ADDRESS:   1 Tees St, South Hill, Oamaru
CHECK WEBSITE FOR OPENING HOURS
MAINS:   $35 – $38
WEBSITE:    cucinaoamaru.co.nz
CONTACT:   03 434 5696
SCORE:   16 / 20

Big-hearted, fearless and fiery, Yanina and Pablo Tacchini’s restaurant reflects their Argentinian, Italian and Spanish heritage and is a tribute to their passion for supporting local businesses and delivering food that is made with a great deal of love. Chef Tacchini’s food is bold and packs a punch. Empanadas filled with hand-cut beef and capsicum sofrito; burrata with smoked peppers, Kakanui tomatoes, soft herbs, dukkah and balsamic flakes; and house-smoked chicken ravioli with sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, parmesan and truffle oil are just a taste of what you can expect but we’d advise you to trust the chef and go for the tasting menu. Keep an eye on the ‘gastro bar’ where their ginger syrup, lime and coriander martinis and raspberry pisco sours seem to be on permanent rotation with the regulars.

IN BRIEF A local favourite with big-hearted flavour