A Guide to the Best Italian Restaurants in Wellington, New Zealand

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Warm up before dinner with a quick drink and small plate at Ombra Restaurant on Cuba Street in Te Aro. Inspired by the bacari (typical bar and restaurant of Venice), the interior of this stylish restaurant combines rustic and industrial design and serves budget-friendly Italian drinks such as Prosecco, Aperol Spritz, and Peroni with a complimentary bite between 3pm and 6pm. All plates are designed to share, so if you are planning to make a meal of it, order three to four dishes for two people. Start with a classic Venetian starter of baccalà mantecato crostino (whipped salted cod on toasted bread) and a crispy, creamy mushroom and mozzarella arancino (risotto ball) topped with truffle honey.

For a quick Italian bite, head down to 1154 Pastaria, on the corner of Cuba and Ghuznee Streets in Te Aro. This modern eatery specialises in homemade pasta made with free-range eggs and New Zealand semolina flour. The restaurant features shared dining spaces only. Order at the counter and the meal will be served in 10 to 15 minutes. It also makes fennel pork sausage, so try the gnocchetti sardi alla salsicca (short ridged pasta with Italian sausage, red peppers, parsley, parmesan and tomato sauce) for something a bit spicy. 1154 Pastaria serves organic wines; try the white wine spritzer with thyme, lemon and soda. If you are on a budget, it also has an Awesome Sauce deal available between 4pm and 6pm from Monday to Friday.

For a special occasion, splurge on a set menu at Fratelli restaurant, situated on Blair Street. This restaurant features all the traditions of a fine-dining Italian experience with black and white family photos on the wall and a large map of Italy next to the long bar. The homemade tagliatelle with lamb, ricotta and parmesan meatballs in a Napoli sauce is a real indulgence. Enjoy slowly because it’s expensive but worth every bite.

Italian food is known for its simple dishes and humble ingredients; this can be experienced at Cicio Cacio on Riddiford Street in Newtown. Like a typical Osteria (a simple Italian restaurant serving wine and only a few dishes), Cicio Cacio serves only Italian wines. The menu (which is in Italian) changes regularly with dishes prepared according to what’s in season. In summertime expect to find dishes inspired by the south of Italy, like squid ink tagliolini with salmon.

Cosy and romantic, Nicolini’s on Courtney Place in Te Aro is a good option for a date night for those who want to stick to traditional Italian dishes like lasagne or veal and Marsala wine and cream sauce. Finish it off with a classic tiramisu.