Florence Bistro is a welcoming Tauranga bistro serving Mediterranean-inspired cooking with an emphasis on house-made pasta, bold seasonal flavours, and honest hospitality. Founded by hospitality veterans Andrew, Annie, Nig, and Nat, Florence is the team's third venue in Tauranga, bringing together years of industry craft into a relaxed, considered dining space.
Open seven days a week from early morning into the evening four nights a week, the kitchen prepares everything in-house from scratch. The culinary focus highlights fresh pasta, char-grilled seafood, comforting meats, and crisp seasonal salads made with quality olive oil and carefully chosen ingredients. Alongside the dining menu, guests can enjoy prosecco on tap, classic aperitivos, fresh cocktails, and a curated wine list designed for relaxed sips and extended gatherings.
Bringing uncomplicated, flavour-forward Mediterranean dining to the heart of Tauranga, Florence Bistro has quickly established itself as a warm and welcoming destination on Devonport Road. The eatery is the creative undertaking of seasoned hospitality operators Andrew, Annie, Nig, and Nat. Having worked together across multiple successful projects, Florence represents their third venue in Tauranga—distilling decades of experience and an enduring love of the hospitality trade into an inviting bistro environment.
At Florence Bistro, the overarching philosophy centres on high standards delivered in an unpretentious setting. From the moment guests walk in, the atmosphere balances polished service with the comfortable informality of a neighbourhood gathering spot. Whether dropping by early in the morning for a quick bite, meeting friends for afternoon drinks, or lingering over a hearty evening dinner, the space is designed to encourage patrons to settle in and enjoy.
The kitchen's culinary focus is rooted in fresh, bold Mediterranean traditions. Everything served on the plate is made in-house from scratch with care, putting seasonal produce and top-quality olive oil at the forefront. The kitchen avoids unnecessary complexity, instead allowing prime ingredients and time-honoured techniques to take centre stage.
Handmade pastas are among the menu's cornerstone offerings. Diners can savour comforting plates like delicate gnocchi enrobed in a three-cheese and truffle sauce topped with crispy pancetta and walnuts, or the rich pappardelle dressed with slow-cooked venison ragu and fresh herbs. Seafood lovers regularly gravitate toward the signature No 1 Spaghetti, which combines sweet prawns with cherry tomatoes, chilli, fresh parsley, and a bright squeeze of lemon.
Beyond pasta, the mains showcase thoughtful balance across grilled meats and fresh seafood. Dishes such as char-grilled calamari with lentils and salsa verde, butterfly prawns with spicy nduja and pepperonata, and grilled steaks served with lyonnaise potatoes and truffle hollandaise highlight the kitchen's flame-kissed precision.
Florence embraces the European art of taking time out for a drink. The beverage program brings Mediterranean sensibilities directly into the glass, led by prosecco poured fresh on tap alongside classic aperitivos, bright spritzes, and well-mixed cocktails. Between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm on selected afternoons, the bistro hosts an aperitivo hour where guests can unwind over discounted drinks paired with rosemary focaccia, Sicilian green olives, and ricotta crostoni.
A carefully curated wine list rounds out the drinks selection, chosen specifically to pair with Mediterranean seasoning, seafood, and rich braises. Diners concluding their meal can linger further over authentic Italian digestifs, ranging from house Limoncello and Amaro Averna to Grappa Extrafina Nardini and freshly shaken Espresso Martinis.
With opening hours covering seven days a week and evening dining from Wednesday through Saturday, Florence caters to everyday visits and special occasions alike. In addition to regular table reservations, the team accommodates catering requests and private group events with dedicated set menus, bringing the same generosity and kitchen craft to larger celebrations.