Where to Find: Auckland's Best Pasta

Viva
Handmade duck ravioli from Cotto. Picture / Supplied

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

Coco's Cantina on K Rd serve generous plates of saucy pasta. Photo / Dean Purcell
Coco's Cantina on K Rd serve generous plates of saucy pasta. Photo / Dean Purcell

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

The hearty beef ragu at Spacca. Photo / Guy Coombes
The hearty beef ragu at Spacca. Photo / Guy Coombes

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

Handmade pasta made by the skilled chefs at Amano. Photo / Supplied
Handmade pasta made by the skilled chefs at Amano. Photo / Supplied

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

The iconic Prego on Ponsonby Rd. Photo / Doug Sherring
The iconic Prego on Ponsonby Rd. Photo / Doug Sherring

Coco's Cantina
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

Buttery gnocchi at Gusto at the Grand. Photo / Supplied
Buttery gnocchi at Gusto at the Grand. Photo / Supplied

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

Pop into Baduzzi for meatballs and amazing seafood pasta. Photo / Supplied
Pop into Baduzzi for meatballs and amazing seafood pasta. Photo / Supplied

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

Handmade duck ravioli from Cotto. Picture / Supplied
Handmade duck ravioli from Cotto. Picture / Supplied

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

Share this article:

Featured