Our Picks of the Best Italian food in Auckland

A neighbourhood favourite, Lilian excels across the board. Sit out front enjoying the afternoon sun, or head inside to soak up the elegant but comforting interior. Choose from a range of smaller and larger plates to share, but whatever you do, don’t go past the pizza. Cooked to perfection in a woodfired oven, it’s not surprising that the pizza bases are a firm fan favourite. Finish off with a tiramisu - also one of the best in town.

Photo by: Supplied

A humble eatery tucked away along Karangahape Road decked out with communal seating and warehouse-style industrial finishings. Offering a range of small plates and larger sharing dishes on a menu arranged by price, starting at $6 and peaking at $22. The menu at Otto celebrates a seasonal menu, but staples include the Italian-style dumplings, the gnocchi and, of course, the house-baked focaccia.

Arguably home to the best cacio e pepe dish Auckland has ever seen, Pici has made a name for itself by serving up fresh, mouthwatering pasta dishes for the people. Pici is housed within the glorious St Kevins Arcade, so if the intimacy inside is not your thing, nab a seat in the bustling arcade for some al fresco dining. The wine menu has been cleverly crafted and always hits the spot - just ask your waiter for guidance.

Andiamo translates to “let’s go” in Italian, and we couldn’t agree more. Another neighbourhood favourite, Andiamo, offers a fresh and modern menu showcasing seasonal ingredients at their best. It doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to variety: from pizza and pastas to salads and meatballs, calamari, crudo and even carpaccio - all we can say is save room for dessert! There’s an option to dine al fresco, and if that’s still not enough, it’s pooch-friendly too.

Photo by: Supplied

An institution amongst Auckland’s dining scene, whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, any day of the week. With its Italian-inspired menu, the restaurant offers brunches and dinners that you won’t forget in a hurry. Amano has a spacious dining room, an open kitchen and a bar, and its location next to the harbour and in the heart of Britomart makes it the perfect setting for any meal. The food is rustic yet sophisticated and celebrates seasonal, sustainable and local produce from New Zealand growers and farmers.

Make yourself at home in this wee Mt Eden pastifico, where locals bond and postcode jumpers unite over bowls of freshly rolled pasta. Pasta and Cuore is simple and quaint, focusing on using quality ingredients and traditional methods to create pasta like something right out of Italy. Sit in the courtyard out back if you want to pretend you actually are in Italy, or take a pasta class if you want to learn some skills for yourself.

Photo by: Naomi Haussman (stock photo)

Pizza is to Italy what Coco’s is to Karangahape Road - an absolute staple! Coco’s is a family affair, serving rustic Italian food (their spaghetti and meatballs truly are some of the best) in a casual, vibrant setting. It has one of the city’s friendliest happy hours, so drinks flow freely alongside the chatter, good tunes and delicious fare. Trust when we say Coco’s is always a good option.

Not much more than a window front, a gigantic pizza oven and a counter to order, but what more does one need when it’s takeaway pizza you’re after? Francesca’s Pizzeria was one of Point Chev’s best kept secrets, but it seems like the word is out. While there’s pasta on the menu, it’s the pizza that everyone is flocking for, and with authentic flavours and ingredients, it’s not hard to see why. Plus, the pizzas are massive, so perfect for sharing at nearby Point Chevalier Beach.

Photo by: Naomi Haussman (stock photo)