Cucina Italiana
Local East Auckland Dining
A DESTINATION
An immersive, authentic Italian experience located in the heart of Beachlands,
44 Kouka Road, Beachlands 2018
Eat Together
Phone in to book a reservation
09 217 1684
PASTA
Indulge in our handcrafted, authentic Italian pasta—made fresh daily using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Bolognese , Gnocchi, Carbonara and more.
FRESH INGREDIENTS
Classic New Zealand ingredients integrated with an Italian touch, all locally acquired but altered to fit each customer’s taste.
DESSERTS & DRINKS
Satisfy your sweet cravings with our decadent selection of traditional Italian desserts. From the creamy layers of house-made Tiramisù to the crisp, Don’t miss our silky Panna Cotta, and more. Raise a glass to la dolce vita with our curated menu of Italian wines, handcrafted cocktails, and signature aperitivi.
THE KITCHEN
MADDALENA
Front of House Manager
Coming from a little town in Sardegna (Sardinia) , Maddalena has worked across Auckland restaurants for over 8 years, previously working in the Alps between Italy and Switzerland in ski resort restaurants and bars, eventually starting up Pinocchio in 2023. From the second day stepping foot her in New Zealand, Maddalena began working hard, securing a job quicker than ever and working towards starting up her very own restaurant.
- “To work in hospitality was a big dream come true.”
RICCARDO
Head Chef
Riccardo has a passion for authentic Italian cuisine, so much so that he has travelled worldwide sharing its true flavours. Across several years, the board in hospitality, Riccardo’s goal is to stay true to Italy’s rich food heritage, whilst cooking for Pinocchio, Riccardo has focused each dish with the intention of displaying the true heart of their culinary culture.
- “Every dish tells a story of places, memories, and people. Cooking is not just a job; it’s my way of connecting cultures through taste.”
PIETRO
Pizza Chef
20 years ago, Pietro started his hospitality journey, working in a Pizzeria in Milan. Instantly falling in love with the craft and becoming obsessed with learning the correct measurements, propositions, chemical reactions, and more evolved Pietro’s hobby evolved into a career. Studying the craft for many years, researching on the composition of yeast, flour, temperature, and more, Pietro eventually mastered and art of the Napolitan-style pizza. After opening Pinocchio alongside Riccardo and Maddalena, Pietro could finally bring his imagination to life.
-” I do my job with commitment and 100% of passion.”
