Best Italian Restaurants in Auckland
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The 11 Best Italian Restaurants in Auckland

Italian restaurants have always been perfect dining spots for family gatherings, events, and even solo dining. This is why there are dozens of Italian restaurants all over Auckland.

Don’t know which restaurant you should go to? Don’t worry because today, we are featuring the best Italian restaurants in Auckland.

We picked the ones that serve incredibly delicious food and flavoursome wines. We also chose restaurants with warm and comfortable vibes and excellent service.

If you’re ready, here are the best Italian restaurants in Auckland!

1)  Da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant

Da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant's Banner
BEST FORAuthentic Italian dining experience
SERVICESLunch
Dinner
Takeaway
WEBSITEhttp://davincirestaurant.co.nz/
ADDRESSAlbert Street branch: 87 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
City Road branch: 5 City Road, Grafton, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILSAlbert Street branch: 09-365-1266
City Road branch: 09-373-2843
OPERATING HOURSAlbert Street branch
Monday – Sunday: 11.30 AM – 8.00 PM

City Road branch
Monday – Friday: Lunch – 11.30 AM – 2.00 PM
Dinner – 5.30 PM – 8.00 PM
Saturday: 5.30 PM – 8.00 PM (Dinner)

Established in 1980, Da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant is a relaxing dining haven offering tasty meals, drinks, and desserts for lunch or dinner.

Hamburgers and fries, fettuccine mushroom, carbonara, greek salad, minestrone, and tiramisu–they’ve got everything you want, crave for, and then some.

Large groups are welcome in their Albert Street and City Road branches. So dress your best, grab a table, and enjoy talking with your loved ones over delicious food.

For your convenience, they accept cash, EFTPOS, UnionPay, Amex, VISA, and Diners as payment methods.

Highlights

  • Delicious authentic food
  • Relaxing restaurant
  • Accept cash, debit, and credit cards

Customer Reviews

One client, Mac T., said this about Da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant:

“Was beyond 5 stars. Nice chilled atmosphere,  amazing chicken fettuccine.  Staff were so friendly and didn’t break the bank. Our new go to when we in Auckland.”

2)  Prego

Prego's Banner
BEST FORWarm & friendly ambiance
SERVICESPizzas / Classics
Children’s Menu
Wine List
Takeaway
Desserts
Vegan or Vegetarian Menu
Gluten-Free Options
WEBSITEhttp://www.prego.co.nz/?view_full_site=true
ADDRESS226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS09 376 3095
OPERATING HOURSMonday – Sunday: 12.00 PM – 11.00 PM

If you want to enjoy classic Italian cuisine in a relaxing and warm atmosphere, Prego is a terrific choice! You can dine in their courtyard, bistro, or cosy bar by the fire.

They guarantee quality food made from the freshest ingredients. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available for those with special dietary needs.

The restaurant is conveniently located in Ponsonby, right in the heart of Auckland. However, you would have to book in advance if you’re coming with a larger group.

Also, their wine selection comprises local and international brands. For an authentic Italian dining experience, Prego is one of the best Italian restaurants in Auckland you can visit!

Highlights

  • Warm and friendly vibe
  • Food made from the freshest ingredients
  • Convenient location
  • Offer a variety of local and international wine brands

Customer Reviews

One customer, John P., shared his dining experience in Prego in this review:

“Customer service was amazing from the time we arrived til the time we settled the bill (quality was worth the cost). We were seated straight away and outdoor heating was perfect. Table water was being topped up without waiting to be asked and the food was fresh, tasty & hot when served. Atmosphere was great with music and lighting definitely setting the mood for an enjoyable Sunday dinner. Highly recommend this joint.”

3)  Piatti Italiani

Piatti Italiani's Banner
BEST FORFood cooked with great passion
SERVICESDine-In
Wine List
Click N’ Collect
WEBSITEhttps://www.piatti.co.nz/
ADDRESS5 Hebron Road, Waiake, Auckland 0630, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS+64 9-478 6936
OPERATING HOURSTuesday – Saturday: 5.00 PM – 8.00 PM

Piatti Italiani was opened out of a passion for Italian food. It is led by a father and son duo, Alfio and Giancarlo, serving authentic Italian meals to families, customers, and patrons.

Alfio’s mom worked in the kitchen where the aroma and flavour filled the air back in his childhood days. Alfio would like to share this wonderful experience with you through food and cooking at Piatti Italiani.

His son, Giancarlo, also enjoyed those times and helped his father set up their restaurant. Here, Giancarlo, skillfully prepares flavour-rich coffees and cocktails for diners.

You can drop by at the restaurant from Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM until 8 PM. In dining in their restaurant, you can just pull up a chair and enjoy true Italian food and great customer service.

Highlights

  • Authentic Italian meals
  • Passionate team
  • Offers Click N’ Collect option

Customer Reviews

Check out Wendy W.’s review of Piatti Italiani on Google:

“If you want to experience quality authentic Italian food you have to visit this restaurant. The food is delicious the service is second to none, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. Five stars is not enough. ?”

4)  Pasta & Cuore

Pasta & Cuore's Banner
BEST FORHandmade, fresh pasta
SERVICESPasta
Wines
WEBSITEhttps://www.pastaecuore.co.nz/
ADDRESS409 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS+64 9-630 9130
OPERATING HOURSTuesday- Saturday: 11.00 AM – 10.00 PM

If you’re thinking of having pasta for lunch or dinner, considering swinging by Pasta & Cuore.

Their pasta is made by hand and heart (from their name cuore, meaning heart in Italian) by pasta artisans using imported and local organic produce. You can watch them skillfully making pasta as you sit at their storefront tables.

They also offer takeaway orders so you can enjoy their meals in the comfort of your home with your loved ones.

Another highlight is their excellent wine selection that enhances your enjoyment while dining. In fact, they have been consistently in Metro Peugeot’s list of contenders for the Best Wine List award since 2017.

They are also included in the lists for the Best Chef and Best Neighbourhood Restaurant awards. And because of this, we consider Pasta & Cuore as one of the best Italian restaurants in Auckland.

Highlights

  • Makes fresh pasta with heart
  • Seasonal menu
  • Excellent wine selection
  • Takeaways are available

Customer Reviews

Check out this review of Pasta & Cuore from one customer named Chanel R.:

“Quality of the food and service is incredible! I literally can’t fault anything. I love the little touches of the specials written out and rolled up into a corked bottle on the table. Very cool! I am going to be dreaming about the food until I go back again. 1000% reccomend. Thank you for the wonderful experience and I’ll be back.”

5) The Proper Pizza Company

The Proper Pizza Company's Banner
BEST FOR   Vegan and thin-crust pizza
SERVICESPizza
Salads
Soups
Swiss Fondue
WEBSITEhttp://www.properpizza.co.nz/
ADDRESS12 Oconnell Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand: 
CONTACT DETAILS+64 800 365 537
OPERATING HOURSMonday – Sunday: 11:00 AM–5:00 AM

The Proper Pizza Company serves more than just the most authentic Italian thin-crust pizzas. Besides sweet and savoury pizza choices, you can also order appetisers, salads, and soups from The Proper Pizza Company.

This restaurant offers pizza with bases that are 100% vegan. Aside from the base, you can also choose non-dairy cheese for your toppings.

To cater to all types of pizza enthusiasts, The Proper Pizza Company offers its services for delivery, pick-up, and even catering services.

Highlights

  • Thin-crust pizza
  • 100% vegan pizza base
  • 2 locations offering delivery, pick-up, and catering services
  • Ten savoury and two sweet pizza choices

Customer Reviews

Here’s a Google Review to tell you more about The Proper Pizza Company’s food:

“Great service, and variations of pizza. The only place in Auckland that makes thin crust and makes the food feel authentic. Delivery was fast and dinning in was even better being placed on a small street near chancery square. Thank You so much! Try the seafood pizza when you go there! Only seafood pizza i enjoyed in Auckland.”

6) Romani Cafe

Romani Café's Banner
BEST FOR   Homey ambience
SERVICESAll-day breakfasts
Entrée / Appetizer
Pizzas
Salads
Pasta
Desserts
WEBSITEhttps://www.romanicafe.co.nz/
ADDRESS28 Fort Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS64 9-368- 4831
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSMonday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

With the owners’ rich culture, Romani Cafe serves a mix of classic Italian and Latin American cuisine. Their menu consists of all-day breakfast foods, appetisers, pizzas, salads, pasta, and desserts.

This restaurant also prides itself on its warm and welcoming ambience. But if you can’t find the time to visit Romani Cafe, you can still order delivery and enjoy their food at the comfort of your home.

They also cater to all types of customers, so you can also request vegan options for their various meals.

Highlights

  • Mix of Italian flavours and Latin American spices
  • Warm and homey ambience
  • A wide selection of menu
  • Vegan options available

Customer Reviews

Read this review that tells of Romani Cafe’s commitment to delicious food and excellent customer service:

“Love this place so much! Customer service is outstanding and the food is absolutely delicious. Caring, professional owner takes care of every single detail  El mejor pan de jamón y las mejores hallacas de Auckland!!!”

7) Papa’s Italian Eatery 

Papa’s Italian Eatery's Banner
BEST FORWine and Pasta Special
SERVICESLate Lunch, Dinner, Takeaway, Event Functions
WEBSITEhttp://www.papas1.co.nz/
ADDRESS61 Sandringham Rd, Kingsland, Auckland
CONTACT DETAILS09 849 4501
OPERATING HOURSOPENING HOURS: WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY
OPENING TIMES: 4 PM TILL LATE

Papa’s Italian Eatery is one of the restaurants in Auckland that provides authentic Italian taste at the right price. They’re known for their wide selection of pasta and pizza flavors.

You can definitely go there for a quick meal, or hire them for any event! Their function rooms are spacious and can house a lot of guests.

Simply contact them for inquiries or reservations and the staff at Papa’s Italian Eatery will be happy to accommodate you.

Highlights

  • 100% fresh
  • All natural ingredients
  • Handcrafted rustic Italian

Customer Reviews

Below are some of the reviews for Papa’s Italian Eatery, proving just how amazing their food can be.

“I came in on Saturday night, we came in for a date night. I had the pappardelle pasta and was beyond amazing. My partner had the beef lasagna which was probably the best either of us have eaten. Food here is to die for! Also great service, attentive and fun. amazing atmosphere. I can’t suggest this place enough” – Shane Turner

“Thanks for hosting our team! We had a large group of 20+ people and Papa’s did a great job in hosting us. They were quick in responding to our queries and requests via email before we arrived. The restaurant has a nice and relaxed atmosphere which we all really enjoyed. We had many different dietary requirements and other requests which they happily accommodated. The staff were friendly and food was served very quickly. Overall it was a really great experience! :)”  – Tina Fu

8) Firewood Pizza Haven 

Firewood Pizza Haven's Banner
BEST FORCombo Meals
SERVICESLunch, Dinner, Snack and Takeaways
WEBSITEhttps://www.firewoodpizzahaven.com/
ADDRESS70 Carr Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
CONTACT DETAILS[email protected]
0210 220 5053
OPERATING HOURSMon – Sun: 11am – 10pm

Firewood Pizza Haven has proven to stick true to their name, offering a haven for pizza lovers in Auckland. It’s an Italian restaurant you can bring everyone to enjoy good pizza without holing your pockets.

They offer vegetarian, chicken, red meat, and even seafood options. With a large selection to choose from, you surely won’t run out of slices to try.

Check out their combination meals to save up more, or simply get one of their flavors to taste. Head on to Firewood Pizza Haven for the ultimate pizza experience you surely won’t get anywhere else.

Highlights

  • Delicious pizza
  • Wide range of pizza flavors
  • Easy access location
  • Budget-friendly

Customer Reviews

Garnering an almost perfect 5-star rating on Google Review, here’s some of the feedbacks to prove just how amazing Firewood Pizza Haven can be:

“If you are in this Area, Must try! Seriously this is just too good. Met the owner, Greets with a smile, Served me with these Pizzas. So delicious. Please Support him, its just a hidden paradise..Love the pizzas, unique and tasty!!”

“Food was cooked to perfection. Could definitely taste the difference of Wood fired Pizza and customer service was on point. Highly recommended and will definitely be back “

“Where do I start? Pizza Haven has been my go to pizza spot for months now, Quality is always there, literally haven’t had a bad pizza yet. Dare I say the best pizza’s in Auckland…. And price wise its reasonable so win win.

If you haven’t tried them yet, you must.

PS: the chips also hit different “

9) Ristorante La Spiaggia 

Ristorante La Spiaggia's Banner
BEST FORTasty Italian Food & Large Portions
SERVICESDinner
Dessert
Drinks
Takeaway
WEBSITEhttps://laspiaggia.co.nz
ADDRESS470 Beach Road Murrays Bay, Auckland
CONTACT DETAILS475 5643
[email protected]
OPERATING HOURSTuesdays to Sundays, from 5 PM till late

Ristorante La Spiaggia is an Italian restaurant that offers fresh, high-quality food. They provide a diverse menu for diners to peruse, which includes a wide variety of dinner, drinks, and dessert.

Large portions and excellent dishes are all you can expect from them. The food is good, but the view from the restaurant is even better.

They are open starting at 4:30 pm, perfect for dinnertime. If you don’t have time to dine in, takeaway is also available. 

Highlights

  • Excellent view
  • Diverse menu
  • Fresh food
  • Experienced staff

10) Zac’s Pizzeria

Zac’s Pizzeria's Banner
BEST FORHand-rolled Pizza
SERVICEShttp://www.zacspizzeria.co.nz/menus.html
WEBSITEhttp://www.zacspizzeria.co.nz
ADDRESS84C Main Rd Kumeu 0810
CONTACT DETAILS09 412 9050 [email protected]
OPERATING HOURSTue-Sun: 5pm- Late

Established in 1986, Zac’s Pizzeria is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant that prides itself on offering great food, good value, and friendly service.

Zac’s Pizzeria makes use of authentic Italian recipes for its menu. These recipes, paired with the fresh ingredients in the Zac’s Pizzeria kitchen, result in a wide range of delicious food items that are made to order.

Some of Zac’s Pizzeria’s offerings include pizzas, pastas, and desserts. All of the pizzas are hand-rolled and made with fresh dough, so customers can rest easy knowing that each and every one of them tastes great.

Those who are unable to come in to have an excellent meal need not fret since takeaway is available six nights a week.

Highlights

  • Pizza and non-pizza options available
  • All pizza dishes are hand-rolled and made with fresh dough
  • Quick service
  • Dine-in and takeaway available

11) Venosa

Venosa's Banner
BEST FORAuthentic Italian Cuisine
SERVICEShttps://www.venosarestaurant.com/venosakingsland
WEBSITEhttps://www.venosarestaurant.com
ADDRESS480 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021
CONTACT DETAILS[email protected]
+64 9 815 6644
OPERATING HOURSTue – Sat: 5:30 PM – 9:30PM
Sun – Mon: Closed

Next on our list is an Italian restaurant named after the small town of Venosa in Southern Italy.

Venosa opened its doors to the public with one simple goal in mind: To provide a place where people can eat pasta, drink wine, and have fun. While many years have since passed, Venosa’s goal remains the same.

Currently, Venosa has built up a reputation for providing diners with exquisite food and service. The menu features numerous mouthwatering dishes, all offering a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.

Some dishes to note are Arancini, Melanzane Fritte, and a delicious Rigatoni with nonna’s slow-cooked pork ragu! Diners are free to pair it with the various wines that Venosa has to offer.

The joys that Venosa has to offer doesn’t stop there, though. While dining at Venosa, diners are also treated to world-class service, with each and every staff member professional, polite, and friendly.

They work to ensure that every customer is satisfied after dining. They’re quick on their feet and help ensure quick service.

Highlights

  • Various wine options available
  • Closed on Sundays and Mondays
  • Excellent customer service

And there you have it for the best Italian restaurants in Auckland. Rest assured, you will have a great and pleasant dining experience at these restaurants.

Have you decided which restaurant to go to from our list? If so, share your answer with us in the comments below!