Etrusco at the Savoy

About Etrusco at the Savoy

Etrusco at the Savoy is a proudly family-owned Italian restaurant in Dunedin's historic Savoy building, run by Federico and Meegan Gianone alongside their sons Rion and Zane. Since opening, the restaurant has earned a reputation for authentic Italian cuisine blending traditional Tuscan recipes with contemporary hospitality. The kitchen offers an extensive menu of classic pizzas, hearty pastas, traditional antipasti, and homemade desserts—all prepared with genuine passion and dedication. The venue is fully licensed with an extensive cellar wine list and welcomes BYO wine. Set in the elegantly historic Savoy building, Etrusco combines rustic charm with warm hospitality, making it a cherished destination for both special occasions and regular dining.

Etrusco at the Savoy: Family-Owned Italian Dining in Historic Dunedin

Etrusco at the Savoy represents more than just a restaurant—it's the realisation of a family's dedication to authentic Italian hospitality and cuisine. Located in Dunedin's historic Savoy building, the restaurant was purchased and opened by Federico and Meegan Gianone, who arrived in Dunedin with two young sons, determination, and a dream. Over the years, their dedication has paid off, with both sons Rion and Zane eventually buying shares and becoming full partners.

The Family Philosophy

What began as a nerve-racking venture—one that required the family to invest everything they owned—has grown into a beloved Dunedin institution. The combined energy of four family members has created a busy, buzzing, popular Italian restaurant that balances tradition with genuine warmth. Today, Etrusco remains proudly family-owned and operated, with each family member contributing their own skills and passion.

Authentic Italian Cuisine

The menu reflects traditional Italian recipes and Tuscan influences. Diners can choose from an extensive selection of handmade pizzas featuring classic toppings and creative combinations, hearty pasta dishes ranging from creamy mushroom sauces to fresh seafood marinara, and authentic antipasti and breads. Signature dishes include the rich Carbonara, the seafood-packed Marinara, and house specialties like the Savoy pizza topped with blue cheese, prosciutto and artichokes.

The Wine Experience

Etrusco is fully licensed with an extensive cellar wine list featuring Italian selections. The restaurant welcomes BYO wine (bottled only) with a reasonable corkage fee, allowing guests to bring their own selections. The team shares genuine knowledge and passion for Italian wine pairing.

Setting & Service

The historic Savoy building provides an elegant backdrop for dining, creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Bookings are available for dinner service, which runs nightly from 5:30pm until late. Group banquet menus are available for parties of eight or more, featuring a multi-course Italian feast.

Signature items

• Carbonara Pasta
• Marinara Pasta
• Savoy Pizza
• Torta al Cioccolato
• Panna Cotta
• Antipasto Toscano

Menu

Pasta

• Funghi — Creamy porcini mushroom sauce with penne
• Sugo di Carne — Bolognese style meat sauce with spaghetti
• Cervo — Wild venison, porcini mushrooms, tomato, wine on farfalle
• Nonno — Pancetta flamed in vodka with cream, chilli, tomato, parmesan on penne
• Carbonara — Pancetta, egg, cream and parsley on spaghetti
• Verde — Fresh basil, spinach, pinenuts with cream and parmesan on penne
• Pomorola — Classic Tuscan tomato sauce on farfalle
• Marinara — Mussels, shrimps, tomatoes, garlic, basil, parsley on spaghetti
• Piccanti — Tomatoes, capsicum, olives, mushrooms, chillies, capers on penne
• Tonno — Creamy tuna and mushroom sauce on farfalle
• Puttanesca — Black olive, caper, tomato and anchovy sauce on spaghetti
• Amatriciana Bianca — Garlic, EVOO, pancetta, sausage and chilli with spaghetti
• Ravioli — Pumpkin and basil ravioli with white wine, sage and parmesan
• Pasta Mista — Chef's choice of 3-6 different pasta dishes to share

Pizza

• Formaggi — Tomato, mozzarella, blue, feta and parmesan cheeses
• Vesuvio — Tomato, cheese, onion, mushroom, capsicum, chilli, oregano
• Gamberetti — Tomato, cheese, garlic, shrimps, salami, tomato, oregano
• Salsiccia — Tomato, cheese, capers, salami, sausage, mushroom, artichokes
• Leonardo — Tomato, cheese, garlic, onion, zucchini, green olives, oregano
• Neo Zelandese — Tomato, cheese, ham, mushroom, pineapple, parsley
• Savoy — Tomato, blue cheese, oregano, topped with prosciutto and artichokes
• Marinara — Tomato, cheese, garlic, mussels, shrimps and parsley
• Messicana — Tomato, cheese, salami, onion, capers, capsicum, chilli
• Fiesole — Tomato, cheese, pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, oregano
• Diverso — Tomato, cheese, salami, olives, capers, mushrooms, anchovies
• Il Duomo — Tomato, cheese, ham, mushroom, salami, tomato, basil
• Michelangelo — Tomato, cheese, olives, garlic, mushroom, capsicum, capers
• Bismark — Tomato, cheese, onion, ham, bacon, egg, oregano
• Roma — Tomato, cheese, prosciutto, fresh tomato, rocket, EVOO
• Quasitutto — Loaded pizza with ham, pepperoni, salami, mushroom, vegetables

Salads

• Insalata — Green salad with onion, tomatoes, homemade dressing
• Insalata alla Siciliana — Sicilian salad with olives, feta, tomatoes and anchovies

Desserts

• Torta al Cioccolato — Dark chocolate cake with cream, blueberries and fudge sauce
• Crostata di Noce Americana — Pecan pie served with ice cream
• Crostata al Limone — Lemon filling on vanilla/butter biscuit base
• Panna Cotta — Vanilla panna cotta with raspberry fruit sauce
• Gelato — Italian ice cream—berry, mango or tangy lemon
• Fudge Sundae — Vanilla ice cream smothered in homemade fudge sauce

Starters

• Bruschetta — Homemade crusty bread with EVOO and trio of chef's toppings
• Pane al'Aglio — Garlic bread with garlic butter and fresh parsley
• Fettunta — Tuscan toasted bread rubbed with garlic and extra virgin olive oil
• Olivi — Marinated Kalamata olives and stuffed green olives
• Schiacciata — Tuscan flat bread with EVOO, rock salt and rosemary
• Schiacciata con Salame o Prosciutto — Schiacciata with Italian salami and/or prosciutto
• Antipasto Toscano — Cured meats, garlic infused feta, marinated olives and artichokes
• Minestrone — Italian soup with seasonal vegetables and pasta

Frequently asked questions

Is Etrusco family-owned?

Yes. Etrusco is proudly owned and operated by the Gianone family—Federico, Meegan, and their sons Rion and Zane.

Are you fully licensed?

Yes, fully licensed. We also welcome BYO wine (bottled only) with corkage of $12 per bottle, up to one between two.

Can we book a group dinner?

Yes. Group banquet menus are available for parties of 8+ people at $49 per person, featuring a multi-course Italian feast.

Do you have vegetarian or dietary options?

Yes. Our menu includes vegetarian and dairy-free options, and gluten-free pasta is available.

What are your opening hours?

We're open Monday to Sunday, 5:30pm until late. Bookings recommended.

Is the Savoy building historic?

Yes. Etrusco is located in Dunedin's historic Savoy building, which provides an elegant heritage setting for dining.

Tips

• {"body":"Etrusco operates by reservation. Call (03) 477-3737 to secure your table for dinner service (5:30pm–late).","title":"Book ahead for dinner"}
• {"body":"Named after the historic building, it's topped with blue cheese, prosciutto and marinated artichokes—a standout favourite.","title":"Try the house special Savoy pizza"}
• {"body":"With an extensive cellar of Italian wines and knowledgeable staff, it's worth asking for recommendations. BYO is also welcome.","title":"Explore their wine list"}
• {"body":"For 8+ diners, the group banquet menu ($49pp) offers a multi-course Italian feast including antipasto, pasta, pizza and dessert.","title":"Consider the banquet for groups"}
• {"body":"This is authentic Italian dining meant to be savoured—settle in, order an Italian wine, and enjoy the historic Savoy ambiance.","title":"Arrive ready to linger"}

Good to know

• {"wifi":"Contact restaurant for details","family":"Family-owned and operated; warm hospitality; historic setting; group banquets available (8+)","dietary":"Vegetarian and dairy-free options available; gluten-free pasta available (+$4-6)","payments":"Phone: (03) 477-3737 | Bookings recommended | Gift vouchers available","accessibility":"Historic building setting; contact for specific requirements"}