Best Italian Restaurants in New Zealand

When the moon hits your eye.. whether it's pizza, pasta or gelato, there's just something about Italian food that is good for the soul! And with so many awesome Italian restaurants in New Zealand serving up delicious, flavoursome homemade bowls of pasta and wood fired pizzas, it can be hard to find the very best near your town. That's why we've gathered together the Italian restaurants locals are recommending throughout New Zealand. Want to eat Italian locally right now? Check out favourite picks in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch from locals in the know. Plus if you have a favourite Italian restaurant in your area, why not share your recommendation on their  Localist listing so other locals can discover the delights too! Bellissimo!

I was stoked to try Papa’s new pasta menu. My venison ragu was thickly flavoured thanks to its rich, tomato base and my husband’s crab dish was also excellent. Papa’s is one of Auckland’s most relaxing Italian restaurants and an awesome Sandringham hub to sit back and relax with a glass of red after a good feed on Friday night. Thanks to Gail and her team of passionate local foodies.

This place is amazing. The extensive menu, rich flavours and generous portions are a food lovers dream. I got the Filetto ai Funghi last time which was ridiculously yum, perfectly cooked steak and a rich creamy mushroom sauce. And it was only $32 - pretty good for a steak I reckon! Also the chef makes the pasta and gelato by hand; as well as his own sausages, bacon and cured meats.

Most fantastic authentic Italian Pizzas in New Zealand - bar none! Good selection of wines, great friendly service, plus they have a real atmosphere of style about the place.

All local ladies should get a pass-out at least twice a year to visit this iconic Auckland restaurant with their best gal pals. It's where my friends and I often come for a raucously entertaining girls' night out because Gina's never fails to disappoint all of the senses. You see, when authentic Italian dishes are served up by some of the sexiest waiters in the city you just can't go wrong. And even though I love Gina's traditional ravioli con pollo more than life itself, the eye candy is even better and is the real reason my friends and I make a regular night of it at this Symonds St gem. Plus they now offer BYOW every night so you can also rock up with your favourite vino and pay just $10 corkage. Now that's the definition of loving local!

There are some great seafood offerings at this restaurant in downtown Mount Maunganui. I personally recommend the Gamberi fritti - Tiger prawns & scampi served with a giardiniera salsa. Cooked to perfection they are a seafood party for your tastebuds and are offered in entree or mains size. They also do an awesome seafood chowder served with sourdough and fluffy chilli prawns.

A modern, elegant Italian restaurant in central Cambridge. Exceptional staff and beautiful food with all my favourite flavours: sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, truffle oil, parmesan… expect the best! Find them 43-45 Victoria St.

Vegetarians will love Milano’s Greek pizza - with feta, olives, red onion, baby spinach, and fresh garlic. If you are a mozzarella aficionado, then you’ll find yourself in your happy place here. If you’re feeling extra hungry, try the Milano special - packed and topped with everything possible on it. YUM!

Hop on down to Vetro in Ahuriri and pick up one of Paolo most delicious freshly baked Italian-styled breads – they often change however the savoury parmedana and sage shortbread was out of this world. The goods are on the counter most weekends, but a warning to late risers – get in early because they run out the door.

Arborio has won my heart as one of the best Italian restaurant that I’ve been to. I actually have a new favourite dish here; the creamy balsamic mushrooms with feta and rocket pesto (if you’re feeling naughty they also let you add bacon). Arborio have even won an excellence award this year for their quality beef and lamb! Another benefit of this restaurant is that they have enough space to host a wedding of up to 170 people seated, and it would be such a beautiful reception with the views; and of course the food!

If you want to taste authentic Italian cusine look no further than il Capo. Their yummy wood fired pizzas and creamy pastas are delicious! Located in a sunny courtyard in the Summerhill shopping center which makes for great outdoor dining in the summer. Finish off your meal with their amazing Tiramisu and you will leave wanting to come back again next week!

If you're in the small town of Martinborough for the day and looking for a healthy bite to eat you really can't go past Pinocchio, this is real home cooking with an elegant twist! The next thing on my list to try is the roast beetroot salad which looks amazing! Their prices are reasonable for such amazing food that you know is as fresh as it gets.

Definitely the best Pizza in Nelson - a light thin soft crust, the toppings are simple (i.e not too many things on one pizza) but there is always plenty of it. Highly flavoursome and great for sharing, and very well priced. And especially good - order one for delivery to the Free House and enjoy it with a craft beer. Perfect.

Nicolini's is by far my most favourite restaurant in wellington. The food is delicious, the onda is perfect and the staff are very professional. By what keeps me going back is really the garlic bread, nothing else compares it is by far the best I have ever had in my life. I couldn't recommend it enough!

Cosa Nostra is my favourite Italian restaurant in Wellington!

The food is authentic, affordable and delicious and there is definitely something for everyone! I always enjoy the warm welcome I receive when I walk in to the restaurant. The service is excellent and the team at Cosa Nostra are always ready to serve with a smile! 

The atmosphere is always warm, friendly and inviting. I love the lighting and the music, particularly when it's performed live - a special treat! 

If you want a place that's bursting with character, I recommend that you visit my friends at Cosa Nostra Italian Trattoria.

Porto Bello doesn’t just make amazing pasta, antipastos, steak and other Italian delights, but they make a mean pizza. Which isn’t a surprise from an Italian restaurant! This Buller restaurant is a must visit.

Big portions are the order of the day at Tutto Bene, an Italian restaurant based in the heart of Merivale. The setting is truly amazing and very authentic, and you’ll always feel welcome by the Italian staff.

A great family restaurant, and you guessed it- it is Dunedin’s best Italian. Pizza and pasta galore, even the staff are Italian! Great value and great food, you really get a bang for your buck. Make sure you order the Penne Al Verde- a parmesan, pine nut, basil penne pasta that melts in the mouth and you will truly think you have been taken to Italy.

This place is so popular you’ll be lucky to get a seat if you don’t book ahead. The Italian food here is truly authentic and the Italian wine list is impressive. My favourite dishes are the gnocchi and tiramisu - classic Italian dishes!

For a taste of Italy in Te Anau, I recommend Cafe La Dolce Vita. The desserts are a real highlight here and if I had it my way I would order desserts for all three courses (yes, they’re THAT good!). Try the Red velvet roulade and House made limoncello gelato. You won’t be disappointed!

The ultimate comfort food restaurant, La Toscana is a true Italian style restaurant where the food is cooked with utmost respect for quality ingredients and huge flavours. The pizza at La Toscana is a reflection of true Italian cooking, everything is prepared fresh using quality local and imported ingredients to create an array of pizza, pasta and home-made desserts.

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