A slice of Italy is nestled in the heart of downtown Queenstown. Walking through Bella Cucina’s doors in Brecon Street diners are instantly attracted by the huge wood-fired oven and embraced by wonderful Italian aromas.

“Bella Cucina is a showcase of delightful simple fresh flavours. It’s our love letter to Italy with an authentic Italian kitchen,” says executive chef Marty James

Marty and his business partners Jan Rae and Alex Boyes of the Wai Dining Group have operated the restaurant since 2008 as part of their expansive Queenstown footprint that includes award-winning Public Kitchen & Bar and Finz Seafood Restaurant on Steamer Wharf.

The recent addition of outdoor tables and chairs spilling out onto the Brecon street pavement has created a vibrant atmosphere for alfresco dining at Bella Cucina.

 “Our end of Brecon street is very sunny and sheltered away from any southernly winds so it’s the perfect location for sitting outside with a bowl of pasta or a pizza and taking in the Queenstown atmosphere,” says Marty. “Bella is now open every day for lunch which is super popular for walk ins along with evening dining service.”

The wood fired pizza oven imported from Italy takes pride of place in the open air kitchen where authentic Italian dishes, pizzas and pastas are handcrafted.

“A large part of its enduring popularity as Queenstown’s number one Italian eatery is the menu that reflects the freshest, locally sourced seasonal produce we can access. Just about everything is made inhouse including our artisan breads, sourdoughs, pastas and delicious desserts like tiramisu and Cannelloni,”

“We import specialist products like Bocconcini, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, Sicilian olives, extra virgin olive oils and some dried meats along with a wide selection of regional Italian wines to enhance the dishes.”

Traditional antipasto like warm olives, sourdough breads, Beef Carpaccio and Chargrilled Squid Roquette are great starters with pasta dish highlights including Spaghetti Vongole featuring New Zealand clams and Fettuccine Nduja with spicy pork sausage.

“The pizza menu features Italian classics and personal favourites such as the Quattro Formaggi, Funghi Prosciutto, Calzone and Margherita styles. Our Trust the Chef is a popular option for those looking to feast Italian style,” says Marty. “Bella Cucina has great energy and a super friendly vibe which diners just love – it’s fresh, delicious and affordable. Bellissimo.”