly because the family want to keep make the dining experience better for Illawarra customers.

Many of the family recipes are Mrs Criniti’s own. And she is particular about them being cooked and served the way she has always done.

She said the reputation of the restaurant was really important and they want to learn from their mistakes. So she and the family have been listening to customer feedback for the last three months. And one of the things they have noted are the comments about the size of the menu and meals.

As a result they have introduced a first in the state for Wollongong by adapting a new smaller easier to read lunch menu. It features smaller portions and new items such as pizzette, focaccia, bruschetta and a Criniti’s cannelloni pasta dish from $13.90. 

Criniti’s has introduced a pre-ordering program for corporates and is launching a pre-order program for people that want to come in at lunch but don’t want to spend time waiting to order. 

Children also eat free on Saturday and Sundays.

Along with the one, two and three metre wood-fired pizzas Criniti’s Wollongong is also welcoming bigger groups for special celebrations. And looking to offer gnocchi masterclasses with Mama Rosa herself.

Since opening nearly four months ago Criniti’s has also take note of Wollongong’s best sellers. And is  surprised the three metre pizza has not been as popular as in some other restaurants where they are popular for parties. 

Top 5 Wollongong dishes at Criniti’s and Wollongong:

Mrs Criniti wasn’t surprised the gnocchi came in at the top of the list.

“During the first week we just couldn’t keep up with the gnocchi,” she said.

Mr Criniti said the family was the first to admit there are things that need to be improved after the very busy start and that is what they are doing.

New Criniti’s lunch menu a first for NSW