Best Italian restaurants in Auckland

Italy’s greatest contribution to mankind was not Da Vinci, Gucci or even Pavarotti. Nope, it’s all about the food.

Pizza, pasta, risotto, gelato – these are Italy’s culinary gifts to the world, its most precious exports, instantly recognised and universally appreciated all over the world. At Menus.co.nz we could wax lyrical about Italian food all day, but chances are you already know how good it is.

Instead, we’re going to tell you where to find our favourite Italian restaurants in Auckland, just as we did the best pizza restaurants in New Zealand. Auckland lies more than 18,000km from the Italian capital city of Rome but you’ll find it still boasts a huge number of fantastic Italian restaurants.

Buon appetito!

Da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant, CBD

Established in 1980, this long-time Auckland favourite proves that great service and great food don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

From classic northern Italian dishes to regional specialities from the south, the extensive menu at Da Vinci’s Italian Restaurant on Albert Street and City Road celebrates the richness and diversity of Italian cuisine.

Prego Restaurant, Ponsonby

Another Auckland favourite with a reputation for greatness, Prego Restaurant in Ponsonby has been turning out consistently yummy Italian food since 1986.

Boasting award-winning Italian food and al fresco dining in the intimacy of an enclosed courtyard, Prego’s enduring popularity should come as no surprise. The restaurant is open every day except Christmas and Boxing Day from 12 until late; sorry, no bookings.

Covo Pasta, Pizza and Bar, CBD and Grey Lynn

For authentic Italian food in a fun, intimate setting, you just can’t beat Covo’s Italian restaurants and bars in central Auckland, with one on Richmond Road in Grey Lynn and the other on Fort Street in the CBD.

The pizza is fantastic; the pasta is to die for. And if that doesn’t whet your appetite, Covo is offering a $10 lunch special from Monday to Friday, 12-2:30pm.

Al Forno Italian Restaurant & Café, Takapuna

Looking for great Italian food in Takapuna? Then look no further. Whether dining in or taking away, Al Forno Italian Restaurant & Café features an extensive menu of mouth-watering Italian classics.

Choose from fantastic wood-fired pizzas, pastas, salads and sumptuous mains such as chicken and veal parmigiana or prime eye fillet grilled and topped with smoked salmon – just to name a few.

La Porchetta

Okay, you’ve probably heard of this one – and with five restaurants in Auckland, La Porchetta is kind of hard to miss – but if you’re looking for a budget-friendly Italian restaurant then this is the place.

La Porchetta’s wide-ranging menu has something to suit everyone’s taste, making it one of Auckland’s most family-friendly Italian restaurants. La Porchetta can be found in Parnell, New Lynn, Henderson, Hobson and Ponsonby.

You might also enjoy the best buffet restaurants in Auckland!