Paradiso Pizzeria

About Paradiso Pizzeria

Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso (formerly Da Toni) brings authentic Italian wood-fired pizza to Te Anau's heart, serving as a gateway to Fiordland National Park. Since 2011, the restaurant has built a reputation on passion, genuine hospitality and attention to detail. The centrepiece is an authentic Italian wood-fired oven, where guests enjoy watching chefs prepare each dish—a focal point that transforms dining into an experience. The team comprises multicultural chefs working alongside family and local staff, creating a balance of authentic Italian tradition with genuine Fiordland connection. Organic ingredients and locally sourced produce form the foundation—from Stewart Island salmon to fresh Fiordland venison—reflecting a commitment to sustainability and supporting the region.

Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso Te Anau: Authentic Italian Wood-Fired Pizza in Fiordland

Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso stands in Te Anau as a celebration of Italian culinary tradition reimagined through a Fiordland lens. Since opening in 2011 (under the name Da Toni), the restaurant has remained steadfast in its commitment to genuine hospitality, organic ingredients and the craft of wood-fired pizza. The venue is more than a restaurant—it's a gateway experience, welcoming visitors arriving at the threshold of Fiordland National Park.

The Heart of the Experience

The genuine Italian wood-fired oven forms the restaurant's centrepiece, and Paradiso has made it part of the atmosphere rather than hidden away. Guests actively enjoy watching chefs at work—the skill, timing and tradition embedded in each pizza's preparation becomes part of the dining experience. This transparency reflects a confidence in craft and a desire to share authentic technique.

Local & Sustainable Practices

The menu reads like a celebration of what Fiordland and New Zealand can provide. Fiordland Wapiti pizza features venison from the region; Deep South highlights paua (abalone); Stewart Island salmon appears among the ingredients. Where organic options exist, Paradiso prioritises them. This isn't marketing language—it's the foundation of how the restaurant operates, holding itself accountable as both a family and a business to sustainable practices.

The Team & Authenticity

Multicultural chefs work alongside family and local staff, creating something rare: a restaurant that honours authentic Italian tradition while remaining genuinely rooted in Fiordland. It's the difference between importing authenticity and building it. The result is wood-fired pizza that tastes right, served by people who know the region and care about the experience.

The Menu

Beyond pizza, the kitchen delivers. Caprese arrives with fresh burrata. Lasagne features braised lamb ragu. Desserts include Paradiso Tiramisu and Kiwi Pavlova—each dessert bridging Italian tradition and local seasonal produce. The wine list reflects this same philosophy: New Zealand labels sit alongside Italian selections, creating a narrative of place and partnership.

Signature items

• Fiordland Wapiti Pizza
• Deep South Pizza
• Paradiso Tiramisu
• Kiwi Favourite Pizza
• Margherita Pizza
• Lasagne

Menu

Entrees

• Bruschetta — Sundried tomato, red onion, black olive & extra virgin olive oil
• Antipasti — Crostini, olives, coppa & truffle oil mascarpone
• Caprese — Fresh burrata, tomatoes, balsamic, basil & EVOO
• Wood-Fired Sicilian Olives — With ciabatta

Desserts

• Paradiso Tiramisu — Mascarpone mousse, lady fingers, coffee, Baileys & Amaretto
• Sticky Toffee Pudding — Served with vanilla gelato
• Affogato — Vanilla mascarpone gelato & espresso with liqueur options
• Kiwi Pavlova — Italian meringue, seasonal fruit, Chantilly cream

Side Salads

• Mixed Green — With green goddess dressing
• Rocket, Pear & Pecorino — Fresh rocket, pear and pecorino cheese

House Special

• Lasagne — Braised lamb ragu, bechamel and fresh egg pasta

Wood-Fired Pizzas

• Margherita — Mozzarella, basil & tomato
• New Yorker — Salami, oregano, tomato & mozzarella
• Paradiso Verde — Courgette ribbons, lemon zest, pine nuts & ricotta
• Quattro Formaggi — Blue cheese, mozzarella, ricotta & parmesan
• Spicy Sausage — Tomato, chilli oil, straciatella & nduja
• Kiwi Favourite — Wood-fired chicken, cranberry, brie & rosemary
• Deep South — Paua mince, garlic butter, lemon, chilli & parmesan
• Fiordland Wapiti — Venison, tomato, roasted mushroom, rocket & pecorino

Frequently asked questions

What are your opening hours?

Thursday–Monday 3pm–8:30pm. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Hours may change seasonally—ring 03 249 4305 to confirm.

Is the restaurant family-friendly?

Yes. We welcome families and celebrate a culture of family hospitality. Watching the wood-fired oven at work is part of the experience for all ages.

Can I bring my own wine?

No. We are fully licensed and do not allow BYO food or drink. We have a curated wine list featuring New Zealand and Italian selections.

Do you accommodate dietary requirements?

Please notify us of allergies when booking. During peak times, we are unable to make menu changes—contact us in advance to discuss options.

Can I watch the chefs prepare the pizza?

Yes. Our genuine Italian wood-fired oven is the centrepiece of the restaurant, and guests can watch chefs at work. It's a key part of the Paradiso experience.

Do you take reservations?

Yes. Reservations are recommended. Book online at restauranthub.co.nz or call 03 249 4305. During peak times, we may not be able to split bills.

What makes your pizzas special?

We use a genuine Italian wood-fired oven, organic ingredients where possible, and source local produce—including Fiordland venison and Stewart Island salmon.

Tips

• {"body":"Reservations recommended. Call 03 249 4305 or book online. During peak, no split bills or menu changes.","title":"Book ahead, especially at peak times"}
• {"body":"The wood-fired oven is the heart of the experience—position yourself to watch the chefs at work.","title":"Arrive early to watch the pizza chefs"}
• {"body":"These pizzas showcase local produce—venison and paua (abalone)—highlighting Paradiso's commitment to regional ingredients.","title":"Try the Fiordland Wapiti or Deep South pizza"}
• {"body":"The wine list features both New Zealand and Italian selections, each carefully chosen to complement the menu.","title":"Pair your meal with NZ or Italian wine"}
• {"body":"Hours may change seasonally. Ring ahead to confirm, especially if visiting outside Thursday–Monday peak.","title":"Confirm hours before visiting"}

Good to know

• {"wifi":"Contact restaurant for details","family":"Family-friendly with viewing of wood-fired oven; multicultural, local team","dietary":"Notify us of allergies; fully licensed, no BYO food/drink; menu changes limited during peak","parking":"Located at 1 Milford Crescent, Te Anau; street parking available","payments":"Phone: 03 249 4305 | Email: [email protected] | Online bookings via restauranthub.co.nz","accessibility":"Contact restaurant at 03 249 4305 for specific accessibility requirements"}