History
The Dautaj Restaurant was first established as an elegant Victorian mansion with 10½ foot ceilings built in 1855 as a residential estate. The restaurant was converted to an inn in the early 1900’s. In the 60’s the Wilson family took control and opened The Warwick Inn restaurant. The restaurant stayed in the Wilson family until 2006 when the Dautaj family took ownership. The restaurant is now under new ownership and is continuing to serve Italian cuisine while maintaining its traditional decor.
When you dine at or visit The Dautaj you may feel as if you have been sent back in time to the Victorian era. The restaurant’s décor and furnishings include 3 fireplaces, many antiques and fine art, especially the Mystic Room, one of several locations within the restaurant that makes the Dautaj a wonderful place to go for a romantic evening or more upscale dining in a classic setting.
Just as you may feel you've been transported back in time to another era, you will also feel right at home at The Dautaj. The decor, although formal in some instances, lends itself to a more contemporary and modern feeling, especially the larger dining area and lively bar where a white grand piano and regular music bring the restaurant to life - all providing an upbeat scene amidst a traditional ambiance.
The restaurant is also ideal for dining alfresco, with a long porch, a tiki bar, well manicured grounds, umbrellas and ample tables outdoors that provide the perfect setting for any dining experience. Here you can watch the bustle of Warwick, cars heading to and from main street, while enjoying Warwick's fine weather from spring through mid autumn.
Food and Wine
The cuisine at The Dautaj is mainly Italian but you can also order New York steaks, lamb and seafood. Many of the dishes reflect Northern Italian Cuisine, with the emphasis on richer sauces. You will find many favorite dishes at the Dautaj, including the New Zealand Rack of Lamb, served with homemade risotto and prepared in a barolo wine sauce or the delicious Penne Vodka and other delectable pasta dishes. The meats are always very tender as the restaurant uses only prime quality beef and veal while the fish is brought in daily from the market.