Craving a richly flavoured spaghetti or tasty Pizza Margherita? If so, you’re on the right page, as we’ve gathered the best Italian restaurants in Hamilton here for you.

We chose the ones that serve authentic Italian dishes that are just to die for. Second, we chose those with a cosy and relaxed atmosphere as well as friendly and nice staff.

So let’s get started, here are the best Italian restaurants in Hamilton!

1)  Portofino

Portofino is an Italian restaurant business started by brothers, Kiro and Gino. It now has many locations around the North Island, including in Hamilton, Auckland and Wellington.

They serve delicious and simple Italian dishes with a Northern influence, all of them made from either local ingredients fresh from the market or imported from Europe.

You’ll delight in the cosy and welcoming ambience of the restaurant. This complements both the food and service to give you a wonderful dining experience every time!

They believe in showcasing classic Italian hospitality, so you’ll definitely feel comfy while indulging in your cravings! So if you want to do some Italian food tripping, drop by soon at Portofino Hamilton restaurant.

Highlights

• Northern Italian dishes
• Delicious and simple food
• Cosy and welcoming atmosphere
• Hospitable service

Customer Reviews

Ken Tsangyum, one guest, said this of Portofino Italian restaurant:

“If you’re looking for a good Italian restaurant then Portofino will not disappoint. With a good selection of wine and a menu to match, its pretty hard to fault.

Highly respectful and very attentive staff make the dinning experience very enjoyable.

The price reflects the quality and the quality is high.

Still one of my favorite restaurants in Hamilton.”

2)  Caffé Centrale

Awarded Heritage Status for the Mediterranean diet by UNESCO, Caffe Centrale is one of the top go-tos and best Italian restaurants in Hamilton.

They serve irresistible traditional Italian meals prepared by Chef Marco Scarpa. The establishment itself is an Italian-owned and -run restaurant, so there’s no question everything is authentic.

Regular, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available too, which is great for everyone.

For simple and flavourful meals, try their Penne Arrabiata, Spaghetti Pomodoro or Pizza Napoli. And for desserts, you cannot miss their homemade, refreshing gelatos and sorbets!

Takeaway and catering services are available too. Fun fact: they are the sponsored caterers for the NZ Italian Film Festival and the Hamilton Film Festival.

Highlights 

• Proudly Italian-owned and -run
• Traditional Italian meals
• Great variety of food
• Offers catering services too
• Awarded the Heritage Status by UNESCO

Customer Reviews

Here’s feedback from one blogger about his experience at Caffe Centrale:

“We popped down to Cafe Centrale for dinner afterwards – a modestly priced veal marsala for me and a substantial bowl of spaghetti for Iggy. It was fine, accessible, family fare and served with healthy steamed vegetables as part of the dish, which I applaud.”

3)  Adriana’s Caffé & Ristorante Italiano

If you’re looking for a ‘truly’ authentic Italian menu for your dinner, then Adriana’s Caffé & Ristorante Italiano is the perfect place for you and your family.

Its history goes back to the 80s, when a woman from Rome named Adriana first opened this Italian restaurant. It went on to become successful for over 30 years and counting.

People are raving about this restaurant. One customer even stated that after his trip to Italy, he became certain that Adriana’s was one of the best Italian restaurants in Hamilton!

Add to this the fact that the place has a charming ambience reminiscent of the restaurants in Italy. Furthermore, the waiters are said to be polite and welcoming, according to another customer.

Highlights

• Consistently authentic Italian food
• Opened doors in the 1980s
• Polite and welcoming staff
• Charming vibe 

Customer Reviews 

Bob and Alex from Hamilton shared a review about Adriana’s:

“Lovely place, relaxing, great food and the service was excellent; Best Italian food I have had outside of Italy.”

4)  The Keg Room

Take a break from your hectic week and have some wine and great food by coming to The Keg Room. It’s a down-to-earth place that has a laid-back and friendly vibe.

It’s basically a restaurant or pub where you’ll experience hospitality and connect with friends and family. They serve really delicious meals, especially for their authentic pizzas and pastas.

Special diets are catered for whether you’re following gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian diets. From salt and pepper calamari to sirloin steak, they offer it all.

Uniquely, you can even bring your dog in and order from their dog menu. Note however that rules and regulations apply to this (you can check them out on their website).

Highlights

• Laid-back and friendly vibe
• Caters to people with certain diets
• Personable staff and environment
• Allows dogs 

Customer Reviews 

Check out this review about The Keg Room on Tripadvisor: 

“No matter if it is booked, or you just wing it the service and food is just worth it any day!

Thanks for having such a wonderful place that you always feel welcome in! Have tried pretty much all of the menu and it is always quickly served and good food! Even just a drink after work is no drama.”

5)  The Bank Bar & Brasserie

The Bank Bar & Brasserie is a popular restaurant and bar based in Victoria Street of Central Hamilton, NZ. They offer great-tasting Italian meals at value prices 7 days a week.

Their mains selection for lunch includes roast vegetable ravioli, seafood chowder, and cheeseburger. They have interestingly named pizzas like the Meateor, Fat Tony, The Hot Chick and Hawaiian.

They also have an extensive wine list perfect for afterwork drinks with your buddies. Plus, you can also dance with your partner to the music played by the live band.

Highlights

• Great-tasting Italian meals
• Value prices
• Extensive wine list
• Open 7 days a week

Customer Reviews

Hailz Stevens-Nordell shared a review about one of the best Italian restaurants in Hamilton, The Bank Bar & Brasserie: 

“A great time to celebrate my husband’s birthday last month. Great atmosphere, tasty food, wonderful service with the staff members! Can’t wait to come back.”

And that completes our list for the best Italian restaurants in Hamilton. Certainly, you won’t be disappointed with these eateries with regard to food or service!

Did you find a restaurant that you’d like to go to from those we’ve listed? If you do, share it with us — just send us a message and we’ll get back to you in a bit.

Also, if you have a special event coming up and need the best food for your guests — or maybe just for yourself — you can simply order from one of the best catering services in Hamilton.