Gnocchi, also known as the dumpling of Italy, is a treasured dish made from wheat flour, egg, salt, and potato. It’s best served with fresh ingredients, and of course, made from scratch. You can add meats and cheeses, or you can have vegetarian gnocchi, in tomato or a creamy sauce. You can have this dish in its savoury version or dessert gnocchi.
If you love Italian food such as spaghetti with meatballs, lasagne, or pizza – you need to try authentic Italian restaurant-quality gnocchi. Let’s go over some Italian restaurants where you can find some of the best gnocchi in Auckland.
Potato Gnocchi or Goats Cheese Dumplings: Auckland’s Best Pasta Dishes
Pasta & Cuore
Address: 409 Mount Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1024
Website: https://pastaecuore.co.nz/
Phone: (09) 630 9130
Email: info@pastaecuore.co.nz
Working hours:
Monday-Tuesday & Sunday:
CLOSED
Wednesday-Saturday:
11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Services: pasta dishes, premium service, authentic Italian dishes, excellent food
Pasta & Cuore is an Italian Restaurant and Pastificio, located on Mt Eden, open from brunch to dinner. They specialise in handmade fresh pasta using quality ingredients and traditional methods. They will not compromise quality for the price, and they believe that the best-tasting food can only be prepared using the best quality ingredients. Their meat and eggs are free-range and they adjust our menu to reflect the season. Apart from excellent potato gnocchi (chicken gnocchi, gorgonzola gnocchi, gnocchi with tomato sauce, and gnocchi alla Romana), you can also find various antipasti, all kinds of pasta with classic sauces like bolognese, sage butter, cream, and Parmigiano Reggiano, and excellent desserts to finish off your meal. This Mount Eden delight received many awards, including the award for “Best Neighbourhood Restaurant” Metro: 2016-2019, 2021 Finalists, and “Two Forks Rating” Gambero Rosso Top Italian Restaurants – 2022.
Settebello
Address: 9 Totara Ave, New Lynn, Auckland
Website: https://www.settebello.co.nz/
Phone: 09-8260777
Email:info@settebello.co.nz
Working hours:
Monday-Sunday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday 5pm – 9.30pm
Services: big range of fresh pasta and pizza, Italian bread selection, dessert
Settebello is excellent at pasta, and they have four tasty gnocchi menu items. You can choose between the ragu bolognese or quartro formaggi (mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, gorgonzola, and parmesan) for a heavier meal, or keep it light with pesto or tomato gnocchi. No matter which gnocchi you choose – the flavour is out of this world since everything is made in-house and fresh. You can expect friendly, helpful staff that will provide you with amazing service and great food here.
Cotto
Address: 375 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Website: https://www.cotto.co.nz/
Phone: (09) 394 1555
Email: bookings@cotto.co.nz
Working hours:
Monday to Saturday 5pm to late
Services: group menu, tasty dishes, pasta, happy hour, weekly specials, traditional classics
Cotto started as a pop-up restaurant but has since become a permanent resident of Karangahape Road. Cotto is known to keep things fresh, yet seasonal. However, a few signature dishes are always available. Their in-house kumara gnocchi with gorgonzola and watercress walnut are packed full of flavour. Drizzle it with a bit of olive oil for the premium taste. You can sit here with your family, friends, or have a romantic date with your loved one since you’re guaranteed to have a perfect evening. If you don’t feel in the mood for gnocchi – try their famous spaghetti and meatballs, pasta with mushrooms, or the diamond shell clams in white wine and chilli.
Authentic Italian Restaurant Quality Gnocchi
Pilkington’s
Address: 41 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland City
Website: https://www.pilkingtons.co.nz/
Phone: 021771481
Email: vanessa@pilkingtons.co.nz
Working hours:
Sunday-Closed
Monday-Friday 10AM–11PM
Saturday 12pm–11PM
Services: bottomless lunch, pasta, hosting events, pasta, light meals, good for family celebrations
Located in the heart of the bustling Auckland CBD, Pilkingtons is an award-winning restaurant to eat, drink and enjoy. They are known for their European bistro-style cuisine at an affordable price, with a special selection of wine, tap beers, and cocktails to go along. Their gnocchi is panfried and made with smoked pumpkin puree, walnuts, and sage cream; making it a light vegetarian dish. Experience the fresh flavour of Italy – book a table.
Vivace
Address: 85 Fort Street. Auckland Central. 1010
Website: https://www.vivacerestaurant.co.nz/
Phone: 09 302-2303
Email: info@vivacerestaurant.co.nz
Working hours:
Tuesday-Thursday: 12pm – 9pm
Friday: 12pm-10pm
Saturday: 5pm – 10pm
Sunday-Monday: closed
Services: private dining services available, vegan selection, fresh pasta, breads
Vivace, the jewel of Auckland city, is known for its great food and excellent service. They have kumara gnocchi that is made with chicken, herbs, and a creamy Napoli sauce. It comes in two portion sizes, but since it’s not a heavy meal, you can freely order a big bowl of gnocchi paired with a glass of wine for the perfect evening. No matter what dish or pasta you choose from the menu – it will all taste and feel like you’re being served in the heart of Italy.
Non Solo Pizza
Address: 259 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Website: https://savor.co.nz/non-solo-pizza/
Phone: +64 09 379 5358
Email: nsp@nonsolopizza.co.nz
Working hours:
Every day 12am-10pm
Services: Fresh Italian food, pizza, vegetarian options, cheeses
Non Solo Pizza is known for its greenery-covered walls, sky-high ceilings, white wrought iron chairs, water fountain, and marbled tables. Here, everything is made in-house. If you are ever craving real, authentic Italian food such as pan-fried gnocchi with mushrooms, spinach, and gorgonzola, all kinds of bruschetta, Italian breads, canapés, Italian soft cheeses, vegetable dishes, antipasti, wood-fired pizzas (Bianca and Rossa), friggitoria, pasta, salads, and Italian desserts, book a table here. This restaurant also has a comprehensive wine list, so that you can have that perfect glass with your meal.
Farina
Address: 244 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Website: https://www.farina.co.nz/
Phone: 09 390 6213
Email: info@farina.co.nz
Working hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday: 5pm – late
Thursday – Sunday: 12pm – late
Services: Napoletana street food, Italian bread, pizzas, pasta, takeaway, ideal for family celebrations
“Farina” is the Italian for “Flour”, as high-quality flour is of key importance to pasta dishes. Their speciality is Italian street food, homemade pasta, and authentic Italian pizzas. Farina has a spectacular menu that is curated by their amazing chef. They make everything from scratch and they serve their potato gnocchi in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with toasted walnuts. This gnocchi is vegetarian and light on the stomach. Located on Ponsonby Road, it’s the shortest you’ll have to travel for the authentic Italian experience.
