Pasta fans rejoice, State Pasta in New Plymouth has encapsulated the spirit of Italian cuisine without the chintzy decor and questionable operatics. Here is a modern-day interpretation of what it means to be doing authentic Italian well.

If you’re not an Italian aficionado, a helpful guide to pasta is sweetly illustrated on the menu to help proceedings. You can choose from a mix of antipasto to start, and then move on to pasta for the main event (it is pretty traditional in that sense). A popular choice - unsurprisingly - is spaghetti with traditional bolognese ragu that is generously ladened on top of perfectly cooked hand-made pasta. The complimentary focaccia for mopping up the sauce is a genius addition and was duly used. Leave some space for the freshly made gelato by Left Coast Gelato, it really is very good. And if you can’t quite fathom it, come back later for a takeaway (they have a little gelato cart at the entrance for people wanting one to go).   

The pared-back interior is heavy on blue and white with beautiful rattan chairs and pops of colour coming in the form of potted red geraniums. A former shipping container has been miraculously transformed into a bar and kitchen area that’s on full display to customers. Lucky visitors will see the daily ritual of fresh pasta being made, an utterly spellbinding process to watch while you wait for your own dishes. For drinks, a decent white and red wine are available on tap and can be served by the glass or carafe. And for those seeking an authentic Italian tipple, try timing your visit for the Aperol Spritz happy hour, every day between 4-6pm.  

Thankfully, State Pasta has plenty of tables so get yourself along to sample the authentic flavours and skilful service.