Napoli Contemporanea pizzeria bar cucina

restaurant — Parnell · Auckland

About Napoli Contemporanea pizzeria bar cucina

Napoli Contemporanea brings the rustic culinary warmth of southern Italy to Parnell. Inspired by the coastal eateries spanning from Naples down to Sicily, the pizzeria, cucina, and bar celebrates regional traditions with honest ingredients and artisan techniques.

At the centre of the dining experience is authentic Neapolitan pizza, alongside handmade pasta and time-honoured desserts. Whether joining for a quick lunch, an evening pizza paired with Italian wines and digestifs, or Sicilian coffee, guests are treated to an authentic southern Italian dining atmosphere.

Napoli Contemporanea: Bringing Authentic Southern Italian Dining to Parnell

Perched along Parnell Road, Napoli Contemporanea captures the warmth and conviviality of southern Italy. Inspired by the coastal trattorias and pizzerias spanning from the bustling streets of Naples to the sun-soaked shores of Sicily, the restaurant delivers an authentic culinary experience defined by time-tested family recipes, quality produce, and Italian craftsmanship.

From the moment you step inside, the ambiance reflects a genuine slice of Italian hospitality. The kitchen prioritises classic techniques and simple, premium components—whether it is authentic San Marzano tomatoes, local Clevedon fresh buffalo mozzarella, or artisanal cured meats imported directly to bring traditional flavours to life.

Fired in 90 Seconds: The Art of Neapolitan Pizza

The pizzeria forms the heart of Napoli Contemporanea. Rooted in traditional styles like "a rota e' carretta" alongside contemporary Neapolitan baking, each pizza is fired quickly in roughly 90 seconds. This high-heat method produces a blistered crust with a light, airy texture that supports classic and gourmet combinations alike.

Guests can choose from time-honoured classics like the A Regina Margherita and Marinara Napoletana to regional specialities such as the Bronte, which pairs mortadella and fresh stracciatella with pistachio pesto. For those seeking Neapolitan street food heritage, the Pizza Fritta offers a deep-fried folded calzone packed with ricotta, guanciale, and melted mozzarella.

Fresh House Pasta and Regional Cucina

Beyond the pizza oven, the cucina crafts house-made pastas and southern Italian antipasti. The pasta selection highlights celebrated regional dishes, such as Bucatini Genovese Napoletana simmered slowly with beef ragu and onions, alongside Spaghetti alle Vongole cooked with fresh clams, white wine, and chilli. Starters like the 250g Figliata burrata and Sicilian Arancini Cacio e Pepe set the tone for shared dining.

Desserts and drinks continue the regional focus. The bar serves Italian wines, digestifs, signature cocktails, and espresso brewed with organic Sicilian Moak coffee roasted in Italy. Finishing with a slice of Pistacchio Tiramisu or classic Cannoli Siciliani completes the journey to southern Italy without leaving Auckland.

Signature items

  • Napoli Contemporanea Pizza
  • Pizza Fritta
  • Bronte Pizza
  • Genovese Napoletana
  • Pistacchio Tiramisu
  • Figliata

Menu

Paste

  • Spaghetti Alle Vongole — Homemade spaghetti, vongole veraci, white wine, garlic, chilli and EVOO.
  • Pesto All Trapanese — Fettuccine with Sicilian pesto, walnut, parmesan, basil, sundried tomato, topped with crunchy taralli.
  • Genovese Napoletana — Bucatini pasta with slow-cooked beef ragu, onion and wine.
  • Gnocchi 4 Formaggi — Homemade gnocchi, provola affumicata, stracciatella, blue cheese, pecorino romano, finished with multifloral honey.
  • E Purpett E Carmela — Homemade spaghetti with mince meatballs cooked in San Marzano tomato, parmesan and basil EVOO.
  • Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Peperoncino — Spaghetti Neapolitan way with extra virgin olive oil, chilli, garlic, Italian parsley, finished with taralli.

Pizze

  • A Regina Margherita — San Marzano tomato, basil, EVOO, mozzarella, parmesan.
  • Vesuvio — San Marzano tomato, basil, mozzarella, parmesan, nduja calabrese, salame Napoli and EVOO.
  • A Tradizionale 'Salsiccia e Friarielli' — Fennel sausage, provola smoked, parmesan, wild broccoli and homemade chilli oil.
  • La Bianca — Mozzarella, gorgonzola, provola affumicata, parmesan, walnut, basil, EVOO.
  • Capri — Provola affumicata, sautéed mushrooms, guanciale, basil, parmesan, pecorino romano, truffle oil.
  • Bronte — Fresh pistachio mortadella, fresh stracciatella, mozzarella and pistachio pesto.
  • Positano — Homemade truffle pesto base, mozzarella, sautéed mushroom, gremolata, basil, cherry tomato, parmesan, EVOO.
  • La Crudo — San Marzano tomato, parmesan, mozzarella, rocket, Parma ham, dried figs, EVOO.
  • La Capriccio — Artichoke cream base, prosciutto cotto, confit cherry tomatoes, mushroom, Sicilian olives, mozzarella, EVOO.
  • La Pulcinella — Mozzarella, fennel sausage, guanciale, basil, parmesan, finished with cheddar cheese, EVOO.
  • Pizza Fritta — Deep fried calzone stuffed with ricotta, guanciale, San Marzano tomato, mozzarella and black pepper.
  • Bufalara — San Marzano tomato, parmesan, Clevedon fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, EVOO.
  • Marinara Napoletana — San Marzano tomato, Sicilian anchovies, basil, oregano, garlic, black olives, EVOO.
  • Napoli Contemporanea — Friarielli cream, smoked cheese, porchetta, nduja calabrese, basil, parmesan, EVOO.

Insalate

  • Octopus Salad — Fresh marinated octopus served with rocket, lemons, and EVOO.
  • La Classica — Rocket, shaved pecorino, EVOO and balsamic.
  • La Vulcano — Tomato, olives, green salad, basil, artichokes, EVOO and balsamic.

Dolci / Desserts

  • Pistacchio Tiramisu — Ladyfingers with Moak coffee and pistachio mascarpone.
  • Nutella Pizza — Folded pizza filled with Nutella.
  • Dessert of the Day — Daily fresh Italian sweet special.
  • Cannoli Siciliani — Traditional Sicilian fried pastry shells filled with sweet ricotta and dark chocolate bits.
  • Gelato — Tris of gelato.
  • Panna Cotta al Cappuccino — Full cream cappuccino flavoured panna cotta.
  • Chiacchiere Fritte — Deep fried finger dough served with Nutella.
  • Affogato Café Borghetti — Gelato, espresso shot, and Borghetti coffee liqueur.

Antipasti / Secondi

  • Antipasto All'Italiana — Selection of cured Italian meats and cheese, mix olives, fresh bread.
  • Bruschette — Homemade bread with fresh tomato, basil and stracciatella EVOO.
  • Porchetta — Pork belly served in extra virgin olive oil, lemon and bread.
  • Figliata — 250g pregnant burrata filled with baby mozzarella and cream, basil, cherry tomato and EVOO.
  • Chicken Cotoletta — Chicken cotoletta served with rocket, confit cherry tomatoes, lemon and parmesan.
  • Bresaola — Dry-cured beef served with seasonal greens, shaved pecorino romano, truffle oil and lemon.
  • Arancini Cacio e Pepe — Deep fried Sicilian rice balls with Roma-style sauce.
  • Homemade Marinated Olives — Marinated olives.
  • Focaccia All'Aglio — Italian-style pizza bread with olive oil, garlic and oregano.

Gluten Free Options

  • Homemade Gluten-Free Pizza Base — House-made gluten-free base option for pizzas.
  • Homemade Gluten-Free Pasta — House-made gluten-free pasta alternative.
  • Homemade Gluten-Free Bread — House-made gluten-free bread option.

Frequently asked questions

What style of pizza is served at Napoli Contemporanea?
Napoli Contemporanea specializes in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza fired in approximately 90 seconds, ranging from classic Margherita to traditional street-style Pizza Fritta and gourmet creations.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, the kitchen offers homemade gluten-free pizza bases, homemade gluten-free pasta, and homemade gluten-free bread, as well as gluten-free dessert and antipasto options.
How can I book a table?
Table bookings can be made directly through the website booking form or by calling the restaurant at 09 302 0900 or mobile 027 206 2844.
Do they serve Italian drinks and coffee?
Yes, the bar offers a curated selection of Italian wines, special cocktails, Italian beers, digestives, liqueurs, and organic Sicilian Moak coffee roasted in Italy.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant is open Monday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 am to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am until late, and Sunday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Tips

  • {"body":"Save room for dessert to experience their twist on tiramisu made with Sicilian Moak coffee and pistachio mascarpone.","title":"Try the Pistachio Tiramisu"}
  • {"body":"Look beyond the standard pizza list for Neapolitan street food classics like the deep-fried Pizza Fritta or the slow-cooked Genovese ragu bucatini.","title":"Explore South Italian Specialties"}
  • {"body":"Friday and Saturday services run from 11 am until late, so make a table reservation by phone or online if dining with a group.","title":"Reserve Ahead for Weekends"}

Good to know

  • {"dietary":"Offers house-made gluten-free pizza bases, gluten-free pasta, and gluten-free bread, with vegetarian options noted across the menu."}