Mangia Italiano: Where to find Christchurch's finest Italian restaurants

Francesca's offers rustic, authentic Italian cuisine and hospitality right in the heart of Christchurch city. With a menu that is a complete Italian feast from primi to dolci, a centre-stage woodfire oven and a buzz like no other, this is one fantastic destination for an Italian immersion. 

If you have not yet walked through the doors of The Mediterranean Food Company, get ready to be wowed. Not only is this a destination for all your quality Italian home cooking needs, but it also boasts a restaurant with authentic offerings galore. 

The menu has been inspired by the team’s favourite eateries across Rome, Venice, Florence and Bologna. In true Italian style, diners can begin with an antipasto platter full of cheese and meats from the deli and housemade bread and spreads, before continuing on to pizza, pasta, fresh salads and – of course – a scoop of gelato.

Sit outside in the piazza or find a nook inside and watch the buzz of the store while indulging in some delicious Italian cuisine.

A hidden gem within The Boxed Quarter, ChiChi Kitchen offers a quirky Italian infusion menu, pairing different cultures and flavours together, the menu offering is a self-described quirky combination of Italian, Korean, American, Thai, Welsh and Japanese cuisine. Expect to stumble across dishes such as kimchi pasta, bulgogi pizza wrap or even green curry risotto!

That being said, the menu also boasts a bunch of classics done well. And like any self-respecting Italian restaurant, all the pasta is made from scratch in-house, as is the pizza dough, while high-quality seasonal ingredients help to seal the deal further. 

Tucked away in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Beckenham, The Birdwood is a corner shop restaurant with a beating Italian heart that pulls in locals and visitors alike. Famous for its homemade sourdough, which features as the base of its just-as-famous woodfired pizza, The Birdwood is a destination not to bypass.

Ferrymead may not be the first place that comes to mind when searching for some Italian culinary goodness, but let us prove you it should. Hidden within the strip malls of Ferry Road lies Casa Nostra, an authentic Italian restaurant known for its scrumptious handmade pasta and succulent seafood dishes. This is a spot that takes pride in great customer service and excellent ingredients. It also boasts an extensive take-away menu.

Photo: Stock (by Nancy Zhou)

Perhaps the smallest Italian restaurant in Christchurch, Bomba in Lyttelton is all about quality, not quantity. Simply specialising in delicious pizza, here you can expect to dig your teeth into a proper, thick base covered with just the right amount of flavourful toppings.

During market days, it’s often possible to sample a slice if you’re quick enough – these sell quickly for a reason. For a bit of dulci, try Bomba’s selection of gelato, which is just as delicious as its savoury counterpart. We’re telling you, next time you find yourself in the port town, make sure to taste the offerings of this little gem.

Photo: Supplied

Formaggio’s on Colombo Street offers a family friendly dining experience with an abundant menu filled with options for all. A certified carbon neutral restaurant, this is the place for the environmentally conscious Italian food lover. There is a huge offering of plant based menu items all the way through from antipasti to dolce. Formaggio’s is a neighbourhood ristorante that is passionate about service, cuisine and ambience.

Photo: Stock (by Nancy Zhou)

One of the longest running Italian restaurants in Christchurch, Café Valentino draws inspiration from the cuisine of the Southern Coast of Italy. Expect to find a rich helping of seafood dishes along with other Italian classics, including Bruschetta, Eggplant Parmigiana and Lamb Flatbreads, alongside a lively atmosphere and friendly service. 

Photo: Stock (by Anna Briggs)  

An iconic slice of Italy in Ōtautahi, Tutto Bene has been providing Cantabrians with quality Italian food for over two decades. A down-to-earth, family friendly restaurant with quality at the heart of each dish, everything really is tutto bene here.

Located in the heart of Merivale, the neighbourhood restaurant is well-loved for its extensive Italian-themed menu of around 30 pizza and pasta dishes alone. Yet, Tutto Bene is much more than those traditional favourites, with a whole section dedicated to vegan eats as well as innovative New Zealand classics with Italian twists. 

Photo: Stock (by Nancy Zhou)