I personally celebrated when Auckland's Portofino made an appearance in Christchurch. The chain has a long history of polished restaurant service and excellent, well-priced fare. In Christchurch, it has established a sexy little restaurant -- all mood and mirrors -- with a bountiful wine display, cute Italian waiters, and all the edible favorites from calzone and linguini through scampi, veal, scallops, prawns, and pastas.
