Cucina

Restaurants key icon.
Restaurants key icon.

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.

1 Tees Street

03 434 5696

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

Nearby Places

Soul, Surf and Skate

A view of the entrance to the shop from the footpath.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon. Services key icon.

Ōamaru’s one-and-only surf and skate shop, Soul Surf & Skate, is located in the heart of the town’s retail district on Thames Street.

Housekeepers Design

Interior view of the shop at Housekeepers Design in Ōamaru.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Fashion key icon.

A beautiful old building full of beautiful new objects. We’re talking New Zealand-made clothing, accessories and homewares that’ll delight even the most discerning of buyers. Do your gift shopping or treat yourself.

Bruce's Barber

A blonde haired woman smiling behind the counter at Bruce's Barber Oamaru. '
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Services key icon.

Located in the heart of the Thames Street shopping district in Ōamaru is the ultimate gentlemen’s grooming experience, Bruce’s Barber.

Tees St

Waiter holding breakfast board with yogurt and fruit, an orange and carrot juice, and a piece of toast with a poached egg and pickles on top
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Cafes key icon.

Cucina’s day time counterpart with colourful, tasty brunch plates. The huevos rancheros have been winning ‘big brekkie’ traditionalists over since 2016 and the bombolino doughnuts are the mid-day treat you deserve.

Similar Places

The Criterion Hotel

Exterior of The Criterion Hotel in Ōamaru with a person walking past the front in a checkered jacket
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Bars key icon.

First established in 1877, the Criterion Hotel Bar and Eatery is the jewel in the crown in the historic Victorian precinct in Ōamaru.

Casa Nova House & Restaurant 1861

The entrance to Casa Nova B&B.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Accommodation key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Casa Nova House is a perfect example of Ōamaru’s historic architecture turning a new page in its storied history.

The Fort Enfield

Local patron raising a drink at The Fort Enfield in Waitaki.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki
Bars key icon.

A classic Kiwi pub reimagined — Speights and craft pours plus simple and delicious kai — pub fare as it should be. Drive or bike the 12km from Ōamaru and reward yourself with the best steak and chips around.

Craftwork Brewery

A brown suede couch in front of an old fire place decorated with books and plants.
Place Ōamaru & Waitaki Editor's Pick
Bars key icon.

Ōamaru’s Heritage Precinct is an ode to tradition. In this way it only makes sense that it’s home to Craftwork - an award winning, small scale, Belgian brewery run by brewing couple, Lee-Ann Scotti and Michael O’Brien.