Buon appetito, Dunedin – a new 180-seat Italian-inspired restaurant is coming to a historic building in the centre of town.
Located on the ground floor of the former A&T Burt Ltd building at the corner of Stuart and Cumberland Sts, Alondo Pizzetta & Pasta is expected to open in late June.
Co-owner Mat Nicolson said that he was excited to show off the brand-new restaurant – ‘‘from the toilets, to the bars, to the booth seats’’.
‘‘It’s good for Dunedin, it’s good for business and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone in.’’
The restaurant was Italian-inspired and would serve hand-made pasta and authentic pizzetta, using proper Neapolitan dough, with an emphasis on a shared dining experience, he said.
Other offerings such as beef and fish would be on the menu too.
It would seat up to 180 people: 120 in the main room and 60 in a function area with a separate bar and private dining room.
A ‘‘vault’’ for 12 could also be used for more intimate meals.
Mr Nicolson, who has nearly a decade of hospitality experience formerly operating Jizo Japanese Restaurant and St Clair’s Starfish Cafe, said he and his partner had until now only bought existing businesses that were well run.
They had always wanted to do their own thing from scratch.
‘‘There’s always little things that you go, ‘oh, this kitchen should be set up a lot better’ or ‘this can run efficiently’.
‘‘Now we’ve got that opportunity to, hopefully, not make those mistakes, but create something that we think can work functionally.
‘‘We’re really excited to be doing something brand-new.’’
While he declined to disclose exactly how much the renovations of the building cost, Mr Nicolson said it was a ‘‘hefty investment’’ and Alondo had been in the works since June last year.
The location, which until September 2024 was home to Bike House Lifestyle, is close to the new hospital site and neighbours Woolworths Dunedin Central.
Mr Nicolson said a lot of cars passed around the corner from State Highway1 every day and he liked how it was ‘‘just off the beaten track’’ from the Octagon.
They wanted it to become a destination.
Mr Nicolson said he did not hail from an Italian background.
‘‘And I didn’t have a Japanese background either, but I do love pasta and pizza – I think everyone loves pasta and pizza.
‘‘We’re looking to cater to everyone.’’
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
Dining and Cooking