When seeking the best Italian restaurants in Gisborne, diners can enjoy authentic flavours from establishments like Portofino Gisborne and Neighbourhood Pizzeria that blend traditional recipes with fresh Tairāwhiti produce. These spots offer everything from wood-fired pizzas to hearty pastas in welcoming settings perfect for families, couples and groups. Gisborne’s Italian dining scene provides a taste of Italy with a coastal New Zealand twist.
1Portofino Gisborne
Portofino Gisborne is situated on the banks of the Taruheru River in the heart of the city, offering a sumptuous Italian meal experience. The restaurant brings the essence of Italian cuisine with warm, soul-pleasing, traditional meals prepared and served by friendly staff in a comfortable setting. As part of a family-owned franchise established in 1980, it draws inspiration from Northern Italy combined with the freshness of New Zealand produce.
Services
- Traditional Northern Italian meals
- Lunch and dinner service
- Dessert options
- Reservations and booking enquiries
- Comfortable dining in a riverfront location
Highlights
- Part of a franchise established in 1980
- Family-owned with multiple New Zealand locations
- Northern Italian tradition with New Zealand produce
- Central Gisborne location on Peel Street
- Warm and comfortable atmosphere
Location & Contact
Name: Portofino Gisborne
Address: 12-14 Peel Street, Gisborne
Phone: 06 868 5700
Website: www.portofino.co.nz/gisborne/
2Neighbourhood Pizzeria
Neighbourhood Pizzeria, located in the Ballance Street Village, has been one of Gisborne’s leading pizzerias since opening in 2015. It is applauded for its gracious service and casual take on good times, offering artisan pizzas in a relaxed setting that celebrates good company and fresh flavours.
Services
- Handcrafted pizzas with locally sourced fresh ingredients
- Dine-in service
- Takeaway options
- Delivery service
- Pizza and beer pairings
Highlights
- Opened in 2015
- One of Gisborne’s leading pizzerias
- Gracious service and casual vibe
- Focus on good times with pizza and beer
- Located in Ballance Street Village
Location & Contact
Name: Neighbourhood Pizzeria
Address: 57 Ballance Street, Gisborne, New Zealand
Phone: 06 868 7174
Website: www.neighbourhoodpizzeria.co.nz/
3Neptunes Pizzeria
Neptunes Pizzeria is a family-run, locally owned and operated pizzeria in Gisborne serving hand-stretched sourdough pizzas made with fresh local ingredients. It provides takeaway and delivery services with a focus on fresh hot delicious pizza in a welcoming environment.
Services
- Hand-stretched sourdough pizzas
- Fresh local ingredients
- Takeaway service
- Delivery options
- Various gourmet toppings
Highlights
- Family-run and locally owned
- Hand-stretched dough
- Fresh, hot pizzas
- Positive feedback on flavours and service
- Located on Gladstone Road
Location & Contact
Name: Neptunes Pizzeria
Address: 35 Gladstone Road, Gisborne, New Zealand
Phone: 06 214 6393
Website: neptunespizza.com
4Mediterranean Kitchen & Grill
Mediterranean Kitchen & Grill, nestled in the heart of Gisborne at 208 Gladstone Road, offers a delightful culinary journey through Mediterranean flavours. It specializes in hearty pastas, mouth-watering pizzas, and other grilled dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere suitable for various occasions.
Services
- Hearty pastas
- Mouth-watering pizzas including Margherita and Four Seasons
- Charcoal-grilled chicken
- Juicy burgers
- Sizzling meat dishes
Highlights
- Rich and diverse Mediterranean flavours
- Warm and inviting atmosphere
- Authentic dishes and exceptional service
- Versatile setting for casual or special dining
- Central location on Gladstone Road
Location & Contact
Name: Mediterranean Kitchen & Grill
Address: 208 Gladstone Road, Gisborne 4010, New Zealand
Phone: 06 868 9898
Website: www.mediterraneankitchengrill.co.nz/
Italian Restaurants in Gisborne at a Glance
| Business | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Portofino Gisborne | Part of a franchise established in 1980 |
| Neighbourhood Pizzeria | Opened in 2015 |
| Neptunes Pizzeria | Family-run and locally owned |
| Mediterranean Kitchen & Grill | Rich and diverse Mediterranean flavours |
How to Choose the Right Italian Restaurants in Gisborne
- Consider whether you prefer traditional Northern Italian cuisine or wood-fired pizzas and casual pizzeria fare.
- Look for restaurants that emphasize fresh, local ingredients to enhance authentic flavours.
- Check the atmosphere and location, such as riverfront or central CBD spots, to match your dining occasion.
- Verify dietary options like gluten-free bases or vegetarian choices if needed.
- Assess additional services such as takeaway, delivery, or reservations for convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gisborne Italian Restaurants
What types of Italian food can I expect to find in Gisborne?
Gisborne’s Italian restaurants typically offer wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, traditional dishes incorporating local New Zealand ingredients, and desserts in both casual pizzeria and full restaurant settings.
Are there family-friendly Italian restaurants in Gisborne?
Yes, many spots like Neighbourhood Pizzeria and Portofino Gisborne offer casual atmospheres suitable for families, with options for children and generous portions in relaxed environments.
Do Gisborne Italian restaurants cater to dietary restrictions?
Most provide gluten-free, vegetarian, and other options where possible; it is best to check menus or call ahead to confirm specific needs.
What is the best time to visit an Italian restaurant in Gisborne?
Evenings and weekends are popular; booking ahead is recommended for peak times, while weekday lunches may offer a quieter experience.
Can I order Italian food for delivery or takeaway in Gisborne?
Yes, several offer delivery and takeaway services, including pizzerias with online ordering options for pizzas and pastas.
Where are the Italian restaurants located in Gisborne?
Portofino is on Peel Street near the river, Neighbourhood Pizzeria on Ballance Street, while Neptunes Pizzeria and Mediterranean Kitchen & Grill are both on Gladstone Road in central areas.
How do I choose between a pizzeria and a full Italian restaurant in Gisborne?
Pizzerias like Neighbourhood and Neptunes focus on pizzas in casual settings with beer pairings, while Portofino offers a broader menu of pastas and traditional dishes in a more restaurant-style environment.
Are there any Italian restaurants near specific suburbs or the beach in Gisborne?
Many are in the central CBD and nearby areas like Gladstone Road for easy access, with some offering river or coastal proximity depending on the exact spot.
How We Chose the Best Italian Restaurants in Gisborne
Every business in this guide was found by searching for italian restaurants in Gisborne, then checked against what the business publishes itself: its own website, or where it has none, its official social or booking page. Names, addresses and phone numbers come from those pages rather than a directory feed, so what you see here is what the business says about itself. We also check that each one is still trading and is actually based in or genuinely serving Gisborne, rather than a national operator running a local landing page. A business we can’t confirm from its own pages is not listed.