Our favourite spots in Auckland for a big bowl of pasta
When it comes to food weaknesses, it’s no secret that carbs have a firm pull on our heartstrings, with pasta reigning as the ultimate heartbreaker. Whether you're an Alfredo fiend or taken by the traditional Bolognese, there's a tickle for every taste bud when it comes to the Italian staple. Carbo-load like a connoisseur with a large bowl of pasta from one of Auckland’s top eateries.
Pici
The kings of comfort food, Pici have mastered the art of authentic, no-frills Italian cuisine, hailing from a little dim-lighted corner in St Kevin’s Arcade. With classics like their Pici cacio e pepe and uniquely flavoured dishes like their zucchini fettuccine, this little pasta place rules supreme when it comes to mouthwatering food.
SPQR
Stroll along to SPQR to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Ponsonby Strip and a big bad bowl of pasta. Their scampi tail linguini sets our hearts aflutter, and paired with their iconic espresso martini, is a dish you’ll be dishing on for weeks to come. ‘Table for two, please?’
Amano
Amano loosely translates to ‘loving’ and man oh man are we loving this famed eatery. With romantic moody lighting, darling dried flower arrangements and cosy nooks to share a bite in, Amano keeps people coming back for that intimate dining experience, but we keep coming back for the pasta. With dishes like the lamb ragu pappardelle and Scampi Chitarra, Amano knows just how to fill up our bowls.
Prego
The prego-peeps are the best in the business when it comes to homely Italian cuisine. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with Prego’s menu of classics cooked to perfection but the Linguine Alla Marinara is a standout that you don’t want to miss. Thank us later, or shall we say… prego?
Andiamo
This local gem has been serving up uncomplicated, comforting Italian classics for decades. Their most ordered dish, the famous macaroni (or Mac n Cheese), is heaven in a bowl. Made using three types of cheese; mature cheddar, fontina and parmesan, as well as truffle paste, bacon, and chilli - it has us salivating at the sound of it.
COTTO
What started as a pop up is now popping off every night with some of the best pasta around town. Head to K Road for a night of hand-made Italian goodness at COTTO. For a dish that will leave you speechless and salivating for more, try their ricotta basil gnocchi. It’s unmatched, unmissable and just what the doctor ordered.
Baduzzi
It’s no surprise that this divine Italian institution is on our list of perfect pasta places. With dishes like their buttered maltagliati and saffron & potato tortellini, this iconic spot on the North Wharf is your one-stop destination for all things drop-dead delicious. Order some pasta with their oh-so-iconic meatballs for a night of fabulous food.
Hilton FISH Restaurant
FISH may be best known for their sublime seafood offerings, but don't sleep on their mouth-watering pasta dish. The ricotta gnudi is the perfect creamy vege dish to satisfy all your pasta hankerings and FISH is the perfect place to do it - gazing across the exquisite harbour with a dish to match.
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