Pasta e Cuore
Our restaurant critic Jesse Mulligan assures us that we "won't find a more beautiful expression of tasty, traditional European food" than at the authentic and family-oriented Pasta e Cuore. Pick up handmade pasta and sauce to put together at home, or enjoy the rustic vibe of this cute restaurant and the dishes from the owner's Italian hometown.
Where: 409 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden Contact: 09 630 9130 Visit: Pastaecuore.co.nz
Baduzzi
The dishes at Baduzzi are brimming with flavour and there are plenty of options showcasing delicious seafood. Try the tortellini of snapper and scampi with fennel jam, or the saffron and potato cappelletti with goat's curd, almonds and fig confit... Heaven.
Where: Cnr Jellicoe St and Fish Lane, North Wharf, City Contact: 09 309 9339 Visit: Baduzzi.co.nz
Cotto
Cotto is buzzing most nights, thanks to a well-deserved reputation for beautiful handmade pasta (their small plates of bread, dumplings and cheese are also delicious). The duck ravioli with Jerusalem artichoke and aged balsamic is a current favourite.
Where: 375 Karangahape Rd, Newton Contact: 09 394 1555 Visit: Cotto.co.nz
Spacca
There's plenty of comfort food to be had at Spacca, with pasta swimming in creamy, rich sauces. The ragu Napoletano is a must and consists of "slow-cooked beef rump in a traditional Neapolitan tomato sauce" and is sure to warm you from the inside out.
Where: 547 Remuera Rd, Remuera Contact: 09 520 0090 Visit: Spacca.co.nz
Farina
Known for their delicious pizza, Farina also makes a top-notch lasagna and have a couple of pasta specials which change daily. The spaghetti with Cloudy Bay tuatua with garlic, chilli and parsley is a tasty option, as are their desserts.
Where: 244 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby Contact: 09 390 6213 Visit: Farina.co.nz
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One for those who like a bustling atmosphere, start off with a plate of polenta fries before tucking into a delicious plate of pasta. Their happy hour pasta pomodoro is a treat for those saving for their next Italian holiday, or enjoy a plate of ravioli with buffalo curd, roast beetroot and walnut beurre noisette (a rich buttery sauce).
Where: 376 Karangahape Rd, Newton Contact: 09 300 7582 Visit: Cocoscantina.co.nz
Amano
One of the highlights of Amano is that their open kitchen means you can watch as they fold and roll the fresh pasta. You can even have pasta for breakfast here. For dinner, there's lamb ragu, or crayfish tortellini with fennel soffritto and preserved lemon.
Where: 66-68 Tyler St, City Contact: 09 394 1416 Visit: Amano.nz
Prego
Soft pillows of gnocchi are one of the most irresistible types of pasta. At Prego, these delights, made with potato and sage, come with nut brown butter, butternut pumpkin puree, walnuts, spinach and gorgonzola.
Where: 226 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby Contact: 09 376 3095 Visit: Prego.co.nz
Gusto at the Grand
It's hard to choose just one of Gusto's tempting pasta options, which range from Sardinian ravioli to duck pappardelle and Roman gnocchi. Settle in to this inner-city gem for an impressive Italian feast.
Where: 90 Federal St, City Contact: 09 363 7030 Visit: Skycityauckland.co.nz