Tutto Bene has spent more than two decades as a familiar Italian dining room on Papanui Road, serving Merivale seven nights a week. Its menu is deliberately broad: hand-stretched pizza, pasta, substantial mains, antipasti and house desserts give regulars room to return without ordering the same kind of meal. The restaurant's emphasis on abundance and hospitality also makes it suitable for celebrations, while the fully licensed bar and dedicated takeaway selection allow the experience to be as formal or convenient as the occasion requires.
Pizza begins with a 30-centimetre hand-stretched base and travels well beyond the essential Margherita. Pork and fennel sausage comes with roasted pepper, red onion, garlic and rosemary; garlic prawns meet pesto, tomato and chilli; and hot-smoked salmon is paired with capers, dill and citrus cream cheese. A white mushroom pizza layers portobello, feta, mozzarella and truffle crème fraîche, while Diavola sharpens salami and anchovies with garlic and chilli. Gluten-free bases and plant-based mozzarella make several combinations easier to adapt.
Pasta receives just as much range. Lamb pappardelle uses gremolata, mint and house-made ricotta, and spinach and ricotta ravioli sits in a white wine, garlic and green peppercorn sauce. Seafood spaghetti gathers prawns, scallops, green-lipped mussels and calamari, while carbonara, lasagne, puttanesca and Bolognese cover familiar ground. House-made vegan gnocchi with roasted cauliflower, thyme and hazelnuts adds a thoughtful plant-based dish. Beyond pasta, diners can choose beef fillet, mushroom risotto, lamb shank, chicken parmigiana or the day's fish.
Antipasti such as tomato bruschetta, burrata, arancini, calamari and baked Sicilian olives make it easy to begin with shared plates before pizza or pasta. Dessert remains recognisably Italian but leaves room for variation: traditional tiramisu sits beside a lemony limoncello version, soft-centred chocolate fondant, affogato and a trio of fruit sorbets. Apple crumble, individual cheesecakes and gelato broaden the appeal. That combination of classics, generous choice and dietary alternatives explains how Tutto Bene can serve both a quick neighbourhood pizza and a multi-course family dinner.
Address: 192 Papanui Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014, New Zealand
Moved or closed? Tell us: Moved·Temporarily closed·Permanently closed
Tutto Bene Restaurant Pizzeria Menu
Antipasti – Starters
gf – gluten free; df – dairy free; vA – vegan option available; v – vegetarian; gfa – gluten free option available
Bruschetta (V)
Toasted focaccia topped with fresh tomato chilli compote, basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Green Lipped Mussels
Poached in a creamy white wine and limoncello sauce.
Burrata (V)
Ball of soft white Italian cheese with olive oil, tomato chilli compote, basil & toasted focaccia.
Arancini (V)
Basil pesto risotto balls with pecorino aioli.
Flatbread Cheese (V)
Garlic butter base and cheese.
Flatbread Pesto (V)
Basil pesto and cheese.
Deep Fried Pizza
Starter-sized deep-fried pizza topped with burrata cheese, torn prosciutto, rocket & herbs.
Pane all’Aglio (V)
Tutto Bene’s house-made ciabatta baked with garlic & herb butter.
Calamari
Tossed in lemon pepper herbs, served with paprika, aioli and lemon.
Baked Italian Marinated Olives (Vegan)
Succulent kalamata & green Sicilian olives with house-made focaccia, olive oil & balsamic.
Pasta
Delight in a diverse selection of exquisite pasta dishes. Additions – Anchovies $2, Vegetables $3, Protein $4, Prawns $6. gf – gluten free; df – dairy free; vA – vegan option available; v – vegetarian; gfa – gluten free option available
Fettuccine Alla Salmone
Fettuccine tossed in a velvety lemon‑kissed cream sauce, layered with smoked salmon and fresh chives. Finished with a pop of crispy capers for the perfect salty crunch.
Ravioli di ricotta e spinaci
Ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta, in a creamy white wine, garlic and green peppercorn sauce.
Lamb Pappardelle
Lamb ragu, gremolata, house-made ricotta & mint.
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (V)
Flat leaf parsley, chilli, garlic, olive oil, parmesan & pangrattato.
Spaghetti Seafood Veloute
Gently poached prawns, scallops, New Zealand green lipped mussels and calamari. Served with garlic focaccia and fresh lemon.
Spaghetti Carbonara (GFA)
Spaghetti, guanciale (smoked bacon) & pecorino in a rich cream, egg yolk & parmesan sauce with soft chopped herbs.
Cannelloni Fiorentina (V)
Roasted pumpkin, spinach and mozzarella filling baked with Napoli sauce.
Spaghetti Bolognese (GFA)
Bolognese originates from Bologna. Our hearty ragu is prepared with organic beef & pork.
Le Lasagne
Tutto Bene’s rendition of a best-loved Naples classic, served with a light green salad.
Spaghetti Puttanesca (GFA, VA)
Tasty combination of Napoli sauce, anchovies, sundried tomatoes, kalamata olives & capers. Option to replace anchovies with roasted capsicum.
Gnocchi Con Cavolfiore (Vegan)
House-made vegan gnocchi with roasted cauliflower, thyme, toasted hazelnuts in a creamy plant based sauce.
Crispy Prosciutto Gnocchi
Crispy prosciutto, green peas & roasted garlic and wholegrain mustard cream sauce.
Beef Cheek Gnocchi
Melt-in-your-mouth beef cheek served with soft potato gnocchi in a rich red wine and beef-reduction sauce.
Spaghetti Roberto (GFA)
Pork and fennel sausage, chicken meatballs in a tomato, basil, chives & garlic sauce.
Hand Stretched Pizza
Tutto Bene crust ~ Tutto Bene combinations. One size, 30cm/8 slices. Gluten-free available add $2.20. Plant based mozzarella available. Additions – Anchovies $2, Vegetables $3, Protein $4, Prawns $6. gf – gluten free; df – dairy free; vA – vegan option available; v – vegetarian; gfa – gluten free option available
Pork & Fennel Sausage
Poaka sausage, pizza sauce, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, red onions, slivered garlic & rosemary.
Pesto Roasted Chicken
Pesto roasted chicken thigh, olive oil base, citrus cream cheese, mozzarella, rocket & cashews.
Funghi (V)
White sauce, portobello, feta cheese, mozzarella, black truffle crème fraiche & rocket.
Garlic Prawn
Garlic prawns, red capsicum, pesto, cherry tomato, mozzarella, chilli flakes.
Hot Smoked Salmon
Capers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, dill & citrus cream cheese, olive oil & rocket.
Potato & Prosciutto
Crispy potato, pizza sauce, smoked guanciale (smoked bacon), mozzarella, bocconcini, pangrattato, rocket & fresh herbs.
Di Carne
Pizza sauce, spicy Italian sausage, chicken meatballs, ham, mushroom, black olives & mozzarella.
Mediterranean Lamb
Mediterranean lamb, pizza sauce, feta, red onion, cherry tomatoes, olives, roasted chickpeas, chilli flakes. Finished with Tzatziki.
Montanara
Pizza sauce, spicy Italian sausage, blue cheese, mushroom & mozzarella, garnished with prosciutto & rocket.
Margherita (V)
The classic combination of pizza sauce, mozzarella, basil, extra-virgin olive oil & parmesan.
Pepperoni
Mozzarella, pizza sauce, basil & chilli oil.
Diavola
Pizza sauce, salami, anchovies, olives, garlic & chilli.
Fiorentina (V)
Pizza sauce, tomato, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, olives, parmesan, extra-virgin olive oil & pine-nuts.
New Zealand Favourite
Pizza sauce, ham, woodfire finished pineapple & mozzarella.
Calzone Paradiso
Folded pizza. pizza sauce, pepperoni, smoked chicken, sundried tomato, mozzarella, caramelised onion, capsicum & parmesan.
Secondi – Mains
Italian dishes, created with signature Tutto Bene flair. gf – gluten free; df – dairy free; vA – vegan option available; v – vegetarian; gfa – gluten free option available
Beef Fillet (GF)
250g fillet with cheesy polenta fries, wilted greens and a creamy peppercorn reduction.
Risotto (GF)
Truffled mushroom medley and parmesan wafers.
Lamb Shank
Slow-braised lamb shank with a rosemary infused potato cake, wilted greens and red wine jus.
Chicken Parmigiana
With traditional tomato relish, mozzarella and prosciutto over herb roasted gourmet potatoes with rocket and salsa verde.
Fish of the Day (GF)
Market fish, pan-fried with warmed potato salad, shaved fennel, capers, greens. Finished with a balsamic and herb vinaigrette.
Contorni – Sides
Discover our favourite classic Italian dishes, created with signature Tutto Bene flair. gf – gluten free; df – dairy free; vA – vegan option available; v – vegetarian; gfa – gluten free option available
Fries (GF, V)
Fries with aioli.
Citrus Salad (GF, V)
Pomegranate roasted pears, toasted walnuts, shaved fennel, fresh herbs and goats cheese.
Polenta Chips (V)
Crispy, soft-centered golden polenta chips with Napoli.
Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables (GF, Vegan)
Steamed then sautéed broccoli, cauliflower, capsicum & carrot. Served with pesto & toasted almonds.
Della Casa (GF, Vegan)
House salad of mixed leaves, tomato, cucumber, carrot, capsicum, red onion, olives & balsamic dressing.
Dessert
Delight yourself and conclude your dinner with an Italian sweet treat. gf – gluten free; df – dairy free; vA – vegan option available; v – vegetarian; gfa – gluten free option available
Apple Crumble
Caramelised apple, medjool dates and brandy with oaty crumble topping. Served with vanilla ice cream
Traditional Tiramisu
Espresso & liqueur-dipped lady fingers layered with cream & mascarpone.
Limoncello Tiramisu
Italian lemon dessert.
Fondente al Cioccolato
Decadent, soft-centred chocolate cake-style dessert.
Affogato Amaretto (GFA)
Espresso over vanilla ice-cream & a shot of amaretto.
Affogato di Elena (GF, Vegan)
Coconut sorbet, espresso & a shot of amaretto.
Petite Cheesecake
Petite, single serve. Available in After Dinner Mint, Lemon Curd, Salted Caramel and Mixed Berry. Served with a scoop of ice-cream.
Sorbetti di Frutta (GFA, Vegan)
Trio of our sorbet.
Campana con Gelati (GFA)
Our gelato & sorbet with biscotti & fresh cream. May contain traces of alcohol.
Chef's Menu
Chosen by the chef. gf – gluten free; df – dairy free; vA – vegan option available; v – vegetarian; gfa – gluten free option available
Beef Carpaccio
Roasted mushroom, dill aioli, coriander, grilled ciabatta
Burrata (V)
Soft white Italian cheese with olive oil, tomato and chilli compote, basil and toasted pistachio flatbread
Arancini (V)
Coriander & feta risotto balls with sesame seed sprinkle
Flatbread (V)
Garlic butter base, mozzarella & rosemary
Crispy Prosciutto Cream Gnocchi
Crispy prosciutto, green peas & roasted garlic cream sauce
Beef Ribeye (GF)
300g ribeye, oregano, rosemary, hasselback potatoes, marsala jus & smoked onions. Cooked Medium
Parsley Orange Warehou (GF)
Hazelnut ginger vinaigrette, silverbeet, manchego cheese, potato puree & lemon cheek
Risotto (GF)
Saffron, green peas, crème fraiche, garlic butter, lemon, baby spinach & pecorino romano
Pappardelle
LAMB RAGU, GREMOLATA, HANDMADE RICOTTA & MINT
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (V)
Flat leaf parsley, chilli, garlic, olive oil, parmesan & pangrattato
Citrus Roasted Baby Carrots (GF, V)
Oven roasted carrots caramelised in butter and orange juice with citrus crème fraiche, avocado & crunchy seeds
Kale Salad (V, GF)
Roasted beet, toasted pepitas, currants, pickled onions, feta cheese with an orange vinaigrette
Potato & Prosciutto
Crispy potato, prosciutto, mozzarella, crushed tomato, bocconcini, pangrattato & fresh herbs
Pepperoni
Mozzarella, crushed tomato, basil & chilli oil
Hot Smoked Salmon
Capers, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, dill and lemon cream cheese & olive oil
Tricolore
Crushed tomato, chilli flakes, cherry tomatoes, rocket, shaved parmesan & olive oil
Promotions
Check out our latest promotions at Tutto Bene.
Takeaway Special
Buy any 2 Grande takeaway pizzas and receive free fries. Takeaway only. Available Sunday – Thursday
Mix and Match Pizza and Pasta
Available Dine in and Takeaway *excludes Seafood Spaghetti Veloute. Monday – Tuesday
Digestivo
Finish your Tutto Bene dining experience the Italian way.
Limoncello
Italian refresher digestive.
Taylors 10 year Tawny Port
Delicate wood notes, rich aromas of mature fruit.
Toblerone Cocktail
Baileys, Frangelico, chocolate & cream.
Grappa
Grape-based pomace brandy.
Espresso Martini
Long Espresso, Vodka & coffee liqueur.
Liquore al Caffe
Long Espresso, your favourite liqueur & cream.
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+ Log your visitHow prices compare
Against typical prices in Christchurch
- Margherita pizza Typical in Christchurch: $26.00 $29.00
- Tiramisu Typical in Christchurch: $16.00 $20.00
- Chicken parmigiana Typical in Christchurch: $29.00 $39.00
- Pepperoni pizza Typical in Christchurch: $26.00 $31.00
- Carbonara Typical in Christchurch: $29.00 $30.00
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