Comfort Food that Brings us Together

Welcome to Taupō's home of the finest fried chicken and gourmet burgers. Pauly's Diner has built a loyal following for its mouthwatering selection of southern fried chicken, loaded fries, and seriously good burgers that have locals coming back time and again.

Best For: Families with kids, casual dinners, and takeaway convenience. The diner offers both dine-in and takeaway, with online ordering available for those nights when you want dinner ready the moment you walk in.

Must Try: Their signature southern fried chicken and loaded fries – proper American diner comfort food done right.

Why We Love It: Perfect for road trip pit stops or a casual family dinner after a day exploring Taupō. Fresh ingredients, generous portions, and that unmistakable diner atmosphere make this a must-visit.

Nestled in the heart of Whangārei on bustling Cameron Street, Amici is a charming eatery that has become a local favourite for authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant caters for every occasion – whether you're popping in for brunch, a leisurely lunch, or a full Italian dinner experience.

Food is at the heart of everything at Amici. From Italian classics to signature spiced Italian favourites, all offerings are handcrafted from the finest, freshest ingredients. The team comes in early to hand-roll the meatballs, build layered lasagne one layer at a time, and craft tiramisu from scratch – they call it passion, not work.

Atmosphere: An expansive terrace featuring a classic tranquil fountain, plus a warm interior with a cosy fireplace. Perfect rain or shine, all year round

Must Try: The gourmet pizzas and signature Fettuccine Carbonara have been favourites since they first opened. Their pasta and pizza garlic bread are also hugely popular.

Dietary Options: Gluten free, vegan, and dairy free options available.

Why We Love It: Amici strives to be YOUR favourite local authentic Italian restaurant. Whether you love the classics or prefer something with a little more spice, it will always be fresh and handmade to order.

Established in 1993 as an award-winning restaurant, Toto Pizza traces its roots all the way back to Napoli – the original home of both the pizza and its founders, Antonio Crisci and Sergio Maglione. Now reopened by its two original founders, Toto continues to create that 'l'autenticita di Napoli' in everything they do.

The secret? It starts from the bottom up – molly-coddling the dough, giving it oodles of love and attention. The mozzarella is made specially for Toto using traditional Italian techniques. The tomatoes are San Marzano variety (thinner, more pointed, with a stronger, sweeter, less acidic flavour). Other cheeses like Grana Padano and cured meats are of genuine Italian origin.

Must Try: Their famous pizza by the metre – a half metre is plenty for three people, a full metre serves six (unless you're catering for teenage boys!).

Why We Love It: For pizza purists, this is the real deal. The commitment to authentic ingredients and techniques means you're getting some of the best Neapolitan pizza this side of Naples.

Fratelli is located in the heart of Wellington City's entertainment district, walking distance from the capital's central attractions. Since March 2009, this welcoming dining room with its relaxed yet modern Italian feel has been serving fresh Italian cuisine to Wellingtonians and visitors alike.

The concept at Fratelli is Fresh Italian – taking bits of old traditional Italian cooking styles and assembling them with new modern ideas. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring only the freshest ingredients are used. They specialise in 100% homemade pasta, gnocchi, risotto, and pizza from their authentic IZZO wood-fired oven.

Best For: Groups, functions, pre-theatre dining, and anyone seeking an intimate Italian dining experience in the heart of the city.

Must Try: Their 100% homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza, perfectly matched with selections from their extensive Italian wine list.

Why We Love It: An intimate and relaxed dining experience that promises something different – ensuring you enjoy a memorable food experience every time. The true Italian dining experience, right in the heart of Wellington.

Outstanding food in a buzzing atmosphere – something Café Valentino's customers have been experiencing since 1991, with the only authentic wood-fired pizza in central Christchurch. This award-winning restaurant is a true Christchurch institution.

The first thing you notice when you walk in is the huge collection of signed show posters featuring a who's who of touring artists who have dined here. Since their inception on Colombo Street (around the corner from the Town Hall), they've been a celebrity haunt, tempting visiting performers from around the country and all over the world with their heavenly pizzas, perfect pasta, and decadent house-made desserts. When you dine at Café Valentino, you never know who could be seated at the next table.

Best For: Special occasions, business dinners, functions, and anyone seeking award-winning Italian in Christchurch's dining scene.

Must Try: Their wood-fired pizza (the only authentic one in central Christchurch), award-winning dishes, and house-made desserts.

Why We Love It: Always innovating and improving without compromising on quality, Café Valentino has won a devoted international customer base and a wall-full of awards through their consistent flair, originality, and love of good food.

A warm welcome to one of Te Anau's favourite restaurants – Italian comfort food at its best! La Toscana has earned its reputation as a go-to destination for visitors exploring Fiordland and Milford Sound, as well as locals seeking authentic Italian flavours in the deep south.

Using quality local and imported ingredients, the team creates delicious pizzas and pastas with genuine care. Fresh-made pizza bases, slow-simmered pasta sauces, and homemade desserts – everything is crafted with the same passion you'd find in a family kitchen in Tuscany.

Best For: Families, outdoor adventurers after a day exploring Fiordland, and anyone seeking hearty Italian comfort food in a relaxed setting. Outdoor seating available.

Must Try: The Fiordlander pizza (a local favourite with ham, mushroom and pineapple), slow-simmered pasta sauces, and homemade tiramisu.

Dietary Options: Vegan options available.

Why We Love It: The perfect reward after a day of adventure in Fiordland. Fresh, homemade Italian comfort food in one of New Zealand's most stunning locations.