La Bella Italia

Down an unassuming side street in industrial Petone, you’ll find La Bella Italia, Lower Hutt’s very own Little Italy. 

A spacious, open-plan warehouse where the dining tables are backed up against the deli counter on one side and stacked shelves of produce are on the other, La Bella Italia has a gorgeous continental market feel about it. The layout is intentionally designed to get you immersed in the Italian fare found in every corner — park up at your table, order your meals, and peruse the teeming aisles of pantry goods while you wait. Marvel at the cured meats and European cheeses in the deli section, and scope out your pick of gelato for dessert. Don’t forget to check out the wine selection in the cellar, boasting varieties from across Italy, and the house-made artisanal Italian and French bread, cakes, and patisserie. 

Ever since they left the Amalfi Coast to set up shop in Wellington, owners Antonio and Luisa Cacace had a clear vision: to introduce New Zealanders to the delights of Italian gastronomy through a combination of authentic imported goods and the finest local ingredients. La Bella Italia has one of Wellington’s standout Italian menus, featuring pizzas made with dough that’s raised over 72 hours and a signature dish in memory of Antonio’s father, Luigi: a baked whole fish dressed with capers, gherkins, and extra virgin olive oil. The team takes care to source from origin, so expect to see salmon from Mackenzie Country and Angus beef from Hawke’s Bay. 

And for those who want to get truly intimate with the food, La Bella Italia’s popular pasta cooking classes draw in ravioli aficionados from across the region. Or, if you would like to take it to the next level and the other hemisphere, join one of Antonio’s Italian tours, a luxurious exploration of Italy’s culinary and cultural landmarks. The journey includes guided tours, exclusive tastings, and visits to historical sites.  

A real foodie destination that transports you to Italy, La Bella Italia is a bustling cultural hub where you can eat, shop, and learn all under one roof, focusing on fine Italian cuisine with a Kiwi twist.