Nonna Resi by Giovi brings authentic Italian home-style dining to the picturesque shores of Lake Te Anau. As a cherished member of the Giovi Fine Food restaurant family, this welcoming eatery honours generations of culinary heritage with a menu deeply rooted in family recipes, traditional methods, and authentic flavours.
Overlooking the lake, guests can relax in a spacious outdoor seating area in the square or enjoy the cosy indoor setting. The kitchen focuses on craftsmanship and wholesome comfort, preparing handmade pastas, slow-cooked sauces, and classic pizzas baked to perfection, alongside an Italian beverage list featuring wines sourced directly from the family's La Montina vineyard in Italy.
Perched on the shores of Lake Te Anau, Nonna Resi by Giovi brings the warmth and soul of Italian home-style cooking to Fiordland. As part of the respected Giovi Fine Food family—founded by Giovanna, whose roots in Italian hospitality stretch back decades—Nonna Resi is dedicated to the simple joy of sharing authentic dishes made with care, respect for tradition, and genuine hospitality.
At the heart of Nonna Resi is an unwavering commitment to time-honoured culinary practices. The food philosophy across the Giovi restaurants revolves around freshness and premium quality, avoiding shortcuts in favor of patience and technique. Pasta is rolled fresh daily using high-grade flour, free-range eggs, and extra virgin olive oil. Hearty staples like their classic lasagne are layered with slow-cooked Angus beef sauce simmered over hours to develop profound richness and depth.
From delicate, hand-folded ravioli to classic pizzas baked with crisp bases and flavorful toppings, every item on the menu celebrates the simplicity and comfort of classic Italian home cooking. The culinary offering seamlessly pairs fresh local produce with exceptional specialty goods imported directly from Italy, creating balanced dishes that transport diners straight to an Italian family table.
Nonna Resi makes the most of its breathtaking South Island surroundings. Situated directly on Te Anau Terrace facing Lake Te Anau, the restaurant features a spacious outdoor seating area out in the square. It offers an idyllic vantage point to soak up the alpine scenery while lingering over a plate of hot pasta or unwinding after a day exploring the region's wilderness.
Complementing the kitchen's authentic flavours is a carefully curated beverage selection highlighting Italy's premier winemaking regions. Most notable is the inclusion of wines directly imported from the family's own estate in Italy, La Montina, featuring their renowned Franciacorta. Alongside classic Italian beers and regional wines, guests are assured a complete Italian dining experience from the first sip to the final bite.