Craving a taste of Italy without the plane ticket? Look no further than Wellington's vibrant Italian food scene. From long-standing eateries with near cult status to newcomers offering modern Italian fusion, there's something to satisfy every craving. So grab your fork and get ready to indulge in the best Italian cuisine Wellington has to offer.
Here are the best Italian restaurants in Wellington.
1154 Pastaria
132 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: 1154 Pastaria | Instagram
Comforting bowls of pasta await you at 1154 Pastaria and we're a little bit besotted with the fact they describe each type of pasta because sometimes it's a big, tube pasta kind of day whereas other days demand short coils—facts. And if you're gluten-free or vegan, there's pasta for you too (just note: if you're gluten-free and vegan, you're better off hitting one of their salads which, we'll have you know are just as bangin'. P.s. Every Thursday is Gnocchi Gnight where you can score gnocchi, a roll and a tap wine or beer for $32 (and, yes, that extra G is absolutely intentional).
Cico Cacio Osteria
167 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington
Image credit: Cico Cacio | Instagram
If you’re looking for authentic Italian AND a vibe, Cico Cacio should should be a top choice for date night. It has regular live music, a crackling fire place, quirky and rustic decor AND a menu that’ll transport you to Rome. The primi (first course) selection has all the expected pastas with not so expected ingredients—such as the Gnocchi with pecorino fondue and Fettuccine Amatriciana with guanciale. Save space for the secondi (second course) where hearty dishes like the slow-cooked pork belly and fish wrapped in prosciutto will fill your tummy and your soul.
Pizza Napoli
1 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Pizza Napoli | Instagram
Specializing in wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, this family-run pizzeria has a die-hard fan base who swear by its light crusts, fresh ingredients and warm service. Their menu features classic toppings like Funghi, Prosciutto, and Pepperoni, but for a few extra dollars, try their special pizzas, like the Pescatore (a seafood lover's dream) or the Positano (with a creamy base and prosciutto di Parma). If you're looking for more than pizza, their extensive menu offers a good selection of pastas, calzones, desserts and a bambino section featuring smaller portions for kids.
Scopa
141 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Scopa | Instagram
Located on the corner of the busy intersection of Manners and Ghuznee Street, Scopa is the perfect place to perch solo on a barstool, sip on a glass of vino (or their very famous Italian hot chocolate) and watch the world go by. It also has pretty good food if that’s your thing. Although it oozes with a hipster vibe, the menu is pretty down-to-earth. Sectioned into Pizza, Small, From the Oven, Fresh, Fried, Desserts, you’ll find something for everyone - whether it’s small snacks, thin and slightly charred pizzas, heavier dishes like the spinach and ricotta filled pastas, fried chicken, burgers or salads and deserts. But we won’t judge if you just come here for their hot chocolate. Creamy, comforting and thick enough to scoop out with a spoon, we’ll keep telling ourselves it’s a drink not dessert.
Pizza Pomodoro
Ground Floor 13 Leeds St, Te Aro, Wellington
Image credit: Pizza Pomodoro | Facebook
Tucked down the food alley known as Leeds Street is an informal pizzeria which provides quick, authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas courtesy of Chef Massimo from Naples. Make your order and then watch in awe as the fresh dough is cooked to perfection. Within 60-90 seconds your pizza will emerge from the wood-fired oven soft and chewy. Don’t be surprised by how “floppy” it is - simply fold to eat, just like they do in Italy! While Chef Massimo calls it an art, it’s also free entertainment. Primarily a takeaway but if you like your pizza with a cold one, the bar next door, Goldings Free Dive, not only sells a great range of craft beers but also takes Pizza Pomodoro orders.
Fratelli
15 Blair Street, Wellington
Image credit: Frateli | Instagram
If you’re wanting something a little fancy that’s big on service and freshness yet small(ish) on the budget, The Fratelli Feast is a good way to start your week (available Mondays and Tuesdays). For $55 this legendary deal gets you three exquisite courses of modern Italian cuisine—read traditional cooking styles which make use of seasonal fresh produce—meaning you’ll always get something fresh. Any day of the week you’ll be able to get wood-fired pizzas, homemade pastas, char-grilled lamb backstrap or fish of the day. For those who want something meaty, a plethora of vegetarian options and plenty of dolce for those who like their endings sweet.
Bongusto Pasta Workshop & Cafe
37 Miramar Ave, Miramar, Wellington
Image credit: Bongusto | Instagram
Nolita
203 Cuba Street, Wellington
Image credit: Nolita | Instagram
You know the food passes muster when your meat-eating friends actually ask to go to a plant-based restaurant. The first of its kind in New Zealand, Nolita is located on the buzzy part of Cuba Street and they make sure plant-based doesn’t equal boring. They make freshly baked sourdough daily and in-house cashew mozzarella used in their Romanian-style pizzas and Spaghetti Carbonara. It’s a social vibe so there are plenty of sharing plate options and they’ve always got deals and events in the works. Check out their $15 lunch deals and $20 pasta and pizza nights.
Araucaria
462 Adelaide Road, Wellington
Image credit: Araucaria | Instagram
A collaboration between Chilean chef Matias and his partner French pastry chef Deborah who met post-COVID in New Zealand, Araucaria is an Italian-Chilean-French inspired eatery located a short drive from town in Berhampore. Matias, who used to run a pizzeria in Chile takes great pride in his thin-crust pizza using 72-hour fermented dough which results in an airy base with plenty of crunch. The gnocchi, made in small batches and slow-cooked for four hours in a pomodoro (tomato) sauce has a melt-in-the-mouth texture. Takeaway, or if you have time, get the rustic experience dining in the plant-filled restaurant (their name translates to evergreen tree), not forgetting to save some space for an Italian tiramisu or French-style chocolate mousse.
La Bella Italia
10 Nevis Street, Petone, Lower Hutt
Image credit: La Bella Italia | Instagram
A one-stop-shop which offers cooking classes, catering, Italian specialty products and even organises food tours to Italy, the menu at La Bella Italia takes advantage of their access to authentic Italian specialty ingredients from different regions ensuring you get the full Italian flavours in every dish. Open morning to night, you can have Panino—Italian sandwiches made from fresh rolls or focaccia for breakfast or indulge over lunch and dinner with their very extensive menu featuring pizza, pasta, whole fish and meats and and sharing plates. For those who like their seafood, there are pastas and whole fish to be shared by up to three people. Take your time for a leisurely meal—most meals come with owner Antonio’s wine match suggestions. Their dessert cabinet is also drool-worthy with daily baked specials and a range of gelatos.
Italian not your thing? Check out the best cafes in Wellington.
Main image credit: 1154 Pastaria.