About Us

A Brief History

Adriana’s Ristorante Italiano

Adriana’s ristorante was started in 1989 by Adriana, a charming and talented Italian lass, who had recently settled in Hamilton from Rome, Italy. As Hamilton’s first authentic Italian eatery, it was instrumental in introducing Italian Cuisine to Hamiltonians and the wider Waikato Region and quickly grew in popularity. Seven years later in 1996, Adriana sold her by then successful restaurant to a newly arrived Italian immigrant family from Torino, Italy (Paola Scudellaro, husband Pietro Tali and adult daughter Stella) who successfully owned and managed Adriana’s for the next 3 years.

In March 1999 they in turn sold Adriana’s to yet another newly arrived immigrant family (Anna and John and their 4 children) who, for the next 21+ years, have continued building on the solid successes of the earlier years. “Italian cuisine is largely based on using the freshest local produce and the best authentic Artisan made ingredients available” says John. “In the Waikato and throughout NZ we are spoiled with the widest range of fresh daily seasonal produce, free-range poultry and natural pasture-fed Premium grade Beef and Lamb. By combining these fresh products with the finest imported Italian ingredients, and with our passionate commitment to the highest levels of personalised service, Anna and I remain dedicated to maintaining Adriana’s ristorante italiano as the city’s and the regions, very best Italian ristorante”. 32 years later (2021) and still going strong!