Nicolini’s Italian Cafe Bar & Bistro

I love Nicolini’s. They’re my favourite Italian restaurant in the city because they have authentic AND delicious cuisine. I take my friends and family here all the time because I know they have a friendly and reliable team that knows their restaurant and their menu very well — great food and great service. Even if your vegan or vegetarian they can dial back the meat but continue to amp up the flavour! Only reason it’s a ⁴⁄₅ is because of the aesthetic quality of the menu. It needs to be revamped a bit as some of the menus we were given were falling apart. Perhaps a classic/​rustic design that fits in with the restaurants «Italy» theme?

Friendly, helpful staff, a cool atmosphere and really well priced for the quality of food. Best pasta I’ve found in Wellington, and the bruschetta is to die for too!

Yummy!!! This restaurant is one of my favourite in Wellington certainly my favourite Italian! The staff here are very welcoming and friendly providing great table service. There are some fantastic items on the menu, I particularly love some of the seafood options (mussel spaghetti is delicious) but don’t decide until you have heard the daily specials, because there are usually some creative and tasty options on that list. I find the prices ($ 18 – 24 for a main pasta dish) to be very reasonable, especially considering the quality. The wine list is also extensive, with options from around New Zealand, Australia and of course Italy. The restaurant itself has a lovely ambient feel. There are two main dining areas the front room which fronts on to Courtenay Place, and a quieter courtyard out the back. The lighting including candles in wine bottles adds to the ambience.