Little Italy | Authentic Italian Dining and Stone Oven Pizzas in Auckland

Overview

Little Italy, nestled in the heart of Auckland Central at 132 Halsey Street, offers a genuine taste of Italy with a modern twist. This Italian restaurant stands out for its warm atmosphere and carefully curated menu, making it a favored spot for locals and visitors alike seeking authentic flavors in a welcoming space.

The star of the menu is undoubtedly the calzone, expertly crafted and oven-baked to deliver a satisfying, hearty meal. Alongside, their stone-oven pizzas impress with a fluffy crust and balanced toppings, a highlight praised by many diners. For pasta lovers, the variety is commendable, with standout options like the creamy lemon sauce with shrimp that showcase both innovation and tradition.

The dining experience at Little Italy benefits from a thoughtfully designed interior—modern yet inviting, with lighting and music set to create a relaxed, pleasant vibe. Staff are consistently noted for their friendliness and attentiveness, enhancing the overall experience without overwhelming conversation or noise. The restaurant suits different group sizes, making it perfect for intimate dinners or larger gatherings, though booking ahead is recommended for bigger parties.

What sets Little Italy apart is its ability to deliver satisfying portions that leave guests full without feeling heavy. This balance appeals especially to those looking for light yet filling meals. The menu also includes a well-rounded selection of antipasti, soft drinks, and refined coffee and tea options, rounding out the meal without overshadowing the main dishes.

Desserts, particularly the panna cotta, offer a light and silky finish to the meal, a must-try for those saving room after their pasta or pizza. While some minor details, such as herb choices in certain dishes or pizza slicing, have been noted, they do little to detract from the overall positive impression of this neighborhood gem.

Ideal for casual diners, families, and small groups, Little Italy combines authentic Italian cuisine with a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere in Auckland’s bustling center. It’s a place where quality, comfort, and genuine hospitality intersect, making it well worth a visit.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Quick bite

Small plates

Vegetarian options

Wine

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

Trendy

What Customers Say

Laurel Hodghead

Dec 9,2025

5/5

The service was fabulous, kind, friendly and so accommodating. The food was amazing. The Bufala Salad was a delicious treat.

Bayley Taylor

Dec 9,2025

4/5

I got takeout and ordered the Apollo pizza without the chilli on top and egg. They did this which was good however they added olives which weren’t listed as an ingredient on the menu at the counter which I ordered from. Luckily they were whole so I could pick them off. It was also annoying that the pesto (while very yummy) was just dropped on in a couple spots, if you didn’t spread it around (which I had to use my finger for) then the pesto would be all gone in one bite. The pizza was also only cut into 4 which makes it very difficult to easily eat or share. I was in a hotel so didn’t have much to work with and found it difficult to eat. Overall the pizza did taste good and the crust was pretty decent as well. For the price it was a good pizza.

William Lin

Dec 9,2025

5/5

Little gem in Wynyard Quarter with modern decor. They have tables to suit parties of different sizes. It does pay to book if in a large group. Great tasting pasta, with a variety to choose from. The pizzas are amazing too. Finish it off with some dessert. Excellent service and great atmosphere

Emma A

Dec 9,2025

5/5

To be honest, I didn't think much from the outside but I was completely wrong. The pizza was fluffy and wonderfully cooked in a stone oven. Pasta was great too, particularly the special with a creamy lemon sauce and shrimp. Small salad was a great size. Staff was lovely and friendly and the music was the perfect volume (not too loud) and lighting created a lovely vibe.

Pip terry

Dec 9,2025

4/5

The staff were lovely, a tad difficult to hear over the music as I’m partially deaf and they were very soft spoken. The restaurants atmosphere is very pleasant and the overall aesthetic is homely and light. The portion sizes are perfect and the food leaves you full without the heavy or bloated feeling. I HIGHLY recommend the panacotta, for a light , silky dessert. Only critiques would be the herb choice in the pasta I ordered was dried and not fresh, which left a “sharp” feeling against the creaminess of the pasta which ruined the overall texture of the dish. The cost for the pasta and dessert (no drinks) was a fair price just over $30, the portion sizes are just above the amount expected for those prices. If your after something filling and light I definitely recommend eating here!!! I’ll be back to try the pizza !

Laura Skorich

Dec 9,2025

5/5

Portion sizes were very large for very reasonable prices. The bolognese was wonderfully done! Garlic bread was fresh and okay. Not a lot of flavor. Staff was very kind!

Sarah Bardia

Dec 9,2025

5/5

Excellent place. Came here for the lunch take away, ended up coming back for dinner. Given the location and food quality I think the price is unbelievable reasonable. This place deserves more recognition. 100% Recommend the chicken salad, light but satisfying to the taste bud. Salmon pasta and Bolognese was very good as well.