Otto

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

Monday4:30 – 9:00 pm.

Tuesday4:30 – 9:00 pm.

Wednesday4:30 – 9:30 pm.

Thursday4:30 – 10:00 pm.

Friday4:30 – 10:30 pm.

Saturday4:30 – 10:30 pm.

SundayClosed.

375 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central, Auckland

09 394 1555

You simply can’t talk about the best of Auckland’s dining scene without mentioning Otto. In a few short years, this humble Italian-style eatery tucked away along Karangahape Road has more than made a mark for itself in the city’s foodie zeitgeist. 

Helmed by pasta connoisseur and chef John Pountney, a meal at Otto is nothing short of memorable. If you couldn’t already tell, this place is popular, so make a booking, or arrive bang on opening time to secure a spot. And believe us when we say it’s well worth it. 

Your efforts in nabbing a table are rewarded with a cosy, lively atmosphere. The energetic, open kitchen is complemented by communal seating and warehouse-style industrial finishings. Pair this with a classic Italian tipple—think an Aperol or Limoncello spritz—and you’ve got yourself a winner. 

Put simply, dinner is a sharing affair. Small plates are brought out as they’re ready, making it the perfect snacking situation for your crew. The dinner menu boasts a moreish selection of Italian favourites that change with the seasons. 

Staples on the line-up include house-made focaccia, Italian-style dumplings, specialty lamb and pork dishes, as well as a curated choice of fresh pasta numbers. Expect ragu through to spaghetti, but count yourself truly lucky if their legendary kumara gnocchi with ricotta, gorgonzola, walnut and watercress is on the menu. 

When dessert rolls around, one thing is for sure, it doesn’t disappoint. The seasonal line-up offers panna cotta, sorbets, Affogato, gelato and of course, some sort of Tiramisu element. You’ll want to indulge with an after-dinner cocktail along the lines of a Frangelico Sour or Tiramisu Martini. 

Whether it’s casual after-work drinks or a special celebration, Otto is a rare gem that delivers on all occasions. What’s more, the price point is super reasonable—with small bites at $6 and larger pasta plates at $22. And since you’ll be among the hustle and bustle of Karangahape Road, there’s no better place to kick-start an evening out in Auckland. 

Words by Jess Willemse & Photography by Anna Briggs

Information not correct? Report an error

Location

375 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central, Auckland

Nearby Places

Bestie

Bestie exterior.
Place Auckland Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon.

A very good addition to Auckland’s ever-burgeoning café scene.

Artspace Aotearoa

The exterior of the building.
Place Auckland
Galleries and museum key icon.

A gallery true to its name.

Bar Magda

A wooden sign with information on Bar Magda.
Place Auckland
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Tucked away on Karangahape Road is Bar Magda.

Fishermen's Den

Brown Just Another Fisherman tags on clothing.
Place Auckland
Fashion key icon.

A haven for the fishing enthusiast, you’ll find everything from spin rods, filleting knives and wet weather gear.

Similar Places

Bandung Café

Woman holding cocktail and plates of food at Bandung Café, Auckland.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Inspired by home cooking from the team’s roots in Java, Parnell’s Bandung Café boasts a fresh take on Indonesian cuisine.

Amano

The cream interior of a large restaurant space.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

Very few big city eateries pull the masses all hours of the day, seven days a week, but at much loved Amano, this is simply the reality.

Mr T's Baked Goods & Eatery

Close up of baguettes for sale at Mr T's Baked Goods and Eatery, Auckland.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon.

A trip to

Dear Jervois

Hanging lights inside the cafe.
Place Auckland
Cafes key icon.

Dear Jervois hosts the who’s who of Herne Bay for breakfast, lunch and dinner.