Experience
1154 Pastaria
TRADITION BECOMES MODERN: 1154 PASTARIA
Named in Cuisine’s top 100 New Zealand restaurants for 2019, fresh pasta pioneers 1154 deliciously merge the modern and the traditional
The concept is simple: fresh handmade pasta topped with classic Italian sauces to order. There are gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. It's fast, fresh, fun and incredibly popular.
Alongside the pasta, there's a small selection of perfect pasta sides: freshly made rosemary rolls, rocket salad, olives and if you've got room, the flourless chocolate cake is dessert perfection. To wash it down, there's organic wine, craft beers and house-made sodas.
Pasta with a side of history
On the corner of Cuba and Ghuznee, 132 Cuba Street has quite the history. Long-time Wellingtonians might remember it as Ernesto’s, formerly Krazy Lounge, which was formerly known Krazy Rick’s, but for a long time sat empty until it was earthquake strengthened.
From across the road at Italian-dining institution Scopa, Leonardo and Lorenzo Bresolin stared at 132 Cuba Street for long enough to come up with an idea to transform the empty space. The rest as they say, is history.
The name '1154' is a nod to history; the first known written reference to pasta is from the year 1154.
The classics, done well
Chef Lucas sticks to a small selection of Italian classics done well. The pappardelle alla Bolognese is made just the way they do it in Bologna, with a richer, less tomato-heavy sauce than we might be used to. The popular fettuccine carbonara is also true to its roots, with one small Kiwi twist: the not-quite-orthodox inclusion of cream.
Shared tables
There's a smattering of individual tables, but most diners will end up sitting at the enormous long table in the middle of the room, rubbing shoulders with strangers who may become friends by the end of the night.
Happy solo dining
If you're in for a quick solo meal, park yourself at one of the window seats for the best people-watching in town. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in glorious natural light and give you a panorama view of the comings and goings at the busy intersection of Cuba and Ghuznee.
Where: Cuba Precinct
Learn MoreAll Experiences