OpenOriental Restaurant
117 Hardy Street, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
Welcome to Lombardi’s Ristorante
Lombardi’s Ristorante presents a vibrant slice of Italy right in Nelson. This Italian restaurant serves an array of dishes that focus on authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. Diners can choose from a variety of pizzas, pastas, and delectable desserts, all in a cozy atmosphere. The venue accommodates everyone from solo diners to large groups, perfect for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner. With both indoor and outdoor seating options, Lombardi’s invites guests to enjoy their meals while relishing the warm Kiwi weather. The hospitality shines through attentive service, making each visit memorable.
Expect to indulge in dishes like carbonara, gnocchi, and panna cotta, alongside a commendable selection of wines and cocktails. The place buzzes with a friendly vibe, ideal for food lovers craving genuine Italian cuisine.
Welcome to Lombardi’s Ristorante, a delightful Italian eatery located in the heart of Nelson, New Zealand. We invite you to indulge in a cozy and trendy atmosphere that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual coffee date. Our menu features delectable offerings including handcrafted pizzas, rich carbonara, and mouthwatering tiramisu, complemented by an impressive selection of wines, cocktails, and craft beers. With options for dine-in, takeaway, or delivery, and wheelchair-accessible facilities, we cater to all guests, including solo diners and families. Join us for a memorable dining experience where exceptional hospitality meets great food and drink. Reservations recommended!Services, Amenities and More
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Photo Gallery
View Menu Photos
Reviews Overview
Most Liked
One of the strongest attractions of Lombardi’s Ristorante is its exceptional pizza. The thin, crispy base combined with flavorful toppings keeps customers coming back for more. Notably, the service receives rave reviews, with staff consistently recommended for their kindness and insightful recommendations.
Another highlight is the impressive drinks list, which features great beer and wine selections. Diners frequently rave about the dessert offerings like the creamy delicacy of tiramisu and the rich gelato, providing a delightful finish to meals. The atmosphere captures a casual yet romantic vibe, appealing to various occasions, including dates and family gatherings.
Most Disliked
While Lombardi’s Ristorante has much to commend, a few diners note that some desserts can be overly sweet, which doesn't appeal to all palates. A couple of reviews mention the portion sizes of certain dishes as generous, potentially resulting in leftovers for those with lighter appetites.
The restaurant can get busy, especially during peak hours, and this sometimes leads to longer wait times for a table. For some, a dining experience marred by a bustling crowd can detract from the overall ambiance, making reservations highly recommended.
User Reviews
Ge
Gemma
I had a very pleasant experience at this restaurant. I’d especially like to highlight the waiter’s service: he was very kind, gave me great recommendations, and was always friendly, which made the visit even more enjoyable. The pizza was amazing: thin, crispy base and full of flavor. Congratulations to the chef for such a delicious dish. The dessert was good, though a bit too sweet and rich for my personal taste. Still, it was nicely made. Overall, the value for money and portion sizes are excellent. The place feels cozy and the location is very convenient. Definitely a spot I’d love to return to.
BP
Bruce P.
Fantastic Italian restaurant in the heart of Nelson. Everything from the food to the music to the decor transported us to Italy.
Mi
Miranda
We had a wonderful experience dining at Lombardi's Ristorante last night. The food was delicious and arrived very quickly (within 15min). Highly recommend and will definitely be coming back when we are next in Nelson!
VB
Veronika B.
Great authentic Italian pizza, beer and Affogato, made by an Italian and served by another Italian, both very friendly. One of three best pizza places in the South Island for me so far. Recommend!
AA
Amy A.
I already can’t wait to go back! The vodka lemon soda had the perfect amount of lemon. The gnocchi is one of the best I have had in NZ. The prawn penne was so good as well. I loved my tiramisu and my husband was stoked with his panna cotta. The service was amazing and the beef was so juicy!
SD
Stephan D.
Amazing service, excellent food. Great authentic Italian experience. We went with a massive group of over 18 people and they were very easily able to accommodate all of us quickly and professionally.
BH
Bet-c H.
I loved the atmosphere and the owner that speaks with an Italian accent and his hospitality is amazing!!! We had the best night and we will definitely be back. I had the carbonara and it was like a hug in a plate. We started with the garlic pizza bread and wow!!! I complimented my meal and entree with a buttery Chardonnay and it was like a party in my mouth with every sip and taste. Highly recommend for the experience, food and atmosphere. X
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Location & Hours
Opening Hours
MondayOpen
TuesdayOpen
WednesdayOpen
ThursdayOpen
FridayOpen
SaturdayOpen
SundayOpen
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
Lombardi's Ristorante shines with its pizza selection. The Margherita is a classic, and the Lombardi’s special offers a delightful twist. Don't miss the carbonara—rich and creamy, and the tiramisu is the perfect way to finish your meal.
Yes, Lombardi's is family-friendly. They provide high chairs for young children and a diverse menu that caters to kids and adults alike. A relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for family dining.
Lombardi's Ristorante is fully accessible. There’s a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, along with seating options that cater to all guests, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.
Yes, it's advisable to make a reservation, especially for dinner. This restaurant tends to fill up quickly with locals and tourists, so booking ensures a table when you arrive.
Why visit Lombardi’s Ristorante
Visiting Lombardi’s Ristorante is a delightful experience for anyone seeking authentic Italian cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. Try to snag a table outside, as the outdoor seating offers a charming ambiance, especially during pleasant evenings.
Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends, to avoid disappointment. Don’t miss the gnocchi, often hailed as one of the best in New Zealand, or the tiramisu, which leaves a lasting impression. The combination of great service, welcoming ambiance, and stellar dishes make Lombardi's a must-visit culinary destination in Nelson. Whether dining solo or with friends, this restaurant promises a memorable night celebrating good food and good company.
