La Farina Pizza and Pasta Bar

About La Farina Pizza and Pasta Bar

La Farina Pizza and Pasta Bar is a traditional Italian wood-fired pizzeria situated in the heart of Tahunanui Beach in Nelson. Driven by their motto 'Taste of Italy in every bite', the kitchen combines time-honoured Italian culinary techniques with modern innovation to create hand-crafted pastas, artisan wood-fired pizzas, and hearty seasonal mains.

Emphasising regional produce alongside authentic Italian staples, La Farina incorporates quality ingredients such as Marlborough green-lipped mussels, Nelson's ViaVio low-fat A2 mozzarella, and local Kakariki extra virgin olive oil. The kitchen caters thoughtfully to a wide range of dietary preferences, offering extensive gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options across both pizza and pasta selections.

Whether dropping by for an evening meal after time by the beach or picking up a takeaway feast, guests are welcomed into a relaxed coastal dining atmosphere suited for family gatherings, casual dinners, and celebrations alike.

La Farina Pizza and Pasta Bar: Wood-Fired Italian Warmth in Tahunanui

Located along Tahunanui Drive just moments from the beach, La Farina Pizza and Pasta Bar delivers a classic slice of Italy to coastal Nelson. Guided by the motto *“Il sapore dell’Italia in ogni boccone”*—the taste of Italy in every bite—the restaurant pairs time-tested Italian cooking traditions with the natural bounty of the top of the South Island.

From hand-stretched pizza dough to fresh house-made pasta, the culinary team focuses on craft, texture, and balance. Guests will find a menu that honours traditional flavours while making room for local culinary partnerships, resulting in a dining experience that feels both genuinely Italian and distinctly grounded in Nelson.

Handcrafted Bases and Regional Ingredients

At the core of La Farina's kitchen is its wood-fired oven, turning out thin-crust artisan pizzas with charred, airy edges. The dough is lovingly hand-stretched before being layered with home-made Neapolitan tomato sauce and quality toppings. A standout across the gourmet pizza selection is the use of Nelson's own ViaVio Dairy hand-made low-fat A2 mozzarella, spotlighted on the Gourmet Margherita and the signature Gourmet La Farina.

Regional flavours continue throughout the menu, featuring locally sourced Blackball chorizo on meat pizzas and pastas, as well as fresh Marlborough green-lipped mussels in dishes like the Mussels Moulin Rouge and Spaghetti Marinara. In the pasta section, fresh spaghetti and penne dishes are dressed with local cold-pressed oils, including Nelson's Kakariki extra virgin olive oil used in the classic Spaghetti Olio.

Thoughtful Inclusivity and Fresh Pasta

Dining at La Farina is designed to be accessible for varying dietary requirements without sacrificing rich, authentic flavour. The kitchen caters widely to gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diners. Dedicated gluten-free pizza bases, gluten-free pasta substitutes, and dairy-free vegan mozzarella are readily available, alongside naturally gluten-free soups, calamari fritti, and arancini.

Those seeking comforting bowls of pasta can enjoy freshly tossed pappardelle with wood-roasted chicken in a carbonara, rich penne boscaiola featuring chorizo and mushrooms, or slow-simmered beef lasagna Bolognese served alongside fresh greens. For a sweet conclusion, desserts are made on the premises, ranging from traditional coffee-soaked tiramisu to flourless options like the decadent Torta Caprese and citrus-infused Tuscan ricotta cheesecake.

The Tahunanui Beach Dining Experience

Operating Tuesday through Sunday from late afternoon into the evening, La Farina serves as an easygoing destination for both locals and coastal visitors. Whether settling into the dining room for a relaxed sit-down dinner with a glass of wine or picking up freshly boxed wood-fired pizzas to enjoy by the beach, the atmosphere remains warm, unhurried, and welcoming.

Signature items

• Gourmet - Margherita
• Mussels Moulin Rouge
• Spaghetti Olio
• Gourmet - Carne
• Tiramisu
• Tuscan Ricotta Cheesecake (GF)

Menu

Soups

• Mushroom — Creamy mushroom soup served with pizza bread (gluten-free).
• Chowder — Seafood chowder served with pizza bread (gluten-free).
• Minestrone — Italian classic pomodoro soup with carrot, potato, celery, and beans served with pizza bread.

Salads

• Simply Chicken Salad — Wood-roasted chicken, crispy noodles, capsicum, red onion, cashew nuts, and local salad greens with citrus vinaigrette.
• Greek Salad — Local salad greens, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, and Kalamata olives.
• Mixed Green Salad — Local salad greens, sliced olives, and tomato with balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
• Caesar Salad — Cos lettuce, walnuts, anchovy pieces, bacon, topped with free-range egg and shaved parmesan.

Dessert

• Vanilla Ice Cream (GF) — Single scoop served with chocolate, berry, or caramel sauce.
• Banana Rumba (GF) — Banana pan-fried in hot caramel and rum sauce, served with ice cream.
• Tuscan Ricotta Cheesecake (GF) — Crustless cheesecake with flavours of lemon, orange, and orange liqueur on wild berry coulis.
• Torta Caprese (GF) — Decadent Italian chocolate cake served with whipped cream or ice cream.
• Tiramisu — Classic Italian-style coffee and chocolate dessert made on the premises.

Appetizers

• Bowl of Fries (GF) — Bowl of gluten-free fries.
• Pizza Bread — Crispy pizza bread topped with rock salt, garlic oil, parmesan, and Italian herbs.
• Potato Wedges (GF) — Bowl of gluten-free wedges served with sour cream.
• Bruschetta (V) — Pizza bread topped with freshly made salsa and balsamic glaze.
• Calamari Fritti (GF) — Deep-fried crispy squid rings served with lemon wedges and aioli sauce.
• Arancini (GF, V) — Italian rice balls stuffed with cheese and mushroom, served with marinara sauce.

Gourmet Pizzas

• Gourmet - Margherita — Neapolitan sauce, hand-made low-fat A2 mozzarella from Nelson's ViaVio Dairy, and Italian herbs.
• Gourmet - Diavola — Italian salami, sliced mushroom, red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, drizzled with house-made chilli oil.
• Gourmet - Formaggi — Mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, and provolone cheeses.
• Gourmet - Pollo — Slices of wood-roasted chicken breast, brie cheese, crushed nuts, and cranberry sauce.
• Gourmet - Pollo Cajun — Wood-roasted chicken breast pan-fried in cajun spices, mushrooms, red onion, fresh avocado, and aioli.
• Gourmet - Pollo Rosso — Wood-roasted chicken breast, red onion, roasted capsicum, roasted pumpkin, and mild sweet chilli sauce.
• Gourmet - Capricciosa — Marinated artichokes, shaved ham, sliced mushroom, sliced Kalamata olives, and extra virgin olive oil.
• Gourmet - Vegan Patch — Dairy-free vegan or standard mozzarella, wood-roasted pumpkin, mushroom, capsicum, red onion, Kalamata olives, spinach, and lemon vinaigrette.
• Gourmet - Napoli — Italian salami, anchovies, sliced Kalamata olives, sliced mushroom, and anchovy butter.
• Gourmet - Frutti Di Mare — Green-lipped mussels, fish, calamari, and prawns marinated in citrus salsa with miso dressing.
• Gourmet - Carne — Blackball chorizo sausage, Italian salami, bacon, and shaved ham.
• Gourmet - La Farina — Hand-made low-fat A2 mozzarella, marinated spinach, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomato.
• Gourmet - Favorita — Slow-cooked marinated lamb, marinated spinach, feta, sun-dried tomato, Kalamata olives, and mint-infused yoghurt.
• Gourmet - The Boss — Blackball chorizo sausage, Italian salami, shaved ham, mushroom, red onion, and BBQ sauce.

Mussels & Ribs

• Mussels Moulin Rouge — Fresh Marlborough green-lipped mussels steamed in a tomato, onion, garlic, and red wine broth, served with pizza bread.
• Wood-Roasted Pork Ribs — Marinated pork ribs roasted in the wood-fired oven with fusion sauces and sesame seeds.

Traditional Pizzas

• Build My Gluten-Free — Small size pizza base with Neapolitan sauce, mozzarella cheese, and choice of extra toppings.
• Traditional - Build My Own — Standard size pizza base with Neapolitan sauce, mozzarella cheese, and choice of extra toppings.
• Traditional - La Margherita — Classic Italian pizza with sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs.
• Traditional - Hawaiian — Neapolitan sauce, mozzarella, shaved ham, and pineapple.
• Traditional - Pollo Funghi — Slices of wood-roasted chicken, mushroom, topped with garlic oil.
• Traditional - Tonno — Neapolitan sauce, tuna chunks, red onion, and capers.
• Traditional - Calzone — Folded pizza base filled with wood-roasted chicken, brie, crushed nuts, and cranberry sauce, topped with Neapolitan sauce and served with greens.

Home Made Fresh Pasta & Risotto

• Spaghetti Olio — Fresh spaghetti tossed in Nelson's Kakariki extra virgin olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, parsley, and parmesan.
• Penne Arrabbiata — Neapolitan sauce tossed with garlic, chili flakes, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and parmesan.
• Chicken Carbonara — Wood-roasted chicken breast, bacon, free-range egg, cream, parmesan, and garlic tossed with fresh pappardelle.
• Penne Boscaiola — Mushroom and chorizo in a garlic-herb tomato cream sauce.
• Spaghetti Bolognese — Traditional beef bolognese sauce tossed with spaghetti, parsley, and parmesan.
• Lasagna — Beef lasagna Bolognese topped with mozzarella, served with a side mixed green salad.
• Spaghetti Marinara — Local green-lipped mussels, fish, calamari, prawns, and garlic in Neapolitan tomato sauce with parmesan.
• Penne La Farina — Neapolitan sauce with fresh cream, garlic, prawns, sun-dried tomato, and parmesan.
• Risotto — Italian carnaroli rice with creamy mushroom ragù, topped with parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

Where is La Farina located?

La Farina is situated at 8 Tahunanui Drive, State Highway 6, in Tahunanui, Nelson.

What are the restaurant's opening hours?

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays.

Does La Farina cater to dietary requirements?

Yes, the menu includes gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, including gluten-free pizza bases, pasta swaps, and dairy-free vegan mozzarella.

Can I order takeaway or delivery?

Yes, La Farina offers dine-in, takeaway pick-up, and delivery options, with online ordering available.

Are table bookings available?

Yes, table reservations can be booked directly through their website or by phone.

Tips

• {"body":"Several signature pizzas and pasta dishes feature regional ingredients, such as ViaVio A2 mozzarella and Kakariki olive oil.","title":"Ask for Local Ingredients"}
• {"body":"Phone or in-store orders occasionally feature takeaway deals, such as a complimentary Margherita when buying gourmet pizzas.","title":"Check for Takeaway Deals"}
• {"body":"Save room for dessert, as Italian classics like Tiramisu and gluten-free Torta Caprese are made on the premises.","title":"Try House-Made Desserts"}

Good to know

• {"dietary":"Offers gluten-free pizza bases, gluten-free pasta options, and vegan mozzarella substitutes."}