Nicolini's

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#13 of 819 Restaurants in Wellington$$ - $$$, Italian, European, Vegetarian friendly

+64 4-802 4442+ Add website

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Hours

Tue

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Wed

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Thu

5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Fri

5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Sat

5:00 pm - 9:30 pm

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

561 reviews

#13 of 819 Restaurants in Wellington

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Food and ambience

Italian, European, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

“The sauce was absolutely delicious and the perfectly cooked mussels made for...”

“Lasagna and Rigatoni Roma were divine and there is an impressive wine list.”

“Our family celebration began with shared entrees Bruschetta, Fresh mussels wi...”

“We had the Venison Rigatoni and Tiramisu and they were delicious.”

Location and contact

9 Blair Street, Wellington 6011 New Zealand

+64 4-802 4442

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Does this restaurant have live music

Yes

Unsure

Details

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About

At Nicolini’s you will find pasta, meats, breads and ..more pasta. Come and experience the feeling of being whisked away for an Italian evening as you step into our intimate rustic interior, where the service is excellent and the feel of the place is charming. Nicolini’s is family owned and run by an Italian, traditional pasta-making family. Raffaele with sons, Antonio, Fabrizio and Marlon are third and fourth generation restaurateurs with over 170 years of combined experience in Italy, the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. Since 1997, our mission at Nicolini’s has been to bring age old recipes to the local community using local produce and imported ingredients, maintaining the authenticity of our age old recipes. Like our food, the wine selection also embodies passion and experience. Covering regions throughout Italy, we also pay our respects to wines from New Zealand and Australia. Nicolini’s caters for vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free.

PRICE RANGE

$14.00 – $61.00

CUISINES

Italian, European

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

561 reviews

Excellent

397

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Kate

Wellington143 contributions

We placed ourselves in the capable hands of Tony and crew.

Aug 2021 • friends

When I booked I asked Tony, (the owner) for a real Italian experience, I said we would simply put ourselves in his hands to be served what he thought best. He seemed delighted by this, and said this is what he does for his regulars. The evening came, we sat back and relaxed, no choices needed! First an amazing plate of antipasto with aperitif spritzers, one Aperol and one cherry. Alongside the salty/ garlicky breads, cheeses, olives & etc this was an excellent combination. The next course was pasta, a primavera with finely chopped tomatoes, placed in the middle of the table to share, Italian family style. Two glasses of Italian red wines served, which we both tried. Then we were asked “would we like a main course each, or to share one main and have deserts each, we chose the latter. Veal Marsala arrived, served atop bread, as tender as anything, the sauce delicious. Also a small selection of perfectly cooked vegetables. We didn’t have another wine, as we were cycling home. Then we were asked if a coffee was going to suit, we said yes. The desserts: an affigato each with amaretto as the liqueur component, and, placed in the middle to share: chocolate profiteroles filled with vanilla creme & chocolate sauce, decorated with a little raspberry coulis. We felt thoroughly spoiled, and although my friend said she had a small appetite at the beginning of the meal, she happily ate her share, and we weren’t feeling too full at the end. Sharing mains is a really good idea. We also had admiring glances and comments from fellow diners. One couple said they were keen to try the ‘mystery meal’ approach next time. It worked out just a little less than $200 for the two of us, which is more than I would ordinarily pay for a meal, (note I don’t get out often, and normally only have either a main, or a main & dessert if going ‘all out’) however the price seemed reasonable to me due to the excellent service, the adventure of eating a ‘mystery meal’ alongside the chance to experience a real Italian dinner. After all I won’t be getting to Italy any time soon, if ever! Grazie Tony and staff!

Written 8 August 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dad_plus_two_Boys

Auckland74 contributions

Italian delight

Jan 2021 • none

Looking for a dining spot after a day spent driving from Auckland we were sold on the the delicious aroma's and delectable fare being eaten by patrons at Nicolini's. A full restaurant we were told to return in 15 mins, which we did to find a table reserved. Ordered two pizzas, lasagna and spaghetti mussels all shared amongst myself and two teens. We left well satisfied and pleased with our choice, all mains were fresh tasting, cooked perfectly and arrived in a timely manner. Would definitely stop in again when visiting Wellington

Written 3 February 2021

Kate M

Wellington2 contributions

Spectacular!

Jun 2020 • none

So pleased to be able to enjoy the beautiful Italian hospitality again in Level 1 . We have been here a few times and honestly you can choose blind fold putting your finger anywhere on the menu and end up ordering a spectacular well prepared tasty meal - you can't find better anywhere! The pulled lamb rigatoni is to die for! If it wasn't rude to lick the plate afterwards we would have done it! Atmosphere is cosy and bustling in the front dining area whilst the back dining area is quieter and more intimate. So well caters to the mood on the night. Warm friendly welcome in typical Italian style from the owner Antonio who will make you feel at home straight away.

Written 17 June 2020

Nick Y

13 contributions

Disappointing

Jan 2021 • none

Really wanted to like this place after reading reviews. We got shunted out to an annex at the rear with no natural light and decor from the 70’s that needs a serious makeover. Our waitress went missing in action almost straight away, we had to keep flagging down other staff to get her to come and take orders for drinks and food. This happened several times. Food when it arrived was ok, nothing to write home about. Wouldn’t go back and can’t recommend the establishment to anyone. Disappointing.

Written 30 January 2021

rooster12

Motueka6 contributions

Awesome food, Great Service

Aug 2020 • none

Spent a week in Wellington recently, used Uber eats twice during week, both times I ordered pasta from this Restaurant that had been recommended to me by my daughters. The pasta was that great that the night before leaving town friends and us spent an evening dining there and the meal was delicious and the vary was really lovely. They service was awesome and overall I was so happy we had gone there. This is a restaurant that we will visit again next time in Wellington. Thanks for the awesome night

Written 22 August 2020

g n

Auckland Central415 contributions

Old school charm

Jul 2020 • family

The restaurant busily churns out classic Italian favourites in comfy surroundings. The check table cloths are there, the Italian American music too, service was solid and the food very nice. I enjoyed my huge prawn spaghetti, the prawns were perfectly cooked, the kids enjoyed their lasagne. A nice experience

Written 11 July 2020

Graham M

Dunedin36 contributions

Capital Ciao Scene Cuisine

Aug 2022 • none

Used to be a regular visitor to the Capital a decade or so, with fond recall of many excellent restaurant and cafes. Offspring and grand kids have recently moved down from Auckland, so trips from Dunners to Wellington have shortened the journey and enabled renewed exploration of the city and its cuisine scene. An early evening and unplanned sojourn on trip one of three prompted the neuron and palate to crave for the intimacy of a family owned trattoria – mouth watering home-style Italian food, the most convivial wait service and surroundings. And “yes” Chianti bottle candle holders and red checked tablecloths! I recalled a restaurant called Nicolini’s in Courtney Place and low and behold there it stood. Google Tony Lambert’s ‘favourite table’ story in Stuff (19/10/2012), for comparison. We found the restaurant buzzy and busy and bursting with energy and olfactory enticement. It’s hard to ignore the aroma of a Neapolitan tomato sauce that is freshly prepared everyday and lovingly simmered for 6 hours. It’s hard to pick a favourite item from the menu. Can only suggest you become a regular and work your way from top to bottom. Most of all, it is impossible to avoid acknowledgement of the unpretentious professionalism and charms of the wait staff, who made our evenings a fist bump treat. One hundred and fifty dinner covers or so (the record is apparently over 200!) is not only physically demanding, but also a testament to knowing what it is to serve with grace and sheer good humour. Georgia and Thomas you are stars and made our visits very special – loved your energy and engagement. When asked where we were dining during a nearby café stop, the immediate response from the waitress was “Oh we all love Nicolini’s”! And so it transpires does its owners, the Abbate family. Fabrizo thanks for the fabulous food and carrying on your Dad’s legacy in the kitchen. Antonio thanks so much for sharing your adventures in furniture, fashion and food! Hospitality can be a hard hard road, so we were privileged to have you sit round our table and share your history. NB Te Papa Museum has must see instillations for all the family and is a five-minute or so walk away from Nicolini’s. Grazie mille Arrivederchi tutti

Written 4 September 2022

Phoebe F

1 contribution

Fabulous

Jun 2021 • friends

I emailed to make a booking for my birthday dinner, a few things kept changing on my side but not once was I made to feel that I was an inconvenience. The staff are friendly and attentive, the food absolutely delicious. My panna cotta came with birthday candles which I thought was a nice touch. Thank you for making my birthday that much more special.

Written 3 July 2021

Robbie

1 contribution

Robbie Visit

Sept 2021 • business

After lockdown, friends and staff of Atareira were treated so well at this wonderful fine dining establishment, their staff were so polite and professional and patient as we stumbled through their delicious menu, the portions were superior in size, and bursting with flavor, dessert here should never be overlooked as I talked with fellow staff members it was very hard to leave anything on the plate. Tony, helped me with bookings as I increased the number a couple of times without any resistance. 5 out of 5 stars, highly recommended to eat here.

Written 11 September 2021

Fo0DJunKie

Auckland Central139 contributions

Decent food but poor service

Mar 2022 • friends

Got the worst table (#49) in the house last night. Air con was on full blast in a small room @ the back where it was blowing directly downwards to my partner. The flame on the lit candle on table was going nearly horizontal and had to be replaced twice during our meal. My partner was shivering before the mains even arrived. The place was busy and the two waitresses there were too busy resetting tables for the next customers to do more than bare minimum of service. Took them nearly 10 minutes to bring us some water to drink after taking our order. Didn't clear empty dishes when we clearly finished till the mains arrived. Food was ok & the portions generous though the "roasted" veggies were steamed/boiled rather than roasted. Went to Fratelli around the corner the week before and had much better service and food though their tiramisu was inferior to Nicolini's.

Written 20 March 2022

Paula S

35 contributions

Superb food - Melt in your mouth, homemade pleasure on a plate!

Jul 2020 • none

I had dinner here with a friend of mine last night and once again the good was simply delicious. The ambience and service is also warm and welcoming - you almost dont want to leave. We started with the garlic bread, which was delicious - garlic was not overpowering and just the right portion size to share. This was followed by the ravioli for my friend which she devoured happily and my choice of penne chicken. A smooth and flavourful cream sauce, moist chicken pieces with mushrooms and capsicum adding a subtle addition to the meal. As my friend said "I didnt know I needed that but my soul is now happy"

Written 30 July 2020

Sharleen

1 contribution

Outstanding Food and Service

Mar 2022 • none

We were a traveling netball team, staying in Wellington for the night. On the recommendation of a Wellington local, I contacted Nicolini's a few days ahead of the trip and worked with them to organise a takeaway meal for 14 people, including one with special dietary requirements. Our meals were ready exactly on time, the food was absolutely delicious and the staff were amazing to deal with. Highly recommend.

Written 21 March 2022

Dianne C

Waikanae434 contributions

Just average

Sept 2022 • none

I had the rigatoni,($28.50) which was described as roasted lamb shank, pulled, with tomato sauce. I had visions of lumps of lamb, and a distinctly tomato sauce with pasta. Sadly, the lamb had been pulled to smithereens - there was hardly anything big enough to actually chew, and the tomato flavour had disappeared - more like lamb gravy. My friend had the shrimp fettuccine, and was very happy with it. $27.90. This restaurant has a very large wine list, many of which are imported. Most are by the bottle. Decor is quintessential Italian - red check table cloths and a candle in an old chianti bottle. Service was pleasant and efficient. Noisy. But find me a place that isn't when it's full, which this was.

Written 10 September 2022

Dave A

Christchurch345 contributions

Amazing restaurant and outstanding staff

May 2022 • friends

Last night in Wellington and what a great way to end a holiday with a visit to Nicolini’s. This place is fantastic. The staff were amazing and really attentive to everyone in the restaurant, a busy place and the quality of the food and service shows you why. The meals are generous and just beautiful. We all had a raft of different pasta dishes and we also asked about the wine and the waitress suggested a great bottle to have with dinner. All the staff were great. No time pressure on us like some restaurants do. Overall a top experience and we will 100% be back there for dinner on our next visit.

Written 10 June 2022

Samantha

1 contribution

Celebration Dinner

Aug 2022 • friends

Antonio and his amazing team provided the perfect private room venue and atmosphere for our 21st celebration dinner. Every dish served was delicious and it felt like we were being hosted by family rather than at a restaurant. Highly recommended!!

Written 31 August 2022