5 Best Italian Restaurants in Wellington

Below is a list of the top and leading Italian Restaurants in Wellington. To help you find the best Italian Restaurants located near you in Wellington we put together our own list based on this rating points list.

Wellington’s Best Italian Restaurants:

The top rated Italian Restaurants in Wellington are:

  • Nicolini’s – a popular fine-dining spot in the capital city
  • Fratelli – sumptuous Italian menu made from scratch daily
  • Ombra – extensive Italian food and beverage menu
  • MariLuca Ristoro – a well-known Italian restaurant in Wellington
  • Portofino Restaurant Wellington – stunning scenery and mouth-watering dishes

Nicolini’s

Nicolini’s offers a luxurious dining experience to its Wellington clientele base. The Italian restaurant was established by Raffaele Abbate in September 1997 after numerous successes in the food and beverage industry. He is the man behind Bellissimo and Aroma Cafe and is passionate about showcasing his mother country’s specialities to New Zealanders. Along with Italian cuisine, the fine-dining spot also offers the finest New Zealand and Australian wines. Their food menu caters to all dietary restrictions and some of the sumptuous entrees include spaghetti mussels, risotto funghi, spaghetti al ragù’ bolognese, and tortellini amatriciana.

Products/Services:

Bread & Entrees, Pasta, Carne & Pesce, Sides, Dolci

LOCATION:

Address: 26 Courtenay Place, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(448) 024-442
Website:
www.nicolinis.co.nz

REVIEWS:

“Surprisingly Wellington has so many great Italian places. We have a few regular restaurants around the city where we go to but this place was recommended by many friends so we finally went there last night. Everything was amazing and good portion too, very fresh and homely feelings, friendly staff. Will definitely go back soon!” –Rex KS Shim

Fratelli

Fratelli in New Zealand’s capital city provides a contemporary dining atmosphere highlighted by delectable Italian dishes. They are well-known for their homemade gnocchi, pasta, risotto, and wood-fired oven cooked pizzas. All dishes are prepared fresh daily from the finest ingredients allowing them to retain their natural flavours. These dishes are best paired with their Italian wine selections that can suit both local and foreign palates. Their mains section boasts their version of risotto con cervo, tagliatelle con polpette, and gnocchi di patate.

Products/Services:

Entree, Mains, Dessert, Wood-fired Pizza, Pane E Antipasti

LOCATION:

Address: 15 Blair Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(448) 016-615
Website:
www.fratelli.net.nz

REVIEWS:

“Second time I have come to Fratelli and it was just as good as the first. The food here is excellent, fresh inviting and the service is welcoming. I recommend Fratelli to anyone wanting good Italian in a spacious setting to enjoy a date night or with friends.” –Nathan Mitchell

Ombra

Ombra offers an extensive food menu patterned after the informal dining experience in Venice, Italy. They are situated in Wellington, New Zealand and captivates its patrons with an irresistible serving of small bites, pizzas, pasta and rice dishes. The small bites menu or called Cicchetti offers options such as polenta chips, mushroom and mozzarella, bruschetta, flatbread, and the baccala mantecato crostino. Plate sized pizzas known to Italians as pizettes can be topped with potato, truffle, rosemary, and mozzarella, tomato, basil, and mozzarella, four types of cheeses, or anchovies, olives, and capers just to name a few. Finally, the rice and pasta dishes include risotto, gnocchi, and casarecce pasta.

Products/Services:

Cicchetti, Verdure E Insalata, Pizzette, Riso E Pasta, Polpette, Pesce E Carne, Dolce, Aperitivi, Tap Beer, White Wine, Rosé Wine, Red Wine, To Finish

LOCATION:

Address: 199 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(443) 853-229
Website:
www.ombra.co.nz

REVIEWS:

“Beautiful ambience and happened to arrive during aperitif time. I ordered the duck risotto and it was delicious. I feel they could do with a few more gluten-free options though.” –Linda Main

MariLuca Ristoro

MariLuca Ristoro in Wellington, New Zealand is owned and operated by Jeoffrey and Yasmin Bisa. They acquired ownership of the place in January 2016 and specializes in classic Italian cuisine. Chef Jeoffrey invests in the natural flavours of each ingredient and utilizes a simple culinary technique that brings out the richness and relish of the combined flavours. Their starters menu features the bruschetta del giorno, salumi misti, grigliata impanata di pesce, antipasto misto, and suppli’. Main courses include saltimbocca a’ la romana, pesce del giorno, pollastrello alla mediterranea, agnello alla griglia con bagna cauda, and controfiletto di manzo all’aceto balsamico.

Products/Services:

Pizza, Pasta, Antipasti, Primi Piatti, Secondi Piatti, Contorni, Dolci

LOCATION:

Address: 55 Mulgrave Street, Thorndon, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(444) 995-590
Website:
www.mariluca.co.nz

REVIEWS:

“We had dinner here to celebrate our Anniversary and birthday with our family. Fantastic food. The service is great. The staff are friendly. Love the ambience. One of the best Italian restaurants in Wellington. Highly recommend.” –Charlie Dennis

Portofino Restaurant Wellington

Portofino Restaurant Wellington is New Zealand’s premier Italian dining hub where diners can enjoy a seaside view while savouring their meals. The restaurant can accommodate 140 guests and is open for private functions and venue hire opportunities. A hit during colder months, the caldi or hot appetizers offer warmth and comfort with their flavours and savoury goodness. The said menu offers the roman style vegetable soup, steamed mussels, fegatini al marsala, fried arborio risotto, calamari alla griglia, pan-fried scallops, and pan-fried prawn cutlets.

Products/Services:

Antipaste E Pane, Cold Appetisers & Breads, Caldi, Hot Appetisers, Insalate, Gourmet Salads, Mains, Paste E Risotti, Contorni, Side Dishes, Mains, Secondi Piatti, Pizzeria, Gourmet Pizza

LOCATION:

Address: 33 Customhouse Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011
Phone: 
(444) 995-060
Website:
www.portofino.co.nz

REVIEWS:

“Awesome took the kids for brunch/lunch, they loved the Italian food. I loved it, fresh, tasty, perfect 👌. Great views too & wonderful staff. Highly-rated, absolutely recommended.” –Dale Farrow