Where to find Italian in Auckland
April 2017
Stephanie Johnstone
5 minute read
Sometimes, only pasta will do. The wonderful, heart-warming flavours of Italian food are the perfect complement to a bottle of red wine and good friends. We love Italian dining because it’s messy, loud and served with love.
Italian cuisine is as complex as it is simple. Dishes are rustic, yet take hours to cook. There is often only a few ingredients, yet deep, rich flavours are created. Throughout Italy, there is an incredible diversity of flavours from region to region. And of course, there’s pizza. Need we say more?
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are plenty of options for Italian dining if you’re in Auckland and find yourself in desperate need of a hearty Osso Bucco, a creamy gnocchi or the perfect slice of pizza. We've picked some of our favourite Italian eateries in Auckland where you can get your fill of the flavours of Italy.
Italian around Auckland
Gina’s Italian Kitchen
City Centre
Gina’s is everything good about Italian dining. The busy, bustling atmosphere is balanced perfectly with the fresh, vibrant menu selection. Dishes are simple yet tasty and made with that most critical of ingredients for good Italian food – love.
Gina’s has been around for over 40 years and is an Auckland institution for Italian dining.
The menu at Gina’s is extensive, making it impossible to satisfy your cravings in just one visit. House-made fresh pasta dishes are the speciality, as well as risotto, pizza, salads and main meat dishes. The Chef’s House Specialty is based on fresh, seasonal produce and is prepared and cooked on a hotplate at your table.
They say you shouldn’t expect quiet dining at Gina’s. It’s just not the Italian way!
DiVino Bistro
Parnell
In a cosy, friendly setting in the heart of Parnell, you’ll find a little slice of Italy. Based on the core principle of Italian cuisine, DiVino serves up good food and good wine, perfect for sharing with good company.
The menu at DiVino reflects the best fresh, seasonal and local produce of New Zealand lovingly turned into tasty Italian cuisine. You'll always find daily specials on the board as well as the famous Antipasto Misto.
Proving their Italian credentials, DiVino is dedicated to good coffee.
Blitza Pizza
Birkenhead
As the name suggests, Blitza Pizza is all about pizza. Inside this Birkenhead institution, you’ll find some of the best gourmet pizzas on the North Shore as well as an impressive line-up of scrumptious pasta, steaks and mouth-watering Mediterranean dishes. The creative kitchen team serve up good “old-fashioned” Italian dishes, as well as Mediterranean-inspired flavours like Souvlaki and Mousaka.
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With a cosy, relaxed atmosphere and three separate dining areas, Blitza Pizza is perfect for intimate dining or group functions.
The Mediterranean
Birkenhead
The Mediterranean embraces seasonal produce to create a menu full of the colourful flavours of the Med. This is Italian cuisine mixed with a delicious dollop of Greece and Turkey. Choose pizza, tapas, pasta, mezze plate or hearty mains.
For a true taste of Italy, try the Sicilian pizza with Napolitana Sauce, Mozzarella, Parma Ham, Capsicum Marmalatta, Parmesan, Cherry Tomato.
With a warm, laid-back atmosphere you'll be tempted to stay a while. Enjoy the spacious outdoor seating or soak up the vibes of the large and airy dining space.
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