Cucina
MondayClosed.
Tuesday5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Wednesday5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Thursday5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Friday5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Saturday5:00 – 9:00 pm.
SundayClosed.
Thames Street, Ōamaru's main drag, effectively ends at Cucina’s doorstep. To us, this just makes sense, as we can’t think of a better place for foodies to wind up. Here, flavours of Italy, Spain, the Mediterranean and South America are created with local Waitaki ingredients and served with some of the most genuine Kiwi hospitality around.
While Cucina has earned a host of awards since opening in 2016, it remains a ‘come as you are’ kind of spot. Owners Yanina and Pablo, originally from Argentina, wanted to create a restaurant that they would want to eat at and showcase the flavours they grew up with at the same time. It’s a winning combination, and you’ll soon see why.
Enter the historic building, and you’ll first notice the lush greenery that fills every corner of this special restaurant. Yanina is an expert indoor gardener and has created a true environment for visitors to dine in. Her colourful jungle gives a nice preview of what’s to come - plates that are similarly bright, fresh and carefully created.
Wander down the hallway, and you might get a glimpse of the dry-aged meat cabinet or the ‘pasta room’ where the team handcrafts all of the pasta that graces the menu. Pablo, Cucina’s head chef, is constantly changing the menu to reflect what’s in season, so there’s always something new to try at Cucina.
Fresh pasta dishes here are anything but run of the mill and have featured combinations such as beetroot Gemelli with charred beetroot, chunky spinach kale pesto, chilli, garlic, torn mozzarella, fresh herbs, parmesan and toasted hazelnuts. The deep purple noodles, colourful local vegetables and buffalo mozzarella ate perfectly together. Like every dish Pablo creates, it featured a balance of salty, sweet, acidic and umami flavours.
Cucina’s 55-day aged rib eye is a local favourite and the product of Waitaki’s excellent sheep and beef rearing landscape. Pablo uses a charcoal grill and seasonal vegetables like kumara, asparagus, smoked sofrito and black garlic potatoes to highlight the rich, meaty flavours. On the ‘Mains’ list, you’ll also find dishes like local Havoc Pork filet served with Ōamaru wilted greens, roasted fennel, smoked sour cream, carrot puree, smoked paprika oil, pickled carrots and pork crackling powder. Again, every plate offers balance and beautiful plating - a total celebration of local fare. Cucina’s ‘Trust the Chef’ menu with wine pairing options makes it easy to try it all.
In addition to building a well-loved menu, Yanina and Pablo have also raised their young family alongside the business and assembled a Cucina team and whānau that make everyone feel welcome. They know many of their customers and are some of Ōamaru's most authentic ambassadors.
If you love Cucina, and it’s hard not to, be sure to also visit Pablo and Yanina’s other restaurants. Tees Street Café is located just around the corner for brunch, and Del Mar, down by the water, is a great family dinner spot.
Words by Olivia Sisson & Photography by Nancy Zhou
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
1 Tees Street, South Hill, Oamaru
Nearby Places
The Terraces
Local Kevin Murdoch restored The Terraces building and filled it with historical relics and an art studio. Pop in for a chat with Kevin and the other Ōamaru artist in residence, Al Bell - this is something of an alternative visitors’ centre.
The Vicarage
Enjoy a slice of Ōamaru's history alongside impeccable service and hospitality at The Vicarage.
Oásis Ōamaru
Oásis is a fitting name for this treasure trove of an antiques store found on Tees Street in Ōamaru.
The Criterion Hotel
First established in 1877, the Criterion Hotel Bar and Eatery is the jewel in the crown in the historic Victorian precinct in Ōamaru.
Similar Places
Whitestone Cheese Deli & Diner
Whitestone Cheese opened its doors in 1987 in an old Ōamaru mechanic shop with one part-time cheesemaker. All these years on and the business produces 25 different kinds of cheese with a team of 75 strong.
Del Mar
Perfectly positioned by the sea, Del Mar Eatery and Beach Bar in Ōamaru takes full advantage of its waterside views.
The FishWife
Owned by a fourth-generation Moeraki fisherman, this dockside restaurant is the real deal. Snag a crayfish with chips for a meal that’s simple but supremely delicious, or go for the pāua patty which will have you renouncing beef burgers altogether. Whatever you go for, it’s all caught right here.
The Criterion Hotel
First established in 1877, the Criterion Hotel Bar and Eatery is the jewel in the crown in the historic Victorian precinct in Ōamaru.