Top 10 Italian Restaurants Auckland

One of the best Italian restaurants in Auckland, the Cotto atmosphere is lively, with open kitchen, communal dining and industrial fit out. Share style menu includes its own freshly made pasta, Italian-style dumplings and richly flavoured ragu and meat dishes. Kick your evening off with a happy hour Limoncello spritz, cocktail or Negroni, followed by a wine from the New Zealand and Italian wine list. Groups of less than 5 are walk in only.

Dinner Monday-Saturday

Photography: Courtesy of Cotto Restaurant

Beautiful Baduzzi is located on the sundrenched North Wharf in downtown Auckland. Baduzzi is the Italian word for meatballs, for which the sophisticated yet relaxed restaurant has become famous. Pasta are homemade, and there is a kid's menu with decent choices. Be sure to book at one of Auckland’s most popular Italian restaurants.

Open for lunch and dinner daily

Photography: Courtesy of Baduzzi Restaurant

Prego is the kind of restaurant where waiters will hold the door and pull out your chair so it's one to keep in mind when you're looking to book a meal that will impress. Just because it's fancy, doesn't mean it's the kind of "fine dining" where you leave hungry. The Italian dishes served here are generous and exquisitely plated and there is a matching wine list of Australian and quality European drops.

Award winning New Zealand Chef Ben Bayly brings fine yet relaxed dining to the heart of Auckland. Large picture windows look out to Waitematā Harbour and the ferry wharf. The word ‘ahi’ means fire, with some dishes using Māori cooking techniques accompanied by produce from its own downtown Auckland organic garden with several vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. The wine list includes international wines from New Zealand, Australian, French and Italy.  

Open for lunch and dinner daily  

Lilian offers an authentic Italian dining experience with a modern European twist. Owners Willy Gresson, Otis Gardner Schapiro, and Hugo Baird have crafted an upscale yet cozy ambiance reminiscent of European wine bars, perfect for Auckland's golden hour. The sharing menu, predominantly European with Italian influences, features wood-fired pizzas and crowd pleasers like succulent lamb ribs. The wine list showcases global selections, complemented by Auckland-brewed craft beers and refreshing cocktails like the Blood Orange & Chilli Margarita. With its commitment to quality ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere, Lilian effortless fuses European dining with Italian flavours.

Photography: a Courtesy of Wono Kim

Is a trip to the Amalfi Coast on your bucket list? If you can’t get there soon then try Bivacco, in a prime waterside position in Auckland’s Viaduct. Using locally sourced ingredients, the sharing style menu is unpretentious and traditional with home-made pasta and seafood. The beverage list includes International and NZ drops, spritzers and cocktails. Pop in after work Monday-Friday for aperitivo hour, and experience true Italian Hospitality.

Open for lunch and dinner daily

Photography: Courtesy of Bivacco

Nestled in the heart of Karangahape Road, Pici Pasta entices pasta and wine enthusiasts, embodying the charm of European small bars. Located next to the iconic Whammy Bar in St Kevins Arcade, Pici offers a lively and approachable dining experience. With a nod to their Italian travels, chefs Jono Thevenard, Kazuya Suzuki, and Gemma Hareb bring a slice of Europe to Auckland. The concise menu showcases house-made pastas, with the signature pici cacio e pepe stealing the spotlight. Complemented by a diverse drink selection, including cocktails and an organic-focused wine list, Pici Pasta is a must-visit.

Photography: Courtesy of Pici Pasta

Nestled in the heart of Mt Eden, Pasta & Cuore is the perfect spot for Italian cuisine. From lunch to dinner, guests can enjoy fresh, handmade pasta crafted with care. Witness the artistry firsthand as chefs prepare meals, or unwind in the serene courtyard with a glass of wine. Committed to quality, Pasta & Cuore sources locally-sourced organic produce and free-range meat and eggs, adapting menus to reflect seasonal availability. You can even take home freshly cooked pasta if you simply can’t get enough! Numerous accolades adorn this restaurant, including Gambero Rosso Top Italian Restaurants and Slow Food Auckland's "Snail of Approval.”

Photography: Courtesy of Pasta & Cuore

Along the vibrant Karangahape Road, Coco's Cantina is a cozy neighbourhood retreat where Mediterranean-inspired cuisine come to life. Since its inception in 2009 by sisters Renee and Damaris Coulter, Coco's has become a beloved institution in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Picture this: rustic, seasonal fare crafted from the finest locally sourced ingredients, served with a smile by Renee and her exceptional hospo team. Meet Emile, the co-owner and head chef, whose passion for Italian cuisine adds that extra sprinkle of magic to every dish. Dive into Coco's Happy Hour specials, featuring mouthwatering pasta and refreshing drinks, or join them for Pizza Night, Negroni Night, or any of their other tempting weekly specials. 

Photography: Courtesy of Coco's Cantina

Bossi is an elegant Italian restaurant, located on the ground floor of sky-high Pacifica in the Auckland CBD. Deli di Bossi is right next door, specialising in fine grocery items. Whilst the interior of Bossi is palatial with marble and velvet fit out, it is welcoming with a bambinos menu (vegans are not forgotten either). The menu has traditional dishes on the menu, like stuffed baby calamari and Bossi Lasagne, made with a rich slow cooked sauce. Try the Italian dumplings or hand cut home- made pasta dishes. Beautiful Bossi will take you to Italy!

Photography: Wono Kim